Sick Building Syndrome And Workers' Compensation

Some workers are sick of work, but some may be sick because of work. If your work environment is not healthy, you could suffer from a serious medical condition. When you are no longer able to work at your job, your building or work conditions could be to blame. Read on to find out more about sick building syndrome. 

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe when building occupants experience acute health effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a particular building but where no specific illness or cause can be identified. Symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, respiratory problems, and other similar issues.

Workers' Compensation Coverage

Workers' compensation insurance is meant to cover injuries and illnesses associated with a person's work. However, not all hurt workers are approved at once, and some may never be paid what they deserve. Injuries resulting from SBS can be difficult to prove, and that means many people are turned down when they cite this issue in their claims. One of the main reasons workers are turned down is that it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of a condition that meets SBS guidelines. 

In some cases, SBS may be caused by poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, or other environmental factors in the workplace. If an employer fails to maintain a safe and healthy work environment, they may be liable for injuries and illnesses that result from their negligence. That means that if you are turned down for workers' compensation benefits, you can sue your employer for negligence and potentially win monetary damages.

What to Do

To establish a workers' compensation claim for SBS, the worker will need to demonstrate that their condition was caused by their work environment and that their employer failed to provide a safe and healthy work environment. This may require the assistance of medical experts and other professionals who can help identify the cause of SBS and establish a link to the workplace. It's suggested that workers suffering from SBS keep good records of their symptoms, seek medical help, and follow up with an attorney when claims are denied. 

SBS can have a significant impact on workers' health and well-being, and it is important for employers to take steps to prevent the condition from occurring. If you are experiencing symptoms of SBS or other workplace-related illnesses, it's important to seek medical attention and consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation for your losses.

Contact a workers' compensation attorney to learn more.