Developing asthma or a lung condition because of your job can be incredibly stressful. Not only can it affect your breathing and overall health, but the financial stress it can cause can be overwhelming. An asthma and lung condition lawyer in Chicago can help you file a workers’ compensation claim to recover your losses.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. leads with empathy and clear communication, so you have the support and advocacy you need when facing an uncertain future.
We help you file your claim, navigate issues, and streamline the process so you can recover compensation as quickly as possible. A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer will protect your best interests throughout your claim.
Choosing an Asthma and Lung Condition Attorney in Chicago Helps You Secure Results
Workers’ compensation claims can become complicated at times, and Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. provides clarity and works to simplify the case so you can get results faster.
Our experienced team assesses your case to identify the most effective solutions and resolve any potential issues with your claim. We know that there may be a lot at stake for your family, and we will act swiftly.
With over 75 years of combined experience, our Chicago personal injury lawyers know how to fight for you and recover workers’ compensation benefits that accurately reflect your medical and financial needs. While workers’ comp is in place to help you when you develop lung conditions or asthma, adjusters do not always have your best interests at heart, and our team is here to protect you and make sure you’re treated fairly.
Asthma and lung conditions can disrupt your whole life, and we never stop fighting for you. Our boutique firm provides high-quality service with custom solutions, in your case, so you receive favorable results.
We care about your well-being and make sure your case receives the attention it deserves. You don’t have to be nervous to file a workers’ compensation claim when you hire our experienced team.
Causes of Asthma and Lung Conditions in the Workplace
Employees can develop asthma or other lung conditions when they are exposed to harmful substances and other toxins while carrying out their job duties.
Inhaling pollutants every day can irritate and impact the tissues in the lungs and chest. Over time, this exposure can lead to a variety of conditions that can affect a worker’s health. Some common causes of asthma and lung conditions in the workplace include:
- Dust and particles
- Chemicals, cleaning solutions, and toxic substances
- Mold
- Fumes, gas, and vapors
- Second-hand cigarette smoke
- Allergens
According to the Mayo Clinic’s information on occupational asthma, some jobs and industries put workers at higher risk than others. This can include metalworkers, textile workers, food production workers, manufacturers, and more.
Employees in these types of jobs should take extra precautions to minimize their risks of developing respiratory conditions.
Asthma and Lung Conditions Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Illinois
The Workers’ Occupational Disease Act covers any disease that results from, or is made worse by, an employee’s job duties or work environment. This means that in addition to occupational asthma, there are several work-related lung diseases that may be covered by a workers’ compensation claim in Chicago.
Some common occupational lung diseases covered under workers’ compensation may include:
- Occupational asthma: A condition triggered by various air pollutants that cause restriction, swelling, and increased mucus production in the airways.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A disease that is the result of lung damage caused by various irritants that make it difficult to breathe.
- Silicosis: Inhaling silica from various substances causes scarring in the lungs and can contribute to other diseases as well.
- Asbestosis: A lung disease caused by workers breathing in asbestos on the job, which causes the lungs to lose their elasticity and develop scar tissue.
- Black lung disease: A condition that primarily affects coal workers who are repetitively exposed to coal dust. As a result, the lungs become inflamed, and scar tissue may build up.
- Brown lung disease: Lung disease caused by inhaling fibers and particles from various textiles that irritate and inflame the lungs.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: A condition caused by breathing in various allergens that leads to inflammation and scarring of the lungs over time.
These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms that can cause trouble breathing, lung scarring, tightness and pain in the chest, coughing, and more.
It’s important to receive medical attention as soon as possible for these conditions, as well as choosing a doctor who’s right for you during the claim process. Be sure to also keep thorough records of your medical visits to submit as evidence in your claim.
Damages You Can Recover for Asthma or a Lung Condition Through Workers’ Compensation
You have the right to pursue financial relief through workers’ compensation when you have developed asthma or a lung condition while on the job.
This can help ease the financial stress on you and your family. Because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, you do not have to demonstrate negligence in order to file a claim and recover compensation for what you’ve covered.
Losses covered by workers’ compensation generally cover the cost of your various medical treatments, as well as rehabilitation services, medical equipment, and medications.
Additionally, you can also recover lost income through disability benefits, which is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, which cannot exceed the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW) benefit rates.
The type of disability benefits you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and how long you are unable to work. Depending on your condition, you may be able to receive temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent total disability, and/or permanent partial disability.
To determine which you may be eligible for, consult your Chicago asthma and lung condition lawyer.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Fights for a Fair Settlement
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. always keeps your interests front and center when handling your workers’ comp claim for an asthma or lung condition.
We understand how costly these conditions can be, and we diligently fight to help you recover as much as possible. To get started with your claim, contact a Chicago asthma and lung condition attorney to schedule a free consultation.