What Is an Occupational Disease?

An occupational disease is a health condition, illness, or long-term disease acquired due to exposure to harmful conditions in the workplace. Connecticut workers’ compensation law not only addresses acute workplace injuries but also provides compensation for illnesses and health conditions caused by hazards or exposures at work. These conditions are commonly referred to as “occupational diseases.”

Proving That Your Condition Is an Occupational Disease

In Connecticut, for a health condition to qualify as an occupational disease under workers’ compensation law, you must establish the following:

• There is a direct and causal connection between your workplace conditions and the disease.
• The disease arose due to exposure to hazards or conditions specific to your employment.
• You would not have been exposed to the disease outside of your employment.
• The condition is not one to which the general public is ordinarily exposed.
• The disease originated from your employment and developed as a natural consequence of your work environment.

It’s important to note that some conditions, even if they arise in the workplace, may not qualify as occupational diseases under Connecticut law. For example, partial hearing loss, psychiatric and psychological conditions, and certain heart and vascular diseases are not typically covered unless they result directly from another occupational disease or workplace injury.

Examples of Occupational Diseases in Connecticut

Occupational diseases vary by industry and job role, but some common examples include:

• Respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos or other hazardous materials.
• Skin disorders resulting from exposure to chemicals or irritants.
• Lead poisoning due to workplace exposure.
• Neurological disorders caused by exposure to toxic substances.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repetitive motions.
• Radiation-related illnesses from prolonged exposure in certain industries.

What Benefits Are Available for Occupational Diseases?

If you’ve developed an occupational disease, you are entitled to the same benefits available for workplace injuries under Connecticut workers’ compensation law. These benefits include:

• Medical care: Coverage for doctor visits, medications, treatments, and therapies related to your illness.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your condition.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Support for training or transitioning to a different job if your condition prevents you from continuing in your current role.

For severe occupational diseases, medical care may be the most significant and ongoing benefit. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies may attempt to minimize or deny these benefits. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, such as Bert McDowell Injury Law, to ensure your rights are protected.

How Are Occupational Diseases Different From Workplace Injuries?

Unlike traditional workplace injuries, which are often the result of a specific event, occupational diseases typically develop over time. For example, if you drop a heavy object on your foot, the injury is immediate and apparent. However, occupational diseases may take months or even years to develop, and you might not realize the connection to your work environment until much later.

Once you suspect that your condition is related to your job, it’s essential to act quickly. Notify your employer as soon as possible and consult an attorney to assist with your claim. In Connecticut, the clock for filing a claim typically starts when you become aware of the link between your illness and your work.

How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Impact Occupational Disease Claims?

If you have a pre-existing condition, you may worry that it will disqualify you from filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, Connecticut law accounts for situations where workplace exposure worsens a pre-existing health condition. For example:

Imagine you had asthma before starting your job. If exposure to hazardous chemicals at work aggravates your asthma, making it significantly worse, you may still have a valid occupational disease claim.

It’s important to be honest about your pre-existing condition and how it has progressed due to your work environment. Concealing information could result in workers’ compensation fraud, which is illegal. Instead, focus on showing how your workplace exposures contributed to or worsened your condition.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law to Protect Your Rights

If you believe you’ve developed an occupational disease due to your work in Connecticut, don’t wait to seek help. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we are committed to helping injured workers receive the compensation and benefits they deserve.

Call us today at 475-231-3274 for a free consultation. Let us analyze your case and connect you with the right medical professionals to determine the cause of your condition. Time is critical, so don’t delay—contact us now to get started on securing the benefits you need.