The shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often debilitating. Yet many sufferers find the worst aspect of the disease is that they are no longer able to work because of their condition. Those affected are often left wondering how they will pay for their medical bills and provide for their families, now that they can’t bring in a paycheck.

Take a Deep Breath: You May be Able to Receive Workers’ Compensation for COPD

Although smoking is typically the primary cause for COPD, workers who are exposed to air pollution and industrial dusts are also prone to developing this serious condition. Fortunately, workers’ compensation may be available to help pay for costs related to treatment, in addition to living expenses.

Careful consideration of two factors may be critical in determining whether you have a potential claim:

  1. A workplace that is conducive to lung ailments. Any environment in which you are exposed to severe air pollution puts you at risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Construction workers are already at risk for getting injured on the job, and concrete and brick masons, plasterers, and sheet metal workers have a high prevalence of developing COPD. Factory workers who are forced to breathe in contaminants are also commonly affected.
  2. Actual workplace exposure to disease-causing agents. Workers likely to breathe contaminants on the job may be afforded air masks, and although the masks may help, they don’t always keep you safe. Employees who are exposed to cadmium, silica, and asbestos are at an increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses such as COPD.

You Can Count on Us to Help

Proving that working conditions caused your COPD can be difficult, especially if your employer contests your plea. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help. When residents of Daytona Beach are struck with this debilitating occupational disease, they often call on Johnson and Gilbert for help. Contact us today to learn how we will do all we can to get you the compensation you deserve.