Worker’s comp insurance covers your medical treatment after you suffer an injury or are involved in an accident at work. However, you also need to know if workers comp can cover long-term illnesses or disabilities.
What Long-Term Illnesses and Disabilities are Covered?
Your employer’s worker’s comp insurance policy will include specific details about the exact illnesses and disabilities your policy covers. While you want to check it, consider this short list of possible health issues that worker’s comp can cover.
*Asthma
*Back pain
*Carpal tunnel
*Heart conditions
*Lung disease
*Stress-related digestive problems
Understand the Cause and Document the Symptoms
Repetitive actions, ongoing chemical exposure and even job-related stress could be the cause of your illness or disability. Since you can’t point to a specific accident that caused your long-term illness, be sure to document the symptoms thoroughly.
When documenting the symptoms, describe the pain, where it’s located and what actions you perform regularly. Include the dates and results of any medical treatment you receive, too, or ask your doctor for verification that your illness or disability could have been caused by your work duties or environment. These details build your case for worker’s comp when you file because of your long-term illness or disability.
Track Laws and Recalls
In the midst of your illness or disability, do your homework. Track changes in employee laws or safety guidelines, and look for chemical, equipment or safety gear recalls. All of these details could help to support your case that your work environment or duties created your illness or disability.
Ask Coworkers to Vouch for You
Chances are high that you’re not the only one at work who’s suffering. Ask your current and previous coworkers if they’re experiencing the same symptoms as you. If so, ask them to document the specific. Together, you stand a better chance of getting your worker’s comp claim approved.
When your work causes a long-term illness or disability, you could be eligible for worker’s comp. Check your policy, talk to your human resources manager and start assembling supportive paperwork as you prepare to state your case.
