Workers’ Compensation does pay for occupational illnesses as well as injuries caused by accidents. However, if you have developed cancer it can be very difficult to prove that your illness is work-related. Your occupation or workplace conditions, the type of cancer you have and even the state where you worked when you were exposed to cancer-causing agent can make a big difference in your case.
If you are seeking Workers’ Compensation benefits for cancer in Georgia, you need the help of an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney like attorney Laurie Robbins.
Cancer Presumption for Firefighters
The majority of states, but not all, have passed presumptive cancer legislation for firefighters. On its surface, that means that when a firefighter develops cancer, it is presumed that the cancer is a result of working as a firefighter and it is up to the employer to prove otherwise rather than being up to the firefighter to prove that there is a direct connection between their cancer and a certain event or exposure at work.
That helps, but in most states, there are very specific conditions that the firefighter must meet to qualify, such as having certain types of cancer, having undergone medical screening before becoming a firefighter, and working as a firefighter for a certain amount of time. Also, in some states the presumption does not apply to volunteer firefighters.
Proving Work-Related Cancer in Other Circumstances
There are other circumstances that can make it easier to prove that your cancer was work-related. For instance, mesothelioma is often tied to specific industries or worksites. Workers who were regularly exposed to second-hand smoke or chemicals known to be carcinogens have also had success.
If you believe that your cancer was caused by exposure to toxins on-the-job in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, please talk to Workers’ Compensation Attorney Laurie Robbins to learn more about your rights.