Asthma can be a dehabilitating disorder, and it’s suffered by millions of Americans. It can make it hard to breathe, lead to major health complications, and in extreme cases, cause death. While many people naturally develop asthma over time, some acquire it as a result of their work. If this is the case, you may be entitled to some sort of legal compensation for your work-acquired injury. The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, as every state – including New Jersey – has different laws here.
How can you tell if your asthma is work-related?
There are many questions you’ll need to answer in order to prove that your asthma was work-related. The most obvious are these: When did it develop? Were you exposed to any hazardous chemicals? Are there others in your workforce who also developed asthma?
Depending on the answers to this question, you may want to consider contacting medical and legal professionals who are capable of answering these questions and can give you additional guidance.
Can you be legally compensated if you have developed asthma from work?
The answer may change, but yes, it is possible. Workers’ compensation law notes that a person may be compensated for a work-related injury if it can be proved that the asthma came from work. There are more than 300 potential chemicals that can result in the development of asthma, so this is not uncommon at all.
Sadly, asthma can result in major life limitations and medical expenses. As such, you should consider contacting an attorney to review your potential legal options and determine if you are entitled to any compensation for your injuries.