Occupational Diseases Lawyer Buffalo, NY 
When most people in New York hear the words, workers’ compensation, they often think of catastrophic accidents that result in severe injury for workers, such as a brain injury or a limb amputation. While those types of accidents do result in the injured worker receiving workers’ compensation, what some people don’t realize is that there are also different illnesses that workers can develop as a result of their job. It is not uncommon for these occupational illnesses to take years to develop, but when they do, they can have a significant impact on a person’s health and life. As an occupational diseases lawyer Buffalo, NY clients trust knows, even when a worker takes safety precautions, there are substances such as asbestos, lead, and toxic chemicals that can cause serious harm and even death to a worker.
A worker suffering from an occupational illness is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, just as any worker who suffers an injury that is job-related. If an employee is hurt and cannot work, then after three days they are eligible for workers’ compensation. The worker is required to report the occupational illness as soon as they are diagnosed with their condition.
The following are some of the most common occupational diseases that each workers comp lawyer Buffalo, NY workers recommend from our firm sees in the workers’ compensation cases they handle:
Asbestosis: This occupational disease is caused by the worker inhaling asbestos fibers over time. Asbestosis is a chronic disease that affects the victim’s lungs. While asbestos is a natural mineral, it, unfortunately, can cause severe damage to the victim’s lungs when they are exposed to the substance over a prolonged period of time. For decades, asbestos was used in many types of building materials, including cement and insulation. It was banned about 30 years ago, but the damage the substance can cause is still showing up in victims. Asbestos fibers create scar tissues on the lungs. It can take decades for victims who have had prolonged exposure to asbestos to show symptoms of asbestosis. When symptoms do finally appear, they usually include a chronic cough and shortness of breath. Asbestosis also causes an increased risk of the victim developing lung cancer.
Lead Poisoning: Just like asbestos, lead at one time was a popular substance used in consumer products and building materials. And – just like asbestos – although it is no longer being used, it is still responsible for serious health issues in workers. One of the most common ways of exposure to lead is working in older buildings that still have lead paint. For example, construction workers who remodel older buildings may be exposed to lead through paint or contaminated dust that they are working in one and around. It takes some time for symptoms of lead poisoning to appear because they must reach a high level. Unfortunately, once they do reach those levels, victims are left with pain, long-term or permanent neurological issues, and even fertility problems.
Let Our Firm Help
If you or a loved one has developed an occupational disease, contact Hurwitz, Whitcher, & Molloy, LLP to meet with a Buffalo, NY occupational diseases lawyer to find out what legal options you may have. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation.
