Determining if you are eligible for compensation for work-related sickness or injury should be fairly straightforward, but there are many things to consider before you apply. If you have any of the conditions outlined below and they are a result of your job, you are likely eligible to apply for worker’s compensation.
Occupational Illness
Some of the most common ailments that are eligible for workers compensation Portland are occupational illnesses, or illnesses that occur as a result of working conditions and environment. If you have developed a medical condition as a direct result of exposure to something in the workplace, you should apply for reimbursement. Even something that seems inconsequential, such as allergies, can be compensated for if something at work acts as a trigger.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
If your job requires that you perform the same motion over and over, you are eligible for compensation if you’re injured as a result. These types of injuries are known as repetitive motion injuries, and they can have lasting effects on your health. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common stress injuries, followed by tennis elbow, which can occur from constant heavy lifting.
Emotional or Mental Injuries
Not all work injuries are physical. A less common type of ailment that has recently been recognized by some courts is emotional or mental injury. Job-related stress can lead to heart problems and even some cancers. Stress is common in the workplace, but nonstop stress that lingers and doesn’t resolve over time can cause severe anxiety and other mental health problems. It can be difficult to prove that mental distress is directly related to employment, which is why it is harder to make a claim.
Worker’s compensation laws are complex and can be confusing to navigate. If you have an injury that is a direct result of your job, seek assistance to help you navigate the legalities of the reimbursement process.
