Employers can reduce the risk of employees contracting a disease by limiting their exposure to hazardous material, providing protective gear and comprehensive education and training for when contact is necessary. High-risk workers should also receive regular mandatory health screenings.

It’s impossible to completely remove the risk in some professions, like those in which dangerous chemicals are used or manufactured. Even robust preparatory and protective measures can’t entirely eliminate the possibility of diseases or illnesses. Workers’ compensation is in place to give workers assurance that in the event of a workplace disease that forces them to take time off of work, they’ll receive compensation for their treatment and lost wages.

Because workers’ compensation operates on a no-fault system, even if you were partially at fault for your illness – such as making a mistake in the handling of a dangerous chemical – you still may be eligible to receive reimbursement.

The drawback is that you won’t be able to pursue a personal injury claim against your employer, even if their negligence aggravated your condition. However, if your illness is the result of a violation of employee laws and workplace standards, you may have other legal options. Similarly, if your injury can be attributed to a third party, like the company that manufactured your safety gear, you can potentially pursue a traditional injury claim against the third party.

The workers’ compensation attorneys at our Boca Raton firm will give you honest and grounded legal advice about your case as we strategize how to maximize your compensation.