In the state of Maryland, workers’ compensation can cover an injured worker’s medical bills, rehabilitation, hospital treatment costs, prescriptions, and medical equipment. Nearly all employers throughout the state are required to provide employees with workers’ compensation in the event that they do become injured. One factor of workers’ compensation that many people aren’t aware of is that you don’t necessarily have to be injured to file a claim. Some employees actually find that they are diagnosed with a disease that is directly related to their job in some way. Occupational diseases are just as much of a work-related issue as an on the job injury, and are, therefore, an employee who obtains an illness from their job is eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim.
What is considered an occupational disease?
Occupational diseases can include anything from cancer, lead poisoning, carpal tunnel, hearing loss, lung disease, asbestosis, and more. Many times, a person doesn’t actually become diagnosed with the disease until after they have stopped working at that job. It is important to be aware that you have to abide by a statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This means that you have to file within either two years from the diagnosis of the occupational disease or two years from the date in which the worker should have reasonably known that they obtained the disease from their occupation. If you fail to abide by this deadline, you may be missing out on significant compensation that can help offset some of the financial burdens associated with your occupational disease.
If you believe that you have obtained a disease because of your job, it is vital that you consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can assess your case and provide you with assistance. Contact the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today to learn how we can help.
If you have been seriously injured as a result of someone else’s negligence in Maryland, it is important to consider your legal options. The legal team at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can represent you through each step of your case and will help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today.
