When workers are exposed to toxic chemicals or substances as part of their regular work responsibilities, it can lead to serious lung damage, including chronic symptoms or severe respiratory distress and ongoing breathing challenges.
If you suffered lung damage or injuries as a result of your job duties or negligence on the part of your employer, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you sustained. A Greenville workplace lung injury lawyer could help you understand your right to compensation and how to file a claim.
Common Causes of Workplace Lung Injuries
Workplace lung injuries are often caused by exposure to dangerous substances, such as:
- Coal dust
- Silica dust
- Asbestos fibers
- Dangerous chemicals
- Dangerous fumes, including metal, welding, or exhaust
Exposure to those substances can lead to an increased risk of developing a number of potential lung problems. Employers should strive to protect their employees from exposure to substances that could cause lung injuries, including providing both adequate safety equipment and training to ensure that high level of protection.
Examples of Lung Injuries and Illnesses
A Greenville lawyer helps employees facing lung-related conditions such as:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asthma
- COPD
These illnesses can cause chronic shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, increased fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms.
Workers’ Comp Claims vs Personal Injury Claims Following Lung Injuries
Whether workers suffering from lung injuries need to file a workers’ comp claim or a personal injury claim may depend on how the lung injury occurred and whether their employer or a third party committed an act of negligence that led to those damages.
If the lung injury occurred as a result of job responsibilities or tasks, regardless of whether an act of negligence caused the injury, the worker will have the right to file a claim through workers’ comp. On the other hand, if someone’s negligence led to exposure to toxic chemicals or substances that caused a lung injury, the worker may have the right to file a personal injury claim.
A Greenville workplace lung injury attorney could help determine which type of claim best fits a worker’s situation.
Workers’ Comp Coverage for Lung Injuries
Workers’ compensation covers the cost of medical treatment associated with a lung injury diagnosis, including treatment for lung cancer, COPD, and other chronic conditions. If the illness leads to work absence, South Carolina workers’ compensation generally pays a percentage of the worker’s income for up to 500 weeks. If the anticipated absence from work will last longer than that, the worker may need to seek a workers’ compensation settlement or other solution.
Personal Injury Claims for Lung Injuries
When workers have the right to file a personal injury claim for a lung injury that occurred at work, they can claim compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury claim results in payment directly to the injured party in a lump sum rather than the smaller payments over a period of time usually handled by workers’ compensation.
Contact a Greenville Workplace Lung Injury Attorney to Discuss Your Diagnosis
If you suffered respiratory damage at work, a Greenville workplace lung injury lawyer could be essential in helping you navigate your options and filing a claim to recover comprehensive compensation for your losses. Contact Eller Frye Law Firm for a free consultation that will help you determine your next steps.
(864)-686-4827