Getting a mesothelioma diagnosis can actually turn your entire life upside down. After all, you are not only dealing with a serious illness but also worrying about how to support yourself and your family. With that set, one of the most common concerns that people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have is whether they can file for workers’ compensation, especially if their illness is linked to asbestos exposure at the workplace. If you are wondering about something similar, you should know that the good news is that you can file for workers’ compensation.
Read on to learn more.
Workers’ Compensation & Mesothelioma – A Basic Understanding
Naturally, every person who gets diagnosed with mesothelioma wants to know if they can get support. With that set, you should know that mesothelioma workers compensation claims can actually provide financial relief, especially if the exposure to asbestos occurred on the job. The legal system of workers’ compensation is exclusively designed to help injured workers cover their lost wages and medical bills.
What this means is that if such a case is handled correctly, it can provide you and your family with the much-needed breathing room during stressful times. You might want to get in touch with the legal team at ELSM Law to get guidance through this complex claim process.
Asbestos Exposure & Employers
The truth about asbestos exposure is that many workers simply do not realize how long they have been exposed to this harmful substance before the first symptoms appear. With that set, mesothelioma can actually take decades to develop, which indicates that the exposure could have happened very early in one’s career. Typically, construction workers, shipyard employees, manufacturing employees, and workers who do automotive jobs are at the highest risk.
If you know that you have been exposed to asbestos, you must understand your work history, as this knowledge will make the claim process easier.
Who Qualifies for A Workers’ Compensation Claim
Now, if you’re confused about the legal process, you must be wondering whether or not you actually qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim. With that said, you should know that if you have been exposed to asbestos while at your workplace, you can qualify for the benefits received through workers’ compensation.
This aspect is true even if you no longer work with the company where you got exposed to asbestos. However, it is important to mention here that potential eligibility depends on effective documentation, especially your work history, so that you can confirm legally that asbestos exposure occurred and that this exposure was the primary cause of your diagnosis.
What Are the Potential Benefits
When it comes to the potential benefits of workers’ compensation, you should know that these typically include rate replacement, medical treatment, and disability benefits. If you are not familiar with the law related to workers’ compensation, you must understand that this benefit usually limits your ability to sue your potential employer directly. Despite these limitations, workers’ compensation still serves as an important financial resource during the time when you need it the most.
