Occupational Pulmonary Diseases
Occupational pulmonary diseases can arise when workers are exposed to chemicals, dust, smoke, fungal spores, and other substances through inhalation. If you suffer from breathing issues related to your job, you could seek workers’ compensation for occupational pulmonary diseases in Florida.
The filing process for workers’ comp claims can be complicated, especially if you are coping with the effects of pulmonary disease. Our compassionate Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyers offer free consultations. We will listen to what you are going through and help you find the best legal solution. Call Rosenberg & Rosenberg now to get help from our family-owned firm.
Work-related pulmonary diseases affect the lungs, but their mechanisms, symptoms, and treatments may differ. Some of the illnesses that could entitle you to workers’ compensation for occupational pulmonary diseases in Florida include:
Siderosis is a lung condition caused by continuous inhalation of iron dust. Signs of the disease are often mild until the condition becomes advanced enough to interfere with the patient’s daily life. Individuals at risk of siderosis include knife and scissor sharpeners, welders, miners, steel manufacturing workers (like Steel Fabricators, LLC, in Fort Lauderdale), and steel and silver polishers.
Symptoms of pulmonary siderosis include coughing and breathlessness, which may result in misdiagnosis of pneumonia or other lung conditions. If you suspect your shortness of breath or persistent cough comes from iron dust exposure, seek medical attention and assistance from our workers’ compensation attorneys as soon as possible.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung condition caused by damage to lung tissues. When lung tissues are damaged, they may become inflamed, which can lead to swelling and shortness of breath. In work-related COPD, patients are typically exposed to smoke, dust, fumes, chemicals, or other irritants over a long period of time.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common manifestations of COPD. Symptoms you may experience with COPD include wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, persistent cough, lung infections, and fatigue.
Workers who suspect they have COPD from work exposure to irritants should file for workers’ comp through their employer and seek treatment from the insurance company’s designated medical provider. The condition is treatable if diagnosed early, but it may grow worse over time. Workers’ comp can cover the medical costs and other expenses associated with the condition.
Metal fume fever is, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a lung condition typically associated with welders. Metal oxide particles from welding fumes irritate the lungs and lead to symptoms like wheezing, muscle aches, and fever.
Metal workers are the most likely to suffer metal fume fever. These workers tend to be exposed to metal fumes when they use heat to cut or bind metals. Metals associated with metal fume fever include “zinc, cadmium, iron, and aluminum oxides.” If you are in a high-risk occupation and suffer symptoms of metal fume fever, Rosenberg & Rosenberg can help you seek compensation through a Florida workers’ comp claim.
Pneumosiderosis, commonly called Welder’s lung, is a lung condition caused by inhaling iron dust. Welder’s lung can arise due to long-term chronic exposure or brief exposure to extremely dangerous conditions. With ongoing exposure and no treatment, mild breathlessness and coughing can lead to lung disease, chronic bronchitis, and fibrosis.
Victims of pneumosiderosis are typically advised to cease exposure to iron dust, which could affect a welder’s ability to continue working in their chosen field. Workers’ compensation sought by our Florida law firm can include occupational rehabilitation for eligible employees.
Pneumonitis is generalized lung irritation that can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. Unlike pneumonia, pneumonitis is not caused by bacteria, viruses, or other infectious agents. However, irritation from pneumonitis can reduce the lungs’ resistance to infections.
Untreated pneumonitis can cause permanent lung damage. Treatment may require avoiding the substance triggering the illness and taking protective measures, such as increasing ventilation or wearing protective gear.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs when lung tissues swell and cause fluid to build up in the lung’s air sacs, or alveoli. Patients with ARDS have trouble getting enough air in their lungs. ARDS can lead to serious health issues and even death. The condition usually arises after a major illness or injury. Work-related causes may include breathing harmful substances or direct injury to the head or chest.
ARDS is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The Mayo Clinic reports that patients who survive often suffer long-term effects, including cognitive issues, tiredness, muscle weakness, breathing issues, and depression.
For work-related ARDS, we can help with your workers’ comp claim. If your loved one passed away from the condition, our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers can pursue death benefits.
Other Occupational Pulmonary Diseases
Other lung conditions caused by workplace conditions include silicosis, valley fever, mesothelioma, histoplasmosis, and asbestosis. No matter how your work-related condition occurred, you have a right to pursue workers’ compensation for the injuries you suffered as a result. Call Rosenberg & Rosenberg today to learn more.
Occupational pulmonary diseases are life-altering and debilitating. You should not have to pay for injuries related to your work duties. Florida’s workers’ comp program lets you file a claim to recover costs related to your job. If you qualify for workers’ compensation, our legal team could pursue the following benefits:
Although you may have a legal right to workers’ compensation for occupational pulmonary disease, the claim process can be challenging. Insurance companies are motivated to pay as little as possible, and they may find excuses to reduce or deny your workers’ comp benefits. Our Florida workers’ comp attorneys can help you understand the process and ensure you have the appropriate information to file a claim.
Workers must file a workers’ comp claim within 30 days of the injury. With chronic conditions like pulmonary disease, this timeframe can be difficult to pinpoint. It will help if you advise your employer as soon as you have symptoms.
You should also go to a doctor approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier to begin documenting, diagnosing, and treating the condition. The insurer will send you a brochure advising you of your rights and options for a workplace injury or illness.
Your employer is responsible for filing a workers’ compensation claim within seven days of receiving your notification. If they fail to report your condition or otherwise avoid responsibility, they may be in violation of Florida Statutes § 440.185.
During the workers’ comp filing process, you will have to prove that your pulmonary condition arose due to workplace exposure. This can be complicated, since pinpointing the source of a pulmonary illness is difficult. You can benefit from contacting our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers to discuss your case. We can obtain the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Sometimes, a valid workers’ compensation claim is denied. There are several reasons workers’ comp may deny a claim in Florida, including:
Occupational pulmonary conditions can be hard to tie to your employment. Rosenberg & Rosenberg can help you navigate the workers’ compensation appeal process to recover the compensation you need for your work-related lung disease.
For over 50 years, Rosenberg & Rosenberg has provided legal support to clients in Florida. We are familiar with Florida workers’ comp claims, and we are here to help you recover the benefits you deserve.
At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, we know that you are going through a turbulent time. Medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty can take a toll on you and your family. Our goal is to help you recover fair compensation for your work-related pulmonary disease.
We have recovered millions on behalf of our clients through personal injury cases and workers’ compensation claims. Our dedicated workers’ comp attorneys in Florida can fight for your legal rights against stubborn employers and difficult workers’ comp insurance adjusters.
Our team prides itself on transparency. We keep clients informed of all case developments, and you can expect a quick response to any calls and emails. We understand the importance of clear communication, which is why we maintain Spanish- and Creole-speaking staff. We are available 24/7 to schedule your free consultation.
Rosenberg & Rosenberg assigns a partner and a team of attorneys to each case. We give every case the personalized attention it deserves because we understand the challenges you are facing.
We offer free consultations for those seeking workers’ compensation for occupational pulmonary diseases in Florida. During your free case review, one of our staff members will listen to you, answer your questions, and help you make an educated decision about your next steps.
Whether you are filing a new claim or appealing a denial, Rosenberg & Rosenberg has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to learn more.
