Work Injuries That Develop Over Time
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 Peter Hansen has a successful record in occupational disease claims. Our lawyer has practiced in Oregon workers' compensation for 30 years. His 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 is 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. He is also alert for evidence of third party liability, 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. Mr. Hansen meets clients at our offices in Portland, Gresham and Tillamook, or he can come to you.
