What Skin Conditions Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

Skin conditions caused by exposure to irritants or other on-the-job circumstances may qualify for workers’ compensation in Georgia. You may experience a wide range of skin conditions, depending on your employment. 

An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can review your situation and determine if your condition qualifies you to file a claim. An attorney can also provide more detailed information about these conditions. 

Learn About What Skin Conditions Qualify for Workers’ Comp Claims

Generally, employees may file a workers’ comp claim if they develop a skin condition due to their work. Many skin conditions can arise due to on-the-job conditions. Examples of common occupational skin diseases include:

Dermatitis 

Dermatitis causes irritation and swelling in your skin, often resulting in:

• Itching
• Rashes, flakes, and crusts 
• Blisters and oozing wounds

Individuals who work around cleaning supplies, solvents, or with some metals are at a higher risk of developing dermatitis. 

Miliaria (Heat Rash)

Individuals who have to work outside in hot weather may develop heat rash (or miliaria). Generally, these uncomfortable and itching blisters will go away on their own. However, severe cases may require treatment by a doctor. 

The workers’ comp system may cover these costs if you require medical care for your heat rash. 

Ringworm (Tinea)

Ringworm is a rash caused by a fungal infection that may require prescription medication for treatment. Some workers will develop tinea due to workplace conditions. For example, individuals who groom pets are at a higher risk of developing this skin condition. 

Not everyone who develops tinea will qualify for workers’ comp payments. However, if you require medical care for this ailment, you may discuss your situation with a lawyer. 

Cancer 

Finally, exposure to toxic substances at work or long-term exposure to UV rays when working outside can contribute to the development of skin cancer. Connecting a skin cancer diagnosis to work activities can prove challenging, so contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer about your circumstances and legal options. 

Other Skin Conditions

Your work may lead to the development of other skin conditions outside of these common issues. If you believe that you developed an issue with your skin – or another health condition – because of your job, you can reach out to an attorney to discuss the specifics of your situation. 

An attorney in Atlanta can provide more information about what skin conditions qualify for workers’ compensation and review the specifics of your circumstances. 

How Does a Lawyer Prove Your Skin Condition Qualifies for Workers’ Comp?

An attorney will need to show that you developed a skin condition due to conditions at your job and that the skin condition required medical attention to help you with a workers’ comp claim in Georgia. 

Your lawyer will need to investigate the causes of your skin condition and gather evidence to back up a workers’ comp claim. For example, an attorney may need to review your medical records to see the official cause of your condition and then link that cause to your job. 

You can learn more about what a workers’ compensation lawyer does to build a claim by reaching out to a professional law firm. 

What Money Do You Get if You Qualify for Workers’ Comp?

If you qualify for workers’ comp after developing a skin condition, you may receive money for your:

Medical Expenses

You may require expensive medical care to heal a skin condition. A workers’ comp claim may help you get funds to pay for:

• Diagnostic tests to identify your condition
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Medical treatments 

An attorney can track all of your medical bills and add them to your workers’ comp claim. 

Lost Pay

The workers’ comp system in Georgia may pay up to 66% of your lost wages if you need significant time off work to recover from a skin condition. You may not need to miss work when getting treatment for a skin condition, however. 

Do You Have Other Options to Get Compensation for a Skin Condition?

You may seek additional compensation if you develop a skin condition at work. An attorney may help you file a lawsuit if your condition comes from the actions of a third party instead of your employer. 

For example, you may have a chance to file a lawsuit if you develop dermatitis because you used defective protective gear when handling a dangerous chemical. In this situation, a lawyer could help with a lawsuit against the company that made the safety gear.

A lawsuit may allow you to obtain funds for your healthcare bills, lost pay, pain, and emotional suffering. 

Talk to Us About Getting Workers’ Comp for a Skin Condition

What skin conditions qualify for workers’ compensation in Georgia? Any condition caused by events at your job may qualify for money through the workers’ comp system. Our team at John Foy & Associates can review your specific situation and determine if you should file a claim. 

You can discuss your circumstances now by calling or completing our online contact form.