Does Maryland Workers’ Compensation Cover Skin Conditions?
Workers’ compensation covers a wide variety of injuries that happen on the job. You might wonder if things like skin conditions and dermatological injuries are included in those benefits. The answer is typically yes – as long as you can prove the condition was caused or exacerbated by your job. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can determine whether or not your injury is compensable, and then help you secure the compensation to which you are entitled.
What types of skin conditions are covered under workers’ compensation?
Maryland workers’ compensation typically covers three general types of occupational skin conditions and diseases.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that causes redness, irritation, and blisters. The CDC states that contact dermatitis is the second most common type of occupational disease, accounting for 15 to 20 percent of all reports. This condition can result from exposure to harmful or toxic chemicals on the job, or even from continuous use of water. Dermatitis is often a curable condition.
Hives
This is another painful condition that causes symptoms including skin irritation, a burning sensation, and inflamed bumps and welts on areas of the skin. Hives may last days or even weeks, and can be caused by allergic reactions, overexposure to sunlight, exposure to certain chemicals, or autoimmune reactions. Some individuals also experience hives when in high-stress situations, which can be exacerbated on the job.
Skin cancer
Most commonly caused by overexposure to dangerous UV rays from the sun, workers who are outdoors all day may be susceptible to a variety of skin cancers. These can include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and others. Skin cancer can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
What causes workplace skin injuries and conditions?
Because the skin is the largest organ in the body, there are a variety of ways to injure or develop a condition of the epidermis. Some of the most common include:
- Biological. These are agents that can harm your skin, like bacteria, viruses, and bugs carrying disease (like ticks and mosquitoes). Landscapers and other outdoor workers may be especially vulnerable to biological agents.
- Chemical. Working in professions like industrial cleaning, lab work, or hairdressing can put one in contact with harmful chemicals every day. This can lead to anything from contact dermatitis to burn injuries.
- Mechanical. This means physical injury to the skin, like cuts, bruises, or fractures. Typically these injuries are caused by tools, machines, or accidents on the job.
- Physical. Workers who do their jobs outside can be at risk of skin injury from UV rays or frostbite, either of which can cause severe skin damage. This can include construction workers, plow drivers, and other outdoor employees.
Whether you developed your dermatological condition from an acute event or accident, or whether it developed over time, you will need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side to help prove your case.
The workers’ compensation lawyers at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. are proud to represent the people of Maryland when they are injured on the job. We can work to help you secure the benefits you deserve when you are unable to work. To schedule a free consultation about your case, please call 410-730-7737 or use our contact form.
Joshua Plaxen graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2012 magna cum laude. He was also inducted into the Heuisler Honor Society for finishing in the top ten percent of his class. During law school, Joshua served on the Executive Board of the University of Baltimore Law Review.