Have you developed an occupational illness in New York City? Depending on the nature of your illness, you may now be facing mounting medical bills and worrying about paying your daily living expenses while you’re off work because of your illness.
You don’t have to handle these issues on your own. An NYC occupational disease lawyer with The Perecman Firm, can explain how you can seek financial compensation for your work-related illness. When you hire us, we offer aggressive representation that puts you and your future first.
Get started today by contacting us online or calling us to schedule your free evaluation.
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Why You Need Our Lawyers for an Occupational Disease Claim in NYC
Our NYC occupational disease lawyers can assist you in many ways if you’ve developed an illness because of your job. Specific ways our New York occupational disease attorneys can help include:
- Answering questions about your legal options during a free case review
- Investigating the causes of your illness
- Gathering evidence and documentation to strengthen your claim
- Assessing the value of your claim
- Completing and filing paperwork
- Handling correspondence with insurance adjusters, doctors, lawyers, and other such parties
- Pursuing the workers’ compensation benefits and other compensation you’re entitled to
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Pursuing your case in hearings, court, and appeals, if necessary
What Is an Occupational Disease Claim?
The New York Workers’ Compensation Board defines an occupational illness as any “condition associated with a particular occupation or industry.” For example, some jobs may involve asbestos exposure. Thus, asbestosis and mesothelioma can qualify as an occupational illness.
You can seek compensation if you’ve developed an occupational illness. Filing an occupational illness claim with your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance company is the typical way to do so. In some cases, additional benefits may be available through a Labor Law or other third-party personal injury claim.
Common Work-Related Illnesses in NYC
We are prepared to handle all types of occupational illness claims, including examples such as:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Asthma
- Heart attack
- Hearing and vision loss
- Lung disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Skin conditions (contact dermatitis, eczema)
- Cancer
- Mental illnesses (PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression)
That’s not a complete list. Review your case with a workplace illnesses lawyer if you’re not sure whether your illness qualifies you for compensation.
Common Causes of Occupational Illness at NYC Workplaces
Potential causes of occupational illnesses among NYC workers include examples like the following:
- Exposure to gases, fumes, and dust
- Exposure to toxic substances and chemicals
- Prolonged exposure to loud environments
- Poor ventilation
- Inadequate training or protection
- Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work-related infection
Using proper safety equipment and abiding by safety guidelines may reduce a worker’s chances of developing an occupational illness. However, even cautious workers can develop occupational illnesses depending on the circumstances.
Who Is at Risk for Occupational Diseases and Illnesses in NYC?
Occupational illnesses can affect people in virtually any line of work, even positions that may seem to be “safe.” People in certain jobs may be at heightened risk of developing workplace illnesses. Examples include:
- Healthcare workers – Frequent exposure to pathogens and other health hazards can increase a healthcare worker’s chances of developing an occupational illness.
- Construction workers – Construction workers can be at risk of illnesses resulting from asbestos exposure and exposure to a variety of other chemicals and fumes.
- Manufacturing workers – Like construction workers, manufacturing workers might work in environments where the risk of exposure to hazardous materials is high.
- Welders – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term exposure to welding fumes may result in neurological disorders.
Types of Occupational Disease Claims in New York
On-the-job illness claims can take several forms.
New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law requires most employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. A common way to seek compensation for an occupational disease is to file a workers’ compensation claim. You do not have to prove that anyone was to blame for your occupational illness to recover workers’ compensation benefits.
However, filing a workers’ comp claim might not be the only way you can seek compensation for an occupational illness. Perhaps you developed such an illness due to another party’s negligence. That could happen if a negligent safety equipment designer overlooked critical design flaws that left you vulnerable or if a negligent property owner overlooked a hazard on their property that resulted in your occupational illness, for example.
If a negligent third party caused your occupational illness, you could be eligible to file a third-party claim against the negligent party. Talk to our lawyers about whether filing this kind of claim is an option in your situation.
Additionally, asbestos trust funds exist so victims who become ill due to asbestos exposure can receive compensation. Filing an asbestos trust claim is another way to seek the compensation you deserve.
Labor Law § 200 also requires job site owners and contractors to maintain reasonably safe work environments. You might file a claim against your employer or another liable party if your illness resulted from a violation of this law.
Understanding what types of occupational disease claims you might file can be difficult due to New York’s complex laws. Our NYC occupational disease lawyers are ready to review your case and explain all your options.
What Can You Recover If You Suffer from an Occupational Disease?
The type of occupational disease claims you file will determine what you can recover. Workers’ compensation insurance will pay medical expenses and partial wage replacement, as well as money for permanent disability. A third-party lawsuit, a case against an asbestos trust fund, or a Labor Law claim could include money for medical expenses, all current and future lost wages, pain, suffering, lost quality of life, and loss of consortium, among other things.
Get Help from Our Trusted NYC Occupational Disease Attorneys Now
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board requires workers to file workers’ compensation claims within two years of becoming aware of their occupational illnesses – or two years from when you reasonably should have become aware. You have three years to file a personal injury claim.
Protect your rights to compensation by getting in touch with an NYC occupational disease lawyer now. With over 40 years of experience, our team at The Perecman Firm, is on hand to offer the representation you deserve. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us to request a free case review.