As we have learned from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, lung health is critically important and any complications to the respiratory system can majorly affect entire lifestyles. Lung trauma ranges from respiratory illness to organ injury and damage. Whether respiratory problems are caused by environmental exposures or physical impediments, if the workplace is determined to be the origin of such factors the injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation.
Lungs are vital organs to the continuation of human life. Damage to the respiratory system can severely limit one’s ability to perform routine job functions or restrict any capacity for work at all, leaving the affected worker unable to maintain necessary productivity and wages.
When discussing lung complications, it is important to discern differences between occupational injury and occupational disease. An occupational injury occurs from an uncommon, solitary event not expected to happen as part of the workers’ daily routine. When a workers’ injury continues to develop over time from a specific exposure or activity, it is classified as an occupational disease. Workplace-related lung trauma can fall under either occupational injury or disease depending on the situation.
An occupational injury is when a specific injury or event takes place that causes the worker harm and impedes their ability to perform their daily work activity. Occupational lung injuries vary in severity from strains in the soft tissue to a collapsed or punctured lung. The most serious chest and lung injuries often begin with fractured ribs that can result from a workplace fall or auto accident.
An occupational disease is a condition stemming from harmful workplace exposure. Common occupational lung diseases include inflammation, serious long-term damage, and cancer. Causes of occupational lung disease include the inhalation of irritants, toxins, bacteria, noxious fumes, fungal infections, hard metal dust, silica dust, asbestos fibers, ammonia, or other chemicals especially over long periods.
Two of the most common lung diseases include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While occupational asthma is the most frequent respiratory disease, not all workers are at the same risk level for this diagnosis. Workers who are exposed to dust, fibers, chemicals, or fumes are at greater risk. Construction workers, steel workers, railroad workers, miners, welders, and other similar workers are at higher risk for these occupational illnesses and injuries.
While lung injuries are not the most common occupational hazard, when they do occur you need someone in your corner to support you and provide you with the care you deserve. The Poirier Law Firm has experience with these types of cases and will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve to cover any medical bills and lost wages. Call today for a free consultation.