Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Asthma in Vermont?

While asthma is often triggered by allergies, genetics, or environmental factors outside of work, work-related asthma is not uncommon. In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 15% of asthma cases may be job-related. If you have developed asthma or your pre-existing asthma has worsened due to your job in Vermont, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding how Vermont handles work-related asthma claims can help protect your health and legal rights. Read on!

Is Work-Related Asthma Covered in Vermont?

In Vermont, workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who sustain an injury or develop an illness as a result of their work. If you developed asthma for the first time due to work-related triggers or your condition has worsened because of your work conditions, you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits. The good news is that you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent, as is the case with personal injury cases. You just need to prove that your asthma is connected to your work.

However, the reality is that establishing a link between asthma and your job can be challenging since this condition can stem from various sources. That said, it is possible to prove your workers’ compensation claim and recover benefits. With proper medical documentation and a clear record of substances you’ve been exposed to in the workplace, you can successfully recover compensation.

Common Causes of Asthma in the Workplace

In the workplace, asthma can be triggered by exposure to harmful substances. It is estimated that there are over three hundred substances in the workplace that can cause asthma. These include;

• Paints, varnishes, and ink
• Dust
• Mold
• Glues and adhesives
• Vehicle exhaust
• Smoke
• Insulation materials

The construction, printing, manufacturing, painting, and textiles industries are just a few of the industries commonly associated with work-related asthma.

How Do You Know if Your Asthma Is Work-Related?

To determine if your asthma is work-related, start by keeping a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur at work and when they occur outside of work. You might notice that symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or chest tightness are more severe when at work than when you’re outside of work. This pattern could be a sign that your condition is work-related.

Additionally, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A qualified doctor can review your medical history, perform tests, and evaluate whether your asthma was caused or aggravated by occupational exposure.

Proving Your Asthma Is Work-Related

To prove that your asthma is connected to your job, you will need evidence such as;

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
• Workplace exposure records or safety reports
• Statements from coworkers or supervisors about work conditions
• Expert testimony linking your condition to your work environment

A skilled Vermont workers’ compensation lawyer can help you gather this evidence and present it effectively.

If your claim is approved, you can recover,

• Medical expenses
• Temporary disability benefits
• Permanent disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for work-related asthma claims to be denied initially. Don’t panic if this happens. You have the right to appeal a denial. An attorney can represent you during the appeals process to ensure your claim is properly reviewed.

Contact Us for Legal Help

For help proving that your asthma is work-related, contact our skilled Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC.

Source:

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