Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in St. Joseph

What are occupational illnesses?

There are many other ways you can be injured on the job such as through an occupational illness. Some examples of an occupation illness include:

• Asthma
• Asbestosis
• Silicosis
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Respiratory and lung diseases
• Skin disorders
• Cardiac diseases

These are just a few examples, and you should discuss your specific circumstances with a St. Joseph workers’ compensation attorney. We will work to build a strong case showing your illness was a direct result of workplace conditions.

What benefits are you entitled to in a workers’ compensation claim?

Through a workers' compensation claim you are entitled to certain benefits for your injury. The first is medical benefits. This can include hospital visits, emergency transportation, specialist care, and more. This will also cover any medical devices that you used during your recovery as well as after reaching maximum medical improvement. If your condition is deemed to affect you for the rest of your life, your employer will also cover these expenses in the medical portion of the claim.

Work loss benefits fall into two categories: temporary and permanent. As you may have guessed, temporary benefits are in place for a certain amount of time which they will then stop. This typically happens when an injured employee reaches MMI. You will be able to get a portion of your paycheck while you are out of work.

Permanent work loss benefits will continue after you have reached MMI and it has been found that you have a permanent injury. There are several factors that will not determine permanent work loss benefits and it can be a difficult road to be on after a workplace accident.

In some cases, an injured employee will be entitled to vocational benefits when they are unable to return to their previous role. These benefits are provided so that the person can be trained in another job or role. This is often difficult for an injured worker to come to terms with as they will essentially be making a career change.

The benefits you may be entitled to will depend on the individual circumstances of your accident or illness. A St. Joseph workers’ compensation attorney will work to obtain evidence that supports your claim. We will fight aggressively on your behalf to obtain compensation for your injuries. Do not trust that your employer and their insurance company will do the right thing. They will often try to deny or delay your claim to save themselves money, all the while you are suffering and in pain.

How a St. Joseph workers’ compensation attorney can help

When you have the right St. Joseph workers’ compensation attorney on your side you can rest assured that we will help move your case forward in any way we can. You will especially need legal assistance if you find yourself in the following situations:

• The company doctors clear you for work, but you are still not physically ready to return
• Your employer claims the injury was not work-related
• Your employer argues that you were at fault for your injuries
• You have improved but are unable to work in the same position you previously had
• The insurance adjuster has tried to convince you not to contact a St. Joseph workers’ compensation attorney
• The insurance adjuster wants you to make a statement before they will release the payment for your accident
• Your claim has been delayed, denied, or terminated prior to your recovery being completed

If it turns out that your claim was denied for legitimate reasons – like you’re not an employee, for example – don’t despair. We can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to recoup your damages instead.