Fact Checked Wisconsin Occupational Exposure Lawyers
Last updated on April 2, 2025
If you or a loved one suffers from an occupational disease or injury, you need a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer working for you. At Domer Law, we combine 80 years of experience to help injured workers in Waukesha, Milwaukee and all throughout Wisconsin.
Our attorneys will work hard to help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you need. We will make a persuasive case on your behalf for all the benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Injuries And Illnesses Caused By Occupational Exposure
Many injured workers think the only type of worker’s compensation injury is from a traumatic event—like falling at work, lifting a part, or a car accident. However, a worker also can bring a claim if they are injured from their repetitive job duties or from an occupational exposure. There are countless varieties of accidents and injuries that can keep a person from working. For example, any of the following diseases or injuries may entitle you to workers’ compensation benefits:
- Back/Neck injuries
- Joint injuries
- Respiratory disease
- Cancer
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Silicosis
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Hearing loss
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Skin conditions
- Wrongful death
The insurance company may dispute whether or not the injury took place at work. Fortunately, we know exactly how to gather evidence to build a strong claim or file an appeal for a denied claim. We are dedicated to getting full compensation for you, including benefits you might not be aware of – like loss of earning capacity or job retraining benefits.
Workers’ Compensation For Victims Of Occupational Exposure
In Wisconsin, an occupational disease is any chronic ailment that occurs due to work-related activities. Unlike injuries from a single accident, these conditions develop gradually through repeated exposure to harmful substances or activities. The injury could be from a worker’s many-year repetitive job duties or from just one day/long shift of significant workplace efforts (Wisconsin law indicates that a worker can bring an occupational exposure claim from just a few hours of strenuous activity!). A physician needs to indicate that a worker’s job duties/exposure were a material, contributory causative factor in the onset or progression of a condition. If you’ve contracted an illness because of your job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Wisconsin law provides several types of compensation for occupational disease victims:
- Medical benefits that cover all reasonable and necessary treatment costs related to your condition
- Temporary disability benefits that replace about two-thirds of your wages while you recover
- Permanent disability benefits for lasting health impacts to the injured body part, even after treatment
- Loss of earning capacity or vocational retraining benefits (depending on the injured body part) if the worker cannot return to their regular employment.
- Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal cases
- Funeral expense coverage when occupational diseases lead to death
At Domer Law, all we practice is worker’s compensation law, and our skilled attorneys can help determine if you qualify for these complex benefit categories and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Many workers don’t realize the full extent of benefits available when facing an occupational illness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Exposure
Here are answers to common questions we receive from Wisconsin workers suffering from occupational diseases:
What is the statute of limitations?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations to bring an occupational exposure claim is very long—12 years! A worker needs to file an occupational exposure claim within 12 years of the date of disability (generally the last day of work or the 1st missed work day attributable to the condition).
This timeline differs from standard workplace injuries, recognizing that occupational diseases often develop gradually. Some conditions like hearing loss or certain respiratory illnesses have special provisions that may extend these deadlines. Don’t assume it’s too late to file! (Also, there is a potential claim against a state fund even if the claim is filed after the 12 year period).
We have helped many clients who initially thought they had missed their window for compensation. If you’re uncertain about your timeline, our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers can review your situation and determine if you still qualify for benefits.
How do I prove my disease is related to my job?
Proving your occupational disease requires establishing a connection between your work conditions and illness. First, gather detailed documentation of your work environment, including exposure to chemicals, dust, repetitive motions or other hazards.
Medical evidence is crucial. Seek treatment promptly and explain your work conditions to your doctor. Your medical records should reflect the connection between your symptoms and job duties.
Employment records showing your job history, duties and exposure timeline strengthen your case. Witness statements from coworkers who experienced similar conditions or observed hazardous conditions can help validate your claim.
Wisconsin requires you to demonstrate—through a physician’s opinion—that your work exposure was a material contributory causative factor in your condition. Consulting with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys early in the process is crucial. We can help gather appropriate evidence and we work with medical professionals who understand occupational illnesses.
Who is at risk of occupational exposure?
While any worker can develop an occupational disease, certain industries in Wisconsin pose higher risks. These include:
- Delivery drivers who need to repetitively lift packages and get in/out of vehicles.
- Manufacturing workers who face exposure to chemicals, dust and fumes that can cause respiratory conditions
- Health care professionals who encounter infectious diseases, latex allergies and spine injuries from patient handling
- Distribution facility workers that have to repetitively obtain/reach/package products.
- Construction workers who risk asbestos exposure, silicosis from concrete dust and hearing damage from constant noise
- Agricultural workers who may develop pesticide-related illnesses or respiratory conditions from grain dust
- Office workers who commonly develop carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain and other repetitive stress injuries
- Retail employees who often suffer from standing-related conditions or chemical exposure from cleaning products
You deserve protection regardless of where you work. If you believe your health has suffered due to workplace conditions, document your symptoms and exposure carefully. Wisconsin law protects workers of all occupations, and we have successfully represented clients from diverse work environments.
If You Have An Occupational Disease Or Injury, Get A Free Consult
We handle all workers’ compensation claims on a contingency basis (20% of benefits in dispute), which means we do not recover any fees unless you recover benefits. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by requesting your free consultation. To reach us, call our Milwaukee office at 414-279-2647 or call our Waukesha office at 262-333-1938. You can also use our online contact form.