Can I Get Disability for My Occupational Disease?

In the State of new Jersey, occupational diseases are covered by the Workers’ Compensation System. This means that any employee who suffers from an illness or condition developed on the job is entitled to medical treatment, lost wages and, depending on the extent of long-term injuries, a cash settlement.
Occupational diseases are those that are caused because of the environment a person is forced to work in for a long period of time. The following examples are considered occupational diseases:

• Asbestos Exposure – We know that exposure to asbestos can be deadly. People develop lung cancer (mesothelioma) and other lung diseases from prolonged exposure to this toxic substance. There was a time, however, that people didn’t know asbestos was a health hazard. It takes upward of 30 years for meso symptoms to develop; unfortunately, by the time it can be diagnosed, it’s too late.
• Lead Poisoning – Asbestos isn’t the only building material that is now known to be deadly Lead and benzene, as examples, causes brain damage and pulmonary conditions.
• Repetitive Motion Injury – Whether you use a computer or work a jackhammer, repetitive motions can cause painful and debilitating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries and other debilitating injuries to nerves and tendons.
• Hearing Damage – Factories and construction sites are notoriously loud places to work. Persistent exposure to workplace noise causes hearing loss.

If you or someone you love is suffering from an occupational illness, you are entitled to receive Workers’ Comp coverage. For assistance filing your claim and dealing with the insurance carrier, contact Lombardi and Lombardi. Our experienced Workers’ Comp lawyers will work hard to make sure you get the benefits you deserve. Further, if we can find a way to hold the manufacturer of a product responsible for your injuries, we will pursue a Third Party Claim on your behalf.