People who perform most of their work duties outside enjoy many benefits, but they're also at increased risk of developing skin cancer. Lifeguards, landscapers, construction workers, and other outdoor workers who suffer daily exposure to the Florida sun may be able to collect workers’ compensation to pay for the costs of melanoma cancer treatments.
When Will Workers' Compensation Pay for Melanoma?
Although melanoma is the rarest type of work-related skin cancer, it's also the most deadly. Treatment is typically aggressive, and employees usually don't return to work without limitations on the number of hours they can spend outdoors. In order for an employee to receive medical treatment and income benefits, he or she must prove that the melanoma was primarily caused by his or her employment situation.
For example, employees may qualify for payment if an injury was sustained:
- In the workplace. Workers’ compensation provides for occupational illnesses that are caused by long-term exposure to hazardous conditions, such as an employee who spends most of his or her time exposed to the sun.
- From a work-related activity. Even if your employment doesn't strictly involve working outdoors, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits if you suffered melanoma while in service to your employer, such as driving a truck or making deliveries.
- Due to a safety violation. Employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment to their workers, including those who work outside. If your employer didn't take measures to protect you from the direct rays of the sun—or ignored safety precautions in order to maximize profits—you may be able to seek compensation.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims involving sun exposure may be denied if there's not a strong causal connection between the employment and the injury. For instance, an employee with fair skin or a family history of cancer has a naturally higher risk of melanoma than other workers. In these cases, it will take a skilled attorney to prove your case and get you the benefits you deserve.
The attorneys at Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. will listen to the details of your case and perform a full investigation into your injury and your employment. Contact us today by filling out the quick contact form on this page, or order your free copy of our book, It’s Not Rocket Science, It’s Workers’ Comp, to learn more about your employee rights.
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