Occupational Illness Lawyers in New Hampshire and Vermont

If you fall ill due to the conditions of your job, you may have a valid workers’ compensation claim or personal injury case. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the diseases and disorders listed below as the most common work-related illnesses. At Rousseau & Ross, our personal injury attorneys serve workers with knowledgeable counsel. To schedule a free consultation to discuss whether you have an occupational illness claim in New Hampshire or Vermont, call us today.

Skin Diseases Or Disorders

This group of illnesses occurs when the body comes in contact with an irritant such as a chemical or plant.

Examples include:

Contact dermatitis
Eczema
Rashes
Oil acne
Friction blisters
Chrome ulcers
Inflammation of the skin

Respiratory Conditions

Breathing in toxic or irritating substances or gasses can cause this group of illnesses. Hazardous biological agents, chemicals, dust, gases, vapors or fumes are responsible for thousands of respiratory conditions in workers each year.

Examples of respiratory conditions include:

Silicosis
Asbestosis
Pneumonitis
Pharyngitis
Rhinitis (acute congestion)
Farmers lung
Beryllium disease
Tuberculosis
Occupational asthma
Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Toxic inhalation injury (metal fume fever, chronic obstructive bronchitis and other pneumoconioses)

Poisoning

Poisoning occurs when a toxic substance is ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Examples include poisoning by:

Benzene
Benzol
Carbon tetrachloride
Organic solvents
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Arsenic
Other metals
Carbon monoxide
Hydrogen sulfide
Other gases
Insecticide sprays
Parathion
Lead arsenate
Formaldehyde

Other Occupational Illnesses

Common illnesses that do not fall into the above categories include:

Heat and sunstroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stress
Freezing and frostbite
Decompression sickness
Effects of ionizing radiation (isotopes, x-rays and radium)
Effects of non-ionizing radiation (welding flash, ultra-violet rays and lasers)
Anthrax
AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis B or C
Brucellosis
Malignant or benign tumors
Histoplasmosis
Coccidioidomycsis

Illnesses contracted at work are often not detected for months or years after the initial exposure. Asbestosis is a good example of this. In cases where exposure occurred long ago, getting a highly qualified and experienced attorney is crucial. Evidence must be gathered – an especially difficult task when the employee has moved on to another job or has retired.

Still, there are ways to fight for and win workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of the passage of time.

If you would like to speak with attorneys experienced in workers’ compensation cases, please contact Rousseau & Ross online or by phone today for your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.