Occupational Diseases

Attorney Richard A. Jaffe Handles Asbestos, Cancer and Other Serious Claims

Unlike many types of workplace accidents in which a worker may sustain serious injuries in the blink of an eye, occupational diseases tend to develop slowly over time. With many diseases becoming progressively worse, an injured worker may become unable to work, while medical bills continue to pile up. Someone suffering a serious or terminal disease such as cancer may be unable to enjoy hobbies and activities due to physical limitations resulting from their illness.

An occupational disease is defined as a disabling medical condition causally related to on-the-job exposure to irritants and arises due to the nature of a worker's employment. In Pennsylvania, "your disability must occur within 300 weeks of your last employment in an occupation where you were exposed to the hazard," according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. If you suffer from an occupational disease, you may be entitled to Workers' Compensation benefits.

In cases involving diseases of the lung, the Department states that a claimant must have worked in a Pennsylvania job with a silica, coal or asbestos hazard for at least two years in the 10 years prior to the disability.

Types of Occupational Diseases

At the Law Offices of Richard A. Jaffe, LLC, we understand that workers may face conditions leading to an occupational disease at the workplace every day, including the following:

• Construction workers exposed to asbestos, resulting in incurable and potentially deadly lung diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
• Office workers who develop carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress injuries.
• Warehouse, manufacturing or factory workers who develop cancer due to long-term exposure to toxic fumes and other chemicals.
• Forklift drivers and warehouse workers with debilitating back, knee or neck injuries.
• Demolition workers who experience hearing or vision loss.
• Delivery drivers with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) resulting from a car or truck accident.
• Tunnel workers whose long-term exposure to rock dust leads to the development of silicosis, an incurable and oftentimes fatal lung disease.

How Can a Philadelphia Occupational Disease Attorney Help?

In some cases, a condition or illness may not become apparent for years - or decades - spent at the same job. Yet it is all-too-common for employers and Workers Comp insurance companies to argue that a work-related disease is either a pre-existing condition or an illness a worker already had. But when your disease or illness is related to hazardous conditions such as toxic dust, contagious diseases, chemical irritants, loud noises, continuous and repetitive motions or other activities, you deserve compensation for your occupational disease.

The Law Offices of Richard A. Jaffe, LLC understands how confusing the Workers' Compensation process can be for workers who are suffering from occupational diseases or illnesses. Richard Jaffe knows your case is important and will provide personal attention. You will feel confident knowing you have an Attorney Certified as a Specialist in the Practice of PA Workers' Compensation Law on your side - someone who has handled more than 1,000 claims over the course of a long and distinguished career. Call us today at 866-800-3332 for a free case consultation.