As an employee in the Redding area, you may be under the impression that you cannot receive workers’ compensation benefits unless a workplace accident caused your injuries. It is true that injuries that occur on the job are usually compensable with workers’ comp benefits.
However, if you suffer certain health conditions, fall ill or incur injuries while on the job, you may also qualify. Here is a brief overview of workers’ compensation benefits and nonaccidental workplace injuries.
Some ailments and injuries can qualify for workers’ compensation
Some injuries and illness can occur from repeated exposure to certain work conditions. For example, if you work in a high-stress environment, there is the possibility of you developing chronic heart problems, insomnia or digestive disorders, or suffering a stroke or other stress-related health conditions that have a significant impact on your health.
You could work in an environment where there are high levels of fumes. Prolonged exposure to breathing hazards and inadequate oxygen can result in the development of breathing problems. Another example is repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel stress syndrome in your wrists from performing your job using the same motions over time.
The outcome of each claim is dependent on the facts
The type of medical conditions and ailments you develop are dependent on the type of job hazards and working conditions you encounter daily. Keep in mind that many chronic health conditions that develop as a result of work duties and environments do not occur overnight. They often take many years to develop. Everyone who is exposed to various workplace hazards will not develop workers’ compensation eligible health conditions and injuries.
Anyone who plans to file for workers’ compensation benefits should understand that it can be challenging to prove the injuries and ailments are work-related. Besides needing medical records, documentation must show that the conditions are not the result of any underlying health and lifestyle issues.
If you are suffering from injuries and ailments that you believe your work duties caused, be sure to consider speaking to an attorney. Workers’ compensation claims involving nonaccident conditions are often challenging to prove, and the right legal guidance can help improve your success with your claim.