You go to work each day to support your family. Whether you work in construction or healthcare, your job helps keep the community running. But some jobs can expose you to long-term health risks you may not notice right away, including cancer.
Fortunately, Ohio’s workers’ compensation system may cover cancer as a work-related disease. Thus, you can file a claim if you can show that workplace exposure caused your cancer.
Common cancer-causing exposure at work
Knowing which workplace hazards can cause cancer is the first step in building a strong claim. Construction workers often face several harmful substances on job sites. Asbestos may expose you to mesothelioma risk. When you cut concrete or stone, silica dust can raise your risk of lung cancer. Additionally, heavy machinery produces diesel exhaust that contains chemicals that may cause cancer.
While construction work has physical risks you can often see, healthcare workers also face hidden dangers that can be just as serious. X-rays and CT scans expose you to ionizing radiation every day. Chemotherapy uses cancer drugs that can also harm you. Some sterilizing chemicals, such as ethylene oxide, may also raise your cancer risk. But to qualify for benefits, your job must have given you cancer.
Proving your claims takes strong evidence
Knowing about workplace carcinogens isn’t enough, you must prove exposure caused your specific cancer. Filing a cancer claim differs significantly from reporting an immediate injury. This is because you must prove your job exposed you to substantially higher cancer risk than the general public faces. This requirement creates real challenges for workers like you.
Strengthen your claim with legal help
These challenges mean you don’t have to face this process alone. Many cancer-related worker’s compensation claims initially face denials. Establishing the connection between workplace exposure and your diagnosis requires thorough documentation and strong evidence.
Many workers find that professional legal guidance helps them navigate the complex claims process more effectively. Taking time to explore your options and understand the resources available to you can make a significant difference in pursuing the benefits you deserve.