Many employees often stay at the same job for decades because they enjoy their profession, are moving up in a company, or are working towards retirement. However, exposure to the same environment day after day is not always healthy. Industries like construction, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, textiles, and even food processing or janitorial services can force workers to breathe airborne particles that lead to lung injuries over time.
If you have a respiratory illness or a lung injury you believe is related to your occupation, a Hitchcock workplace lung injury lawyer can help you get compensation for medical costs and other losses related to the condition. The workplace injury attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris L.L.P. can help you gather essential evidence to present during negotiations or a court trial.
Challenges of Proving Work-Related Lung Injuries
Most work-related lung conditions are caused by repetitive, long-term exposure. Even those that are sustained from a severe single exposure often accrue symptoms over time, making them difficult to diagnose. However, documented evidence exists that proves specific lung injuries are caused by inhaling certain particulates found in work environments. This evidence, along with medical records, can be used to prove lung injuries were derived from the workplace.
Symptoms of Respiratory Illness
Symptoms of workplace-caused respiratory conditions are typically very similar to other health conditions. As a result, employees often do not relate their symptoms to their work environment. Employees who experience the following symptoms should log when they are feeling unwell:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath (increases with physical activity)
- Chest pain or tightness
- Abnormal breathing patterns
Having these symptoms checked out by a doctor as soon as possible is vital for getting proper treatment and establishing the cause of the condition.
How Can Employees Get Compensation for Workplace Lung Injuries?
Some Hitchcock workers may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for respiratory illness. However, Texas’s non-subscriber law means that many employers do not carry workers’ comp insurance for employees. In these cases, workers can file a personal injury claim to get compensation for medical bills and other damages related to the condition. Often, this option is better for employees because a lawsuit can be adjusted to recover the full amount of compensation for all medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Unfortunately, filing a lawsuit for workplace lung injuries is often challenging. Employees must support the claim with as much documentation as possible and be prepared to negotiate with legal professionals. For most employees, working with an attorney who has experience in non-subscriber claims is the best option for pursuing fair compensation.
Consult with an Experienced Hitchcock Attorney to Learn Your Legal Options After a Lung Injury
Lung injuries are debilitating conditions that often remain even when an employee is no longer exposed to the dangerous environment. When workers’ compensation is not an option, a Hitchcock workplace lung injury lawyer is your best advocate for getting compensation for lung injuries caused by workplace conditions. The dedicated workplace injury lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris will investigate the cause of your illness, document damages, and locate witnesses to prove crucial elements in your case. We will use this evidence to negotiate with insurance companies or your employer’s attorney, or represent you in a trial if a settlement cannot be reached. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about your legal options.
