There are numerous work-related hurdles that New Jersey residents will face during their lifetimes. Two of the most common issues involved in workers’ compensation cases involve either work-related injuries, or work-related diseases. Both of these can affect workers in drastically different ways, but have an equally unpleasant and even potentially permanent impact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines occupational diseases as illnesses a worker can contract due to the nature of their job. This includes jobs in the health industry or impoverished areas by virtue of how frequently ailments like malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases are found in those professions or locations. However, it can also apply to workers in factories who may be exposed to toxic chemicals, fumes, or ingredients that can cause cancer or other chronic ailments.
Workplace injuries, as stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) involve any sort of incident that results in a person being physically harmed at work. The basic requirement is that the event itself must occur at the workplace, or in a location related to the workplace. Workplace injuries can include anything from broken bones to crush injuries, burn injuries, electric shocks, concussions, spinal damage, slip-and-fall accidents, and more.
The ailments or injuries resulting from these incidents can take a long time to recover from. Some may lead to long-term complications or disabilities. Other times, treatment can be costly and rack up massive medical bills. This is why many injured or sick workers will seek financial compensation, so they can heal with less concerns about the monetary aspects.