Causes of Work-Related Heart Attacks
Several occupational factors can contribute to the development or exacerbation of heart disease. These include:
- Physical exertion: Heavy lifting, repetitive strenuous movements, and over-exertion can trigger cardiac events.
- Temperature extremes: Exposure to excessive heat or cold increases cardiovascular stress, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
- Harmful substances: Long-term exposure to toxins such as radiation, noise pollution, airborne pollutants, and fluctuating air/water pressure can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- Dust, fumes, and chemicals: Second-hand smoke, lead, and industrial chemicals pose serious health risks.
- Chronic stress: High-pressure work environments can elevate blood pressure, increasing heart attack risks.
- Long working hours: 55+ hours per week may significantly raise the likelihood of heart disease.
How Does L&I Determine If Your Heart Attack Is Work-Related?
Under Washington State law (RCW 51.08.100), proving that a heart attack is work-related requires evidence of a “sudden and tangible happening of a traumatic nature.”
Key Factors for a Valid Claim
- Routine job duties alone are not sufficient for a claim.
- The injury must result from an unusual strain or exertion beyond typical work activities.
- The burden of proof lies with the worker, requiring medical and factual evidence linking the condition to employment.
Because these cases are difficult to prove, documentation is crucial to increasing the likelihood of claim acceptance.
Occupations with Higher Risk of Heart Attack
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain professions have a higher prevalence of heart disease due to work conditions, stress, and exposure to hazardous environments:
- Professional drivers, such as long-haul truckers, bus drivers
- First responders, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics
- Food service workers, such as cooks, bartenders, fast-food employees
- Fishery and maritime workers
- Cargo and warehouse workers
- Construction and civil engineering workers
- Manufacturing and plant operators
If you work in one of these industries and have suffered a heart attack or cardiovascular illness, you may have a valid claim.
How to Document a Work-Related Heart Attack
Since L&I claims for heart attacks without strong evidence are often denied, workers expecting treatment and financial compensation must keep detailed records of the event and their medical condition.
Record Any Unusual Strain or Work Conditions
Document any out-of-the-ordinary physical exertion or stressful work factors that occurred before the heart attack, such as:
- Extreme temperatures: working in excessive heat or cold
- Heavy lifting or overexertion: beyond typical job duties
- Long work shifts or excessive overtime
Collect Medical Documentation
Gather medical evidence supporting your claim:
- Doctor’s notes describing the cause and contributing work factors
- Hospital records detailing the cardiac event
- Independent Medical Examination (IME) reports, if available
Obtain a Physician’s Treatment Plan
If your doctor has prescribed ongoing care due to your work-related heart attack, document:
- Required medications,
- Physical therapy recommendations, and
- Return-to-work restrictions or permanent disability status.
Is Your Heart Attack a Third-Party Claim or a Washington State L&I Claim?
Third-Party Claim
A third-party claim is one in which someone other than your employer or co-worker is responsible for your injury. If you have been injured on the job due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party claim, which combines your L&I claim with a personal injury claim using the same facts.
Unlike workers’ compensation payments, there is no limit to the amount of compensation an injured worker may seek in third-party damages. Third-party claims are private matters and are typically litigated directly with the Washington State Superior Court.
If your back injury leaves you out of work for an extended period of time, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages.
Washington State L&I Claim
A Washington state L&I claim results from a workplace injury or occupational disease. An L&I claim is monitored and managed by an L&I Claims Manager who sees the process through from initial claim filing to closure. If all goes as planned, your claim is accepted by L&I and you will receive certain benefits.
When you are injured or contract certain types of illnesses at work, you are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits. You can file an L&I claim in Washington state through the L&I website’s File Fast tool, by calling the L&I office at 877.561.3453, or at your doctor’s office. After you file, it is imperative that you call an experienced L&I attorney to help you navigate the L&I claims process.
What Compensation Are You Eligible For?
- Medical benefits: L&I medical benefits will cover all medical costs associated with your claim. This can include doctor appointments, treatments, surgeries, occupational therapy, and prescription medications.
- Time-loss benefits: If you are approved for time-loss benefits, you may receive compensation for the lost wages and vocational rehabilitation.
1. L&I disability pension: a life-long benefit awarded to injured workers who will never be able to return to any gainful employment due to a severe or life-threatening injury.
2. Permanent partial disability (PPD) award: a one-time sum paid to injured workers when their L&I claim is closed. The worker can re-enter the workforce following a PPD award.
3. Claim resolution settlement agreement (CRSA): an L&I settlement option where all parties agree to close an injury claim for a specified amount. When agreeing to this settlement type, the injured worker exchanges all future L&I benefits, except medical, for the payment.
We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker, and our Heart Attack Attorneys are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation you are entitled to by law. Our practice was founded on a commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, and we are proud of our record protecting the injured and disabled. Call us today for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how Emery | Reddy may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
