Industrial Disease

Job Injury Lawyers Advocating for Workers Throughout the Chicago Region

Industrial disease can take many forms, and it is often caused by exposure to chemicals and pollutants in the workplace. Workers who endure long-term exposure to harmful agents may suffer from chronic and, in some cases, terminal illnesses. The Chicago work injury attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca help employees pursue benefits for their industrial diseases. As a type of workers’ compensation injury, industrial disease is compensable according to Illinois law. If you or someone close to you has developed an industrial disease due to exposure to toxins or to harmful substances in the workplace, our skilled attorneys can investigate the circumstances and set forth a strong claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

Due to notice and time requirements, it is important for injured workers to take action when they are aware that their disease may have been acquired at work. Relying on medical research and evidence that demonstrates causation between exposure in the workplace and the industrial disease, we have successfully recovered benefits for workers in a range of industries.

Workers are Entitled to Benefits for Industrial Diseases According to Illinois Law

Industrial diseases, like other work-related injuries, are a form of compensable harm under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Diseases Act. Injured workers must prove that their medical condition developed due to exposure at work, and in support of this claim, they must set forth medical research that demonstrates a correlation between the exposure and their disease. Examples of industrial diseases that have been recognized as compensable include, but are not limited to, asbestosis and dermatitis. However, insurers may deny claims for benefits, and workers may find that they are required to undergo the dispute process or even pursue an appeal in order to secure the benefits to which they are legally entitled.

The types of benefits that may be recovered by workers suffering from an industrial disease include lost wages from missed work, medical costs associated with treatment, and partial or total disability payments. Employees may receive one lump sum payment from their employer or the employer’s insurer, as well as weekly wage benefits. Some industrial diseases result in temporary conditions, while others lead to lifelong, debilitating consequences. Workers’ compensation disability awards will vary depending on the permanency of the disease and its effects on the individual’s ability to hold a job.

According to state workers’ compensation laws, it is important that employees notify their employer as soon as they become aware of their condition. Time limits apply, and these can undermine claims for compensation that are filed too late. In some cases, employers will dispute aspects of workers’ compensation claims for benefits by employees who suffer from an industrial disease. For example, employers or insurers may contend that the disease was not caused by workplace exposure. Sometimes, an employee can prevail on certain issues and may qualify for a certain amount of benefits, while other aspects of their claim remain in dispute. For example, some employees may receive disability benefits, but the parties may not agree on the extent of the disability or the employee’s average weekly wage.

Discuss Your Legal Options with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago

The workers’ compensation attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca pursue benefits for individuals who have suffered or are suffering from industrial diseases. We understand the emotional and financial impact of a workplace disease or accident, and our Chicago lawyers have helped thousands of injured workers with their claims for benefits and medical costs. Not only are we familiar with state workers’ compensation laws, but also we understand union contracts and the methods used by insurance companies to defend employers. Our firm proudly represents injured employees in Champaign, Springfield, Aurora, and Quincy, as well as other cities in Cook, Sangamon, Kane, Winnebago, and Adams Counties. We provide a free initial consultation. Call our office at 312-724-5846 or reach us online to get started.