What Jobs Are High-Risk for Respiratory Illness?
Employees in many different positions can be exposed to particulates that cause respiratory disease, irritation, and disease. Some of the industries with high rates of respiratory problems include:
- Construction,
- Mining,
- Agricultural work involving chemical pesticides and herbicides,
- Manufacturing,
- Vehicle repair, and
- Demolition
In addition, any job where employees repeatedly work around dust, aerosol sprays, or other fine particulates can pose a threat to workers’ health.
What Can Cause Respiratory Disease?
Respiratory illness can be caused by many different factors, including short or long-term exposure to airborne particles, acute injuries, and industrial accidents. Respiratory conditions that may entitle a worker to seek L&I benefits include the following:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung cancer
- Emphysema
- Cystic fibrosis
- Asbestosis
- Dyspnea
- Bronchiectasis
Our Respiratory Disease Attorneys are committed to helping you pursue your claim. Our experienced legal team understands the personal and financial hardships that a work-related injury or occupational disease can cause, and we make every effort to ease that burden and recover the compensation you deserve. To learn more about how Emery | Reddy may be able to help with your claim, please call us today for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how we may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
Is Your Respiratory Disease 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 respiratory illness 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 Can You Recover for Respiratory Illness?
- 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 L&I and Personal Injury 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.
