What Types of Cancers Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

Generally, any type of cancer that develops due to conditions in a workplace may qualify for payment through workers’ compensation. Therefore, you may have a chance to file a claim if you develop conditions like skin cancer or mesothelioma. 

However, you must show that your work directly contributed to the development of your cancer to build a successful claim. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can assess your situation and provide personalized advice about filing a claim after a cancer diagnosis. 

Learn What Types of Cancer Qualify for Workers’ Compensation 

You may qualify to file a workers’ comp claim if you developed any time of cancer due to conditions at your workplace. Keep in mind that occupational cancer kills more than 200,000 people a year around the world, making this a serious concern for many people. 

Generally, people develop occupational cancer due to exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and benzene. Some of the most common workplace-related cancers include:

Lung Cancer

Exposure to workplace carcinogens like arsenic, nickel, chromium, and asbestos can result in the development of lung cancer. Other risk factors for lung cancer can include smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, and exposure to radon. 

Your employer may try to claim that factors outside of work caused your lung cancer. It’s essential that you work with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer to dispute these claims. 

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is cancer of the tissues covering various internal organs. Exposure to asbestos fibers and dust represents the primary cause of mesothelioma. This exposure often occurs at work. 

An Atlanta mesothelioma and asbestos cancer lawyer can help if a doctor diagnoses you with this condition. 

Bladder Cancer 

Individuals exposed to chemicals from dyes, paints, leather, some textiles, hairdressing supplies, and rubber at work may later develop bladder cancer. However, other factors may also contribute to the development of this form of cancer. 

Leukemia

Many workers exposed to formaldehyde and benzene end up developing leukemia, a cancer of the blood. These chemicals appear in many building materials. Manufacturers also use benzene in the production of:

• Dyes
• Detergents 
• Pesticides
• Plastics
• Rubbers
• Drugs 

Workers involved in the production of shampoos, soaps, and cleaning products may face exposure to formaldehyde. You can learn more about the link between these chemicals and leukemia with a legal professional. 

Other Cancers

You may develop other forms of cancer due to workplace hazards. If you believe that exposure to carcinogens in the workplace led to your cancer diagnosis, you can reach out to an attorney. 

A lawyer can assess your situation and provide more information about what types of cancers qualify for workers’ compensation.

Will Workers’ Comp Help After a Cancer Diagnosis?

You may have a chance to secure money to cover your losses through workers’ comp if a lawyer can prove that circumstances at your workplace caused your cancer. Workers’ comp cancer claims often prove challenging because other factors can also cause cancer. 

Your employer may try to claim that your cancer came from events outside of work. Therefore, it’s essential that you get help from a lawyer who can support your workers’ comp claim by making direct connections between your work and your diagnosis. 

What Costs Will Workers’ Comp Cover After a Cancer Diagnosis?

The workers’ comp system may cover your medical expenses and a percentage of your lost pay if you qualify to file a claim after a cancer diagnosis. For example, depending on your circumstances, you may receive money to pay for:

• Diagnostic tests to identify your cancer
• Surgeries
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy 
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy 
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplants 
• Medications 

The treatments for cancer can vary considerably based on the type of cancer you develop and the progress of the disease. 

Your workers’ comp claim may also provide up to 66% of your average pay for the time you miss from work during treatment. You can discuss all money available through workers’ comp with your attorney. 

Can You File a Lawsuit for Occupational Cancer?

Generally, you can’t sue your employer in Georgia, even if you develop cancer due to your work. However, an attorney may help with a lawsuit if a third party’s actions caused your cancer. 

For example, you may have a valid lawsuit if you develop mesothelioma because you used a defective safety mask when handling asbestos fibers. In this case, your attorney may build a claim against the company that manufactured the masks. 

A lawsuit may help you seek additional compensation for your medical bills, lost pay, emotional suffering, pain, and mental anguish. 

Talk to Us About Workers’ Comp Claims for Cancer

What types of cancers qualify for workers’ compensation in Georgia? Generally, you may have a chance to file a claim if a lawyer can prove that any type of cancer came from events at work. 

Our team at John Foy & Associates can review your situation and provide personalized information about your legal options. We’re here to help when you call or complete our online contact form.