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Over the last several weeks, we have discussed several occupational diseases. Asthma is a common health condition affecting workers. The condition causes inflammation in the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. As you are reading this, keep in mind that Ohio workers compensation law may allow workers with this condition to receive benefits.
Many cases of occupational asthma occur after inhaling allergens or harmful substances like adhesives, laminates or cleaning chemicals. Workers who smoke or suffer from existing allergies have a heightened risk of developing asthma. Family history of asthma may also be a factor.
The longer workers go untreated, the more at-risk they are for permanent lung changes. It is important to pay attention to the following symptoms:
Wheezing and coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Runny nose and eye irritation
According to Mayo Clinic, these symptoms may worsen throughout the workweek. In addition, symptoms may disappear while on vacations or over the weekend.
Why You Should Not Navigate Ohio Workers Compensation Law on Your Own
Workers compensation can help those suffering occupational asthma in several ways. First, it can help pay medical bills for treatments. Asthma may require multiple visits to the doctor and medications like inhaled corticosteroids or allergy shots. Second, workers may require time off from work. Workers compensation can help provide for lost income.
It is essential for workers to receive these benefits. However, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation may deny benefits to workers with asthma. A workers comp attorney can help file the paperwork for benefits and can appeal denials. Navigating the Ohio workers comp system on your own is not only a difficult process, it may lead to a denial of benefits that you desperately need to recover.
The Columbus workers comp attorneys Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC have decades of combined experience helping workers with occupational illnesses get these benefits.