Every job, no matter what type, comes with certain risks. There are certain types of employment that come with an elevated chance of physical injury, but Kansas workers may also face the threat of occupational illness. It is possible exposure to certain things while doing your job made you sick.
If your job is the reason for your illness, you could have grounds to seek support and benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. This type of insurance is not only for those who suffered injuries in workplace accidents but also for those who became sick but to environmental hazards and other reasons. Sick workers may find it beneficial to seek a complete understanding of their rights before moving forward with a claim.
Common types of occupational illness
There are various types of occupational illnesses, and some workers deal with a higher risk of toxic exposure and other hazards simply due to the nature of their job. Some of the most common types of work-related sicknesses include the following:
- Respiratory illnesses: There are times workers may face exposure to things such as chemicals, gases and other dangerous biological agents. Sicknesses can include asthma, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome, toxic inhalation injuries and more.
- Sickness from poisoning: Lead, chemicals, solvents and other materials can enter a worker’s bloodstream, causing serious complications with various functions of the body.
- Illnesses of the skin: Coming into direct contact with certain types of substances can lead to skin irritations, as well as more serious, painful and chronic skin disorders that seriously impact a victim.
If the circumstances of your job made you ill, you could be entitled to benefits to cover your lost wages, medical bills and other expenses you encountered during your recovery. You may have to fight for the full amount you deserve, but you do not have to fight alone.
Getting the full amount you need
It is not always easy to secure workers’ compensation benefits, even with a valid and real illness. It can be beneficial for your claim to seek help as you navigate the claims process and secure the full amount of financial support you need to get better and return to work.
If you are unsure how to move forward with a claim for an occupational illness or how to pursue benefits, you can seek help even before you start on your claim. You do not have to take one step of this process without knowledgeable support and guidance.