Occupational Exposure
Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law provides for compensation for occupational diseases. An occupational disease is a disease arising out of and in the course of employment peculiar to the occupations in which the Employees engaged. In seeking to compensate workers for occupational diseases Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law makes a distinction between diseases that are peculiar to the occupation and diseases that are ordinary diseases of life. Diseases that are peculiar to the occupation are ones where there is a direct causal connection between the conditions under which the work is performed and the disease which follows as a natural incident of the work. An ordinary disease of life is one in which the general public is equally exposed outside of employment and these are generally not compensable.
Common occupational diseases include exposure to asbestos, hearing loss, exposure to mold, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute and chronic intoxication with chemical substances and their sequels, bronchial asthma, acute general sallergic reactions, lung diseases induced by hard medal dust, pneumonia, coronary sclerosis, some cancers induces by carcinogens present in the work environment including, but not limited to, lung cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, mesothelioma, and malignant neoplasms. Skin diseases including, but not limited to, allergic dermatitis, oil acne, dermatophyte infection.
There is also Minnesota Law that says Peace Officers have a presumption that certain specified diseases are deemed compensable occupational diseases. People who may benefit by that presumption may include municipal fire or police department employees, state patrol, state crimes bureau, forest officers with the Department of Natural Resources, state correctional office, sheriffs or full-time deputy sheriffs.
If you believe that you have a disease that you acquired due to work in Minnesota we encourage you to contact Reitan Law Office, PLLC and speak with qualified Minnesota Workers’ Compensation attorney about your potential claim.
Call us today at 952-448-2800 – Chaska, 507-388-1800 – Mankato, or 612-424-6011 – Minneapolis, or complete our online intake form to schedule a free consultation.