The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the following diseases and disorders as the most common work related illnesses. Click on any of the underlined words or phrases to learn more about the illness, including diagnosis and treatment options.

Skin Diseases or Disorders- This group of illnesses occur 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 of poison related illnesses 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- 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

We hope that the information found here will help you understand the variety of illness that effect workers.

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 the best 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 your New Hampshire and Vermont employee advocates at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

We represent clients in Western New Hampshire and Eastern Vermont, including the counties of Essex, Caledonia, Orange, Windsor, Windham, Coos, Grafton, Sullivan, Cheshire, and Merrimack.

If you want aggressive and expert pursuit of your personal injury claim and full recovery of all damages you are owed due to the negligence of another, call Van Dorn & Curtiss at 1-866-632-8980 for a consultation. Trust the lawyers other lawyers trust, and call Van Dorn & Curtiss today.