Practice Areas Occupational Illness

PHILADELPHIA OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS LAWYERS

Not all work-related injuries are caused by sudden accidents—some develop over time through repeated exposure to harmful conditions. Occupational illnesses can be just as serious as physical injuries, often requiring ongoing medical treatment and resulting in long-term health complications. At Stern & Cohen, we understand how devastating these conditions can be and how difficult it can be to prove they are work-related. That’s why we’re here to fight for the benefits and care you deserve.

Common Causes of Occupational Illness

Occupational illnesses can affect workers across a wide range of industries, especially in jobs involving chemical exposure, air pollutants, or hazardous materials. Some common causes include:

  • Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes
  • Repeated inhalation of dust, asbestos, or mold
  • Long-term contact with skin irritants or solvents
  • Exposure to infectious diseases (especially in healthcare settings)
  • Radiation or heavy metal exposure
  • Lack of proper protective equipment (PPE)

These illnesses may develop slowly, making it harder to connect them directly to the workplace without proper legal guidance.

Types of Occupational Illnesses

Occupational diseases vary in severity, symptoms, and long-term effects. Some of the most common include:

  • Respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD, pneumoconiosis)
  • Skin conditions (dermatitis, chemical burns, rashes)
  • Cancer linked to toxic exposure (e.g., mesothelioma)
  • Infectious diseases (hepatitis, COVID-19, tuberculosis)
  • Neurological conditions (due to solvents, lead, or pesticides)
  • Hearing loss due to long-term noise exposure
  • Repetitive strain injuries leading to chronic pain or inflammation

Treatment often involves ongoing medical care, specialist visits, medication, and in some cases, permanent lifestyle changes.

Workers’ Compensation for Occupational Illnesses

If you’ve developed an illness as a result of your work environment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation under Pennsylvania law. These benefits can help cover:

  • Medical expenses and specialist care
  • Wage loss due to time off or inability to return to work
  • Long-term disability benefits
  • Vocational rehabilitation if you can no longer perform your job

Unfortunately, occupational illness claims are often denied or disputed by employers and insurance carriers, who may argue that your condition wasn’t caused by work. That’s where we come in.

Let Our Firm Handle Your Claim

At Stern & Cohen, we know the challenges workers face when dealing with long-term illness and uncooperative insurance companies. We’ll build a strong case, connect your condition to your work, and fight for the full benefits you’re owed.

If your health has suffered because of your job, don’t wait. Contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the care and compensation you need to move forward.

Schedule a free & confidential consultation

Practice Areas

$115,000

Knee Injury from Pallet Impact

We recovered $115,000 for a worker whose knee was struck by a heavy pallet while pulling it down a ramp. Despite initial treatment delays and downplayed symptoms, imaging later confirmed a ligament tear and bone contusion.

$115,000

Construction Worker Sustains Knee Injury

We recovered $115,000 for a concrete finisher who injured his knee while kneeling on the job. Despite being wrongfully classified as a non-employee, we fought to prove his employment status and secure the compensation he deserved.

$115,000

Engineer Fall

We secured $115,000 for a worker who slipped while turning off backed-up sink water, resulting in injuries to the head, shoulder, and wrist.

$115,000

Partial Finger Amputations from Machinery Incident

We recovered $115,000 for a worker who lost the tips of three fingers in a machinery accident, requiring multiple surgeries and a skin graft.