What Should I Do if My Arthritis Is Preventing Me From Working in Chicago?
Arthritis can be a truly crippling medical condition, and it may prevent people from working. If you find yourself in this situation, you might wonder how you’re going to pay the bills. The first step is to seek medical attention. Next, you might want to consider potential sources of compensation, including workers’ comp in Chicago.
Some Types of Arthritis Could Be Work-Related
Arthritis is positively correlated with certain types of work in Chicago. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that workers who squat and lift heavy loads are more likely to receive an arthritis diagnosis. Anyone who kneels or elevates their arms frequently during work is also at risk. A common diagnosis for workers is knee osteoarthritis. The NIH also notes that obese workers are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that becomes gradually worse over time. Workers engaged in heavy, physical, and repetitive labor may eventually lose the cartilage in their joints. Once the cartilage is gone, workers may experience severe pain and stiffness due to bone-on-bone contact. Not only is this condition painful, but it also leads to reduced functionality of the joint.
How Do I Treat Osteoarthritis?
There is no known cure for osteoarthritis. In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair the joint and restore some degree of functionality. Physical therapy may also help workers achieve some sense of normal.
However, the most obvious step for workers is to modify their lifestyle. This may require a career change, especially if the nature of the work continues to put stress on the affected joints.
How Can Workers’ Compensation Help With Arthritis?
A workers’ compensation claim in Chicago could help those struggling with arthritis. First, it can help workers cover medical treatments. Secondly, it may allow workers to receive partial compensation for lost income due to arthritis. Finally, workers’ compensation in Illinois may cover vocational rehabilitation. This allows them to explore alternative career options that may be less physical and strenuous. By facilitating a positive career change, the workers’ comp program may make osteoarthritis easier to live with.
Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Help With Arthritis?
Doctors can help with the medical side of arthritis, and workers’ comp lawyers in Chicago may be able to assist with the financial side of this issue. If your arthritis is work-related, you may be eligible to pursue a workers’ comp claim. You can use your benefits to cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. This could make a real difference as you explore alternative work opportunities. Alternatively, you may have to accept that you are permanently disabled. Contact Connolly Injury Law today to learn more.
Sources
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5994040/#:~:text=In%20higher%20income%20countries%2C%20work%2Drelated%20squatting%20and,have%20been%20associated%20with%20increased%20arthritis%20risk.&text=In%20higher%20income%20countries%2C%20a%20greater%20prevalence,similar%20findings%20for%20hip%20osteoarthritis%20[4%2C%205].
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
