Work Injuries That Develop Over Time - Occupational Disease Claims
A workers' compensation claim does not always trace to a job-related accident or specific event or over a discrete period of time. Perhaps gradually, over time you noticed you couldn't hear as well, or your hands were numb and tingling and you dropped things. An occupational disease is an injury or illness arising from workplace exposures or repeated stresses on your body from doing the same tasks over and over.
The Law Offices of Hansen Malagon has a successful record in occupational disease claims. Our lawyers have more than 70 years of combined experience handling workers' compensation claims. Our experience is crucial to overcoming a built-in bias in the law that puts the burden on employees to prove that a disability is primarily (51%) work-related.
Contact us immediately if you sought medical treatment or missed work because of an injury that developed over time. We take cases throughout west Oregon.
Common Occupational Disease Claims
- Hearing loss from high decibels or prolonged exposure to workplace noise
- Cancer or other disease from chemical exposure
- Lung ailments from dust, fibers or chemicals
- Repetitive strain injuries in wrists (carpal tunnel syndrome), shoulders (torn rotator cuff) or other joints
- Vibration syndrome — permanent numbness in hands or arms from vibrating tools such as drills or chainsaws
The workers' comp benefits for occupational disease/occupational injury are the same as for any work-related injury.
We Understand These Claims
Attorney Peter Hansen and Evohl Malagon are adept at demonstrating that workplace exposures or normal job duties are the major cause of his client's disability, even if the employee had a pre-existing health condition or family history of such. We also know how to identify third party liability claims, such as tools and equipment that are inherently hazardous because of their design.
Our early investigation can be key to securing benefits. Call us at 503-821-7934 or 866-661-8679 if you think you may have an occupational disease claim. Our firm's partners meet clients at our offices in Portland, Gresham/Clackamas, Salem or Eugene/Springfield, or we can come to you.
