Does workers' compensation cover occupational diseases?

Yes, workers’ compensation in Virginia does cover occupational diseases. If an employee has contracted an occupational disease or illness due to their job, they will be compensated for any medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, or death benefits related to the disease. In order to be eligible for workers’ compensation in Virginia, the occupational disease must be medically proven to arise out of the employment and be aggravated or accelerated by the employment. The employee must also prove that the illness was caused by a risk associated with the employee’s job, which other employees would not have been exposed to in their everyday lives. Common types of occupational diseases covered by workers’ compensation in Virginia include illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals, repetitive motions, and dangerous conditions. In cases of exposure to hazardous chemicals, death benefits and medical expenses are available for the employee, their family, and dependents. In some cases, if an occupational disease is not immediately apparent, the employee may be eligible for workers’ compensation even if the disease does not present itself until after the employee’s job has ended. However, employees must still file for compensation within two years of their job ending in order to be eligible. Overall, workers’ compensation in Virginia does cover occupational diseases, provided that the employee can present evidence that the disease is related to their job and the employee meets the other requirements outlined by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act.

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Does workers' compensation cover occupational diseases?

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