Lungs are arguably one of the most vital organs in the body. Without strong, healthy lungs, a person is unable to take part in enjoyable activities, such as running or playing sports, or even everyday activities like caring for children. Unfortunately, many workers face the risk of developing lung disease due to exposure to hazardous conditions and materials in their work environment.

Exposure to dust, vapor, particulate matter, and fumes can cause irreversible damage to a worker's lungs, making them more susceptible to diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When a worker contracts an occupational lung disease due to their workplace environment, they may be entitled to file for workers' compensation benefits.

Am I Entitled to Workers' Compensation in Illinois for Lung Disease?

The answer to this question depends on the specifics of your case. In order to qualify for workers' compensation benefits, you must first meet certain criteria. Generally speaking, you must have been exposed to a hazard in your workplace environment that led to lung disease or another respiratory illness. The disease must be directly related to work conditions and not caused by non-work activities or environments.

Originally published: May 19, 2021 -- Updated: September 26, 2022

Update: In addition to understanding the symptoms and treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important for those who suffer from this condition to know their options for receiving workers' compensation benefits. Repetitive stress injuries will qualify for workers' comp as long as they arose out of the work you performed. If, during the course of your employment, you have regularly worked with your hands and completed tasks such as typing or operating tools or machinery, your injury will most likely be work-related, which will allow you to receive the proper benefits.

The benefits you receive may include medical benefits, which will cover the costs of all treatment related to your work injury. This will include doctor visits to diagnose your condition, any surgeries necessary to correct the issue, or ongoing forms of treatment, such as physical therapy.

There are many ways a person can be injured while they are on the job. When workplace accidents occur, or when a person experiences physical health issues due to the work they have performed, they will typically be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. But what about situations where a person becomes ill due to conditions in their workplace or exposure to an infectious disease? In these cases, workers will need to understand how workers’ comp addresses occupational diseases.

Benefits Available to People Who Experience Occupational Illnesses

Work-related health issues are a common concern for people in certain occupations. Workers who are exposed to substances that could cause them to suffer illnesses, such as construction or demolition workers who work around asbestos, will want to make sure the proper measures are taken to ensure their safety. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has become a significant concern for many people. Employees who work around the general public can be exposed to Covid, which may not only require them to take time off work while they are contagious but may also have long-term effects on their health.

Fortunately, workers’ compensation treats occupational diseases the same as other injuries that occur while a person is working. If a person can demonstrate that they contracted an illness due to exposure to certain substances or germs in the workplace, or if they can show that a disease arose out of the work they performed, they will be able to receive workers’ comp benefits.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 2.7 million workplace injuries and illnesses in the year 2020. The agriculture, mining, utilities, construction, and manufacturing industries accounted for a significant portion of work-related injuries. However, a workplace accident or illness can happen to anyone in any profession.

If you or a loved one were hurt on the job, you may be exploring your options. Workers' compensation and personal injury laws can be complicated and hard to understand. Many people are especially confused by the role of liability in a work injury case.

Workers' Compensation is No-Fault in Illinois

Employees who are hurt on the job are typically entitled to workers' compensation as long as their injury is related to work duties, occurred at work, and happened while the employee was "on the clock." In Illinois, workers' compensation is no-fault. This means that the worker does not need to prove that an employer acted negligently or wrongfully to recover compensation.

A work accident that happens in a split second can change someone’s life forever. Whether in an office, construction site, delivery truck, or another work environment, work injuries can be severe. If you or a loved one were the victim of a serious work injury, you may be interested in exploring your legal options. Most people know that workers’ compensation insurance exists, but they are unaware of exactly what workers’ comp covers or how they should go about pursuing compensation. Many injured workers are also unaware of their rights – a fact which is often exploited by employers and insurance companies.

Workers’ Compensation and Permanent Partial Disabilities

Equipment-related mishaps, slip and fall accidents, struck-by accidents, on-the-job car crashes, and other work accidents can lead to life-changing injuries. Spine injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation injuries, and severe burns are just some of the work injuries that can leave a worker permanently disabled. If you or a loved one are in this situation, it is important to understand your rights under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Injured workers who can no longer work or must work a different job may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits (PPD).

PPD benefits vary from case to case. Sometimes, the amount of money a person receives is based on the difference between their pre-injury pay and their post-injury pay. Illinois law also provides a schedule of injuries that lists compensation based on injuries to certain body parts.