Many people realize the various challenges that workers encounter following a job-related injury. However, some people do not recognize how serious many job-related illnesses are. If you are struggling with any type of job-related illness, you likely have a number of hurdles to work through, whether you are having difficulty paying medical costs, have to take time off of work or even worry about losing your life.
In fact, statistics shed light on the prevalence of occupational illnesses and some of the consequences that workers facing these hardships often endure.
The prevalence of work-related illnesses
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private sector employers reported 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2018 (the same as in 2017). In certain fields, such as those who work in the health care industry, the likelihood of an occupational illness is especially high. Unfortunately, some workers who lose the ability to perform their job duties as a result of a debilitating illness do not understand all of the options that are available, such as workers’ compensation benefits, depending on the details of a case.
The impact of occupational illnesses
Aside from leading to the loss of life, job-related illnesses often cause significant physical suffering and emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety. From a financial point of view, missing work is very hard for some people and medical care is very costly in many cases. You need to examine your options if an occupational illness is making your life difficult and workers’ compensation helps many people in this position move forward with their lives.
