What Qualifies as a Work-Related Illness?

A work-related illness can have lasting effects on your health, career, and financial stability. Many workers are surprised to learn that illness caused by workplace conditions – not just injuries – can qualify for compensation. Repetitive motion conditions such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, may be considered an occupational disease or an injury, depending on its cause. But what qualifies as a work-related illness, and what illnesses are covered by workers’ comp?

In this guide, the Hurm Law Firm defines occupational diseases, which illnesses may qualify for workers’ compensation, and how legal guidance can help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to.

Understanding “Occupational Disease” in Ohio

The global scientific community estimates that occupational diseases cause between 5% and 7% of all premature deaths, translating to about 2 million premature deaths each year. Ohio faces similar challenges, as occupational diseases remain a massive concern across the state. The workers’ compensation system in Ohio covers occupational diseases contracted in the line of duty, where the risk is significantly higher than that faced by the general public due to the nature of the job. 

For example, a nurse who contracts COVID-19 or a worker who develops asthma due to poor quality air in a dirty warehouse may qualify for benefits. The Hurm Law Firm has a strong track record of managing these complex claims, ensuring that folks who contract occupational diseases are covered and compensated.

Ohio suffered 8,100 reported work-related occupational diseases in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Once a case is confirmed, the injured worker is provided the same benefits as those who suffer a work injury, including: 

1. Lost wages for the days the injured worker was unable to work as a result of the illness
2. Full compensation of all medical services by the State of Ohio
3. A lump-sum payment called a permanent partial disability payment to compensate for long-term effects

The biggest challenges in occupational illness claims are proving that the illness was caused as a result of the work and demonstrating that the risk was significantly higher than what the general public faces due to the nature of the job.

What Can Cause Occupational Diseases?

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation finds that an occupational disease may be caused by exposure to:

• Dust, gases, or fumes
• Extreme changes of temperature, noise, or pressure
• Infections and organisms
• Radiation
• Physical vibrations, constant pressure and use, physical movement in constant repetition, or radioactive rays
• Chemicals and toxic substances

However, mere exposure to one of the listed hazards above is not enough, alone, to qualify an injured worker for workers’ compensation benefits.

What Illnesses Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has a schedule of occupational diseases that qualify for compensation, including exposure-related illnesses tied to toxins like anthrax, lead, mercury, arsenic, asbestos, and benzene. Workers may also qualify for work-related illnesses such as skin ulcerations and infections, bursitis, berylliosis, silicosis, and other diseases.

Non-scheduled diseases such as chronic bronchitis, certain cancers, and emphysema may also qualify if they can be directly linked to workplace exposure.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help Your Claim

If you believe you have suffered from an occupational disease caused by work, then you would be wise to schedule a free consultation with the Hurm Law Firm today. Just call (216) 860-1922 or schedule your free consultation online today.