Define: Occupational Disease

Occupational disease refers to an illness or health condition that arises as a direct result of exposure to hazards or risk factors in the workplace. Unlike injuries that occur suddenly due to accidents, occupational diseases develop over time as a result of prolonged exposure to harmful substances, conditions, or activities associated with certain occupations or industries. Common examples of occupational diseases include respiratory conditions caused by exposure to dust or chemicals, repetitive strain injuries from repetitive movements, hearing loss due to noise exposure, and mental health disorders stemming from workplace stress or trauma. Occupational diseases can have serious consequences for affected individuals, impacting their health, well-being, and ability to work. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment, including measures to prevent occupational diseases through hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of appropriate control measures. Additionally, many jurisdictions have workers’ compensation systems in place to provide benefits and compensation to workers who suffer from occupational diseases as a result of their employment.

Occupational diseases may occur if a worker works in a harmful environment with toxins. For example, many workers who were exposed to asbestos developed cancer and were able to collect compensation through workers’ compensation lawsuits. Workers compensation benefits are provided to workers who acquire an occupational disease from a dangerous work environment.

If you have acquired an occupational disease you first should contact your employer and discuss your compensation options through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Generally, an employer will have insurance to compensate you for lost wages and medical expenses due to an occupational disease. If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance or the amount they are willing to pay does not fully compensate you for your losses you can talk to a work comp lawyer about your options to get a larger work comp settlement or file a personal injury claim against your employer.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.