It is important for people to be able to provide for themselves and their families. In order to do this people need have income to make sure they can pay for homes, food and clothing among other costs. Most people need jobs in order to earn this income. So, it is important that they stay healthy so they can continue to work and be able to provide for their families. That is also why if people suffer injuries or become sick at work, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits so they can continue to provide if they are unable to work.
Most people who think about workers’ compensation think about injuries suffer as the result of an accident. However, this is not the only type of thing that can keep people from working. Sometimes it is not just a sudden accident, but something that develops over time such as various diseases due to exposure to certain aspects of the job. If someone develops an occupational disease, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits just like others who are not able to work.
There are certain diseases which are recognized as occupational diseases eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These include tuberculosis, hepatitis, heart and lung diseases from exposure to smoke, pneumoconiosis and silicosis from exposure to coal dust and chemical poisoning. Other diseases could also be occupational diseases if they were developed at work due to exposure and the occurrence of the disease is greater in the industry the person worked.
Just like many people in Pennsylvania are injured at work, many people also develop occupational diseases. Many of these individuals will not be able to work just like those who are injured. That is why these people may also be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as well. However, receiving the proper benefits is not always a simple process. It is important to understand the law and experienced attorneys may be able to help people through the process.
Source: dli.pa.gov, “What is work related injury and occupational disease” accessed on August 28, 2017