If you have suffered an injury on the job that will impact you for years to come, or if you have been diagnosed with an occupational disease, you will require long-term medical care and you will have extensive or long-term absences from work. These long-term health problems can be covered through workers’ compensation, but you must prove that the condition is directly related to your job. Many long-term health conditions are the result of repetitive trauma or long-term exposures. As an example, carpal tunnel or back pain are often the result of repetitive motions. Breathing disorders, heart problems and lung disease are often caused by exposure to toxic fumes or chemicals at work. Pursuing Benefits for Long-Term Health Problems If you have suffered long-term medical conditions because of your job, you will need to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Insurance providers and employers do not like to pay out more than they need to and will not want to pay out long-term for a worker’s medical conditions. A workers’ compensation attorney will be able to help you gather up sufficient evidence and documentation to support your claim and to show that your long-term health problem is the direct result of your work and happened because of your work duties. These claims can be challenging and will require legal representation. Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Long-Term Health Problems Workers’ compensation covers the costs of medical care for your work-related condition. With a long-term condition, medical expenses can add up fast. You will also miss a lot of work. Workers’ compensation covers your lost wages. Usually, you are paid about two-thirds your regular salary while you are recovering. Because long-term health conditions could drag on for years, you might be able to benefit from a lump sum settlement. The lump sum covers your missed work by giving you a lump sum payment rather than continuing weekly payments. You might be asked to give up future medical care and an additional financial sum will be added to your lump sum payment. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you have been diagnosed with a long-term health problem that has resulted from your job, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Such claims are never easy to settle, and more often than not, these are the claims that are denied. You will need an attorney gathering evidence and documentation to build a strong case and to help you throughout the claims process. Your lawyer will be able to file an appeal for your claim that is denied. If your benefits are stopped, your lawyer can fight to have them reinstated. Workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Get your claim on the right track today. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form, so a lawyer who handles workplace accidents and occupational illnesses in your state can review the details of your case and determine the best way for you to proceed with your claim. Additional Resources How Long Can I Receive Workers' Comp? What Types of Injuries Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Cover?
