When a person becomes ill due to an unsafe work condition, the consequences can be severe. Along with accumulated hours of missed work, a person can suffer serious pains, costly medical expenses, mental anguish, and much more. For this reason, a person who develops an occupational disease should contact experienced legal representation right away. A skilled lawyer can help that person obtain the monetary compensation they are entitled to receive through workers’ compensation benefits.
What is an Occupational Disease?
An occupational disease is one that arises during the course of employment. These diseases are not considered ordinary, in that the general public is not exposed to these illnesses outside of employment. For a person to become eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Virginia, the condition must be considered a disease and must also meet the following requirements:
- The disease is not a condition of the back, spinal column, or neck
- The disease must be caused by work-related matters
- The occupation must be the proximate cause of such disease
- The worker must be able to prove that the disease occurred during the course of employment and not from outside the employment
When Must a Person File for a Claim?
According to Virginia laws, a worker who believes they have developed an occupational disease must file a claim within two years after diagnosis is first communicated by the doctor to the worker or within a five-year timespan from the most recent injurious exposure to the disease, whichever occurs first.
The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC Can Help You File an Occupational Disease Claim
At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, our Virginia workers’ compensation lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of those harmed while earning a living. Because we understand these types of situations create unnecessary hardships for an entire family, we work diligently to pursue only the best results in the shortest amount of time possible. When you call our team, we will take the time to listen to the details of your case and determine which strategies can help you obtain positive results right away.
Don’t wait another minute to retain seasoned legal advocacy. Call a Virginia workers’ compensation attorney from The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC today!