Greenville Occupational Disease Lawyer

Working in certain industries comes with risks, which can sometimes lead to serious health issues that develop over time. They are known as occupational diseases and can affect workers in many fields.

If you have developed an occupational disease in Greenville, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical bills, lost wages, and more under South Carolina law. In some situations, workers with an occupational illness may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party personal injury lawsuit. Our occupational disease attorneys are here to help you maximize your recovery from every available source.

Contact us now for a free consultation with an occupational disease lawyer at The Melonakos Law Firm.

Our Greenville Occupational Disease Law Firm Can Help

At The Melonakos Law Firm, we work hard to help workers in Greenville, South Carolina, who are suffering from work-related illnesses. Our occupational disease attorneys have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process and help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with a job-related illness, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

At The Melonakos Law Firm, we are passionate about protecting the rights of workers in Greenville who have developed occupational diseases. We know that work-related illnesses can cause significant hardships. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you need in an occupational disease claim so you can focus on your health.

Our firm is well-known for providing personalized attention to each of our clients. We take the time to listen to your story, and we work tirelessly to get the best results possible for you. As one of our past clients, Mia, said, “Attorney Mike was generous and empathetic, I am appreciative. Thank you for helping me move forward with my life.”

What Is an Occupational Disease?

An occupational disease is an illness or medical condition resulting from or made worse by the environment or conditions at your workplace. Occupational diseases usually develop over time, and workers may not realize that their illness is connected to their job for years. In some cases, occupational illnesses may not be immediately apparent, and they often require medical tests and evaluations to confirm the link to the workplace.

If you think your illness may be linked to workplace exposure to hazardous materials or other conditions on the job, it’s essential to seek legal help right away. Our occupational disease lawyers can help you determine whether your illness qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits or other forms of compensation.

Common Types of Occupational Diseases in Greenville, SC

Workers in various industries in Greenville are at risk for occupational diseases. Some of the most common types of workplace illnesses include:

• Respiratory illnesses – Workers in construction, manufacturing, and mining may be exposed to chemicals, dust, and harmful fumes that can cause respiratory conditions like asthma, silicosis, and chronic bronchitis.
• Hearing loss – Workers in factories, construction sites, and other loud environments are at risk of losing their hearing over time due to constant noise exposure.
• Musculoskeletal disorders – Repetitive motions, such as typing or continually lifting heavy objects, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain.
• Cancer – Certain occupations expose workers to carcinogens, like asbestos or benzene, which can cause cancer after on-the-job exposure.
• Skin diseases – Workers in jobs that require handling chemicals, oils, or cleaning agents can develop skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or burns.

Each type of occupational disease requires specific legal knowledge to pursue compensation. Our occupational diseases law firm has the experience and resources to handle challenging workplace illness cases.

Legal Rights for Workers with Occupational Illnesses

If you have an occupational disease, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical care expenses, partial replacement of lost wages, disability payments, and rehabilitation costs. Workers’ comp benefits are available to employees on a no-fault basis. That means claimants do not have to prove that their employers did anything wrong to recover benefits.

If a third party other than your employer or a co-worker was responsible for the conditions that made you ill, you may pursue additional compensation by filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit against the parties at fault for your exposure. For example, if your work required you to perform your duties in someone else’s asbestos-laden building, you could have a third-party personal injury claim against the property owner, the manufacturer of the asbestos, and others. Third-party personal injury claims can provide benefits unavailable from workers’ comp, such as full coverage of lost income and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

The Claims Process for Occupational Disease Compensation in Greenville

It is not always easy to prove that your illness is directly related to your work, especially if it developed slowly over time. However, with the right evidence and legal help, you can make a strong case for compensation. The workers’ comp process usually involves:

• Reporting the illness to your employer – As soon as you receive a diagnosis for your occupational disease, report it to your employer. Be sure to provide all medical documentation from your doctor that supports your claim.
• Hiring an experienced attorney – Having a skilled workers’ comp lawyer on your team from the beginning of your case can alleviate many of the stresses of filing a claim. The lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm can make the process easier for you, and we know how to keep your case moving forward.
• Filing a workers’ compensation claim – After reporting your illness, you must submit a workers’ compensation claim to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. The filing will begin the process of getting compensation for your medical treatment and lost wages.
• Gathering medical evidence – Your doctor’s diagnosis and medical records will be essential in proving that your illness is work-related. You may also need to show how long you’ve been exposed to harmful conditions at work.
• Pursuing an appeal (if necessary) – If you receive a denial for your claim or your benefits are less than you deserve, you have the right to appeal the decision. We can help you through the appeals process and represent you at any hearings.

If a third party was responsible for your occupational disease, such as a company that supplied harmful chemicals used at work, we can also help you file a third-party personal injury claim against that party for additional compensation.

What Our Occupational Illness Lawyers Can Do for You

At The Melonakos Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the entire process of pursuing compensation for your work-related illness. Our occupational disease attorneys stand ready to:

• Investigate your case and work to determine the cause of your illness
• Help you gather medical evidence and expert opinions to support your workers’ comp claim or third-party personal injury case
• Work with doctors and specialists to understand the full impact of your illness
• Handle the claims paperwork
• Communicate with insurance companies and employers
• Represent you at hearings or in court if necessary

If you are suffering from an occupational disease, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact The Melonakos Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced Greenville workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the maximum benefits you deserve.