Most people think of workers’ compensation as something covering a severe workplace accident. For example, if a construction worker falls from some height and breaks a leg, workers’ comp is there to pay for his or her medical bills and lost wages until recovery is reached. However, workers’ comp also covers occupational disease.
Occupational diseases are conditions that arise after a worker is exposed to dangerous situations. The disease must be produced as a natural incident of a particular occupation. For example, construction workers who knock down old buildings are sometimes exposed to asbestos, which is a carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma.
For slow-acting diseases, you must have been diagnosed with the disease before being able to file a workers’ compensation claim. You have 15 days from the discovery of your injury to report your illness to your manager or employer, which must be in writing.
After learning of your disease, your employer has 10 days to submit an Employer’s First Report of Injury or Illness to the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration. He or she must provide copies of this form to you and to his or her workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
If your illness is particularly severe, you might need the help of an experienced Albuquerque workers’ compensation lawyer. Your employer’s insurance company might not want to pay the full amount you deserve for your treatment. If they deny your claim, you will need a lawyer to help you file an appeal and defend your case.
Talk to our skilled attorney about your situation as soon as possible. Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law is dedicated to helping the victims of injury seek compensation for their medical bills and lost wages. Let us see what we can do to help you get the coverage you deserve.
Contact us at (505) 219-2176 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today.