If you start noticing allergic reactions connected to your place of work, start documenting your environmental injury by going to the doctor first.
If you’ve suffered an injury while performing your work duties or you can prove that the work conditions made you ill, then you have the right to file for workers compensation. However, the process of receiving benefits can be quite confusing. That’s why it’s recommended to work with a St. Louis work injury lawyer who can help you file your claim and advise you if any problems arise. It’s a way you can ensure you will receive monetary aid to cover for medical bills and any lost wages.
The reason we mention getting a lawyer is that workers’ compensation in Missouri is given in certain cases and calculated in a specific way. Proving that you are eligible to receive workers compensation benefits is not always so simple. Some types of injuries will not be covered, while others need to be quantified to pass the eligibility threshold.
So, what if you didn’t suffer a physical injury but an allergic reaction? Will it qualify for compensation?
Are Allergic Reactions Covered by Workers Comp?
Allergic reactions are a type of injury that is not simple to connect to its exact cause. It takes tests and sometimes trial and error to pinpoint the specific allergen that triggers your symptoms. Of course, often it is quite clear and straightforward, but this is a type of environmental injury, so you will have to prove that the exposure took place in your work environment.
For example, if you work with a certain substance and you develop a sensitivity to it, such as contact dermatitis when exposed to this irritant, then you are eligible to receive workers compensation for your medical treatment. If the allergic reaction is so severe that it prevents you from working, you may be entitled to wage loss benefits in Missouri.
What to Do If You Are Having an Allergic Reaction at Work?
If you start noticing allergic reactions connected to your workplace and the nature of your job, start documenting your environmental injury by going to the doctor first. Check if it is, indeed, an allergy to something in your work environment, and keep a log of your exposure to it and how your body reacts.
The chances of getting your claim approved increase dramatically if you work with an experienced St. Louis workers compensation attorney. Ask for their advice on how to support your claim and what Missouri laws require for a claim to pass. As per Missouri law, if your injuries keep you from doing your job or going to work at all, you are eligible to TTD benefits (temporary total disability.) The amount you will receive depends on how many days you will miss from work and what your wage was at the time of the injury.
Discuss Your Case with a Workers Comp Lawyer
If you believe you are suffering from allergic reactions due to your work environment, it is important to seek medical attention. Remember to document everything yourself, this will help when building your workers compensation case. If you are denied coverage by your employer or the insurance company, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Do not let them deny your rightful coverage. Call us today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online case evaluation form.