Learn if you qualify for workers’ comp benefits after dermatitis caused by a work exposure
and how to maximize your claim in Charlotte
Occupational dermatitis is a skin condition caused by exposure to workplace irritants or allergens, making certain professions in North Carolina particularly susceptible, especially those involving frequent contact with chemicals or hazardous materials.
Understanding how your job contributes to this condition is essential for proving that it’s work-related, which is crucial for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. This article will discuss the nature of occupational dermatitis, the professions at greatest risk, and the steps you need to take to secure the compensation you deserve in North Carolina.
What is occupational dermatitis?
Occupational dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that can develop when workers are exposed to harmful substances or environmental factors at work. This condition is especially common in industries where employees regularly handle chemicals, irritants, or allergens.
What are the 2 main types of occupational dermatitis?
The 2 main types of occupational dermatitis include:
- Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is caused by direct irritation from substances like solvents or acids.
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is triggered by an allergic reaction to specific substances like latex, nickel, or certain dyes.
Understanding these types is key to identifying the risks associated with different professions.
Did you know?
Occupational skin disorders, including dermatitis, are widespread across all industries in the U.S. and rank among the most common types of occupational diseases.
According to findings published in a 2020 issue of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, contact dermatitis (CD) is the most common occupational skin disorder, accounting for 90% to 95% of cases. While the estimated prevalence rate of occupational dermatitis ranges from 10% to 17.6%, the actual number may be even higher, as many mild cases often go unreported.
What are the symptoms of occupational dermatitis?
Occupational dermatitis presents with various symptoms that can significantly impact a worker’s comfort and daily life, including:
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Dry, cracked, or flaky skin
- Blisters
- Pain
Early recognition is vital for preventing more severe complications like infections and maintaining skin health.
How to treat occupational dermatitis
To treat occupational dermatitis, it will be necessary to address both the causes and the symptoms of the condition.
The first step is to identify and avoid specific triggers, such as chemicals or allergens in the workplace. Adjusting workplace practices and implementing safer work procedures can also play a key role in managing and preventing occupational dermatitis.
This might involve substituting harsh chemicals with safer alternatives (when possible), improving ventilation, or ensuring that proper protective gear is always used. Using barrier creams and mild soaps is also crucial to minimizing irritation.
In addition to reducing your exposure to irritants, your doctor may prescribe medications such as corticosteroid creams for inflammation or antibiotics if an infection develops.
Ongoing monitoring and communication with your health care provider are essential to effectively manage the condition and prevent flare-ups. Additionally, educating yourself and your coworkers about the risks and prevention strategies can contribute to a healthier work environment overall.
Unsafe Working Conditions and North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Laws
Learn what you can do about unsafe working conditions in North Carolina.
What types of workers are most likely to develop occupational dermatitis?
Occupational dermatitis is especially prevalent in certain professions due to frequent exposure to various materials and substances.
Workers in the following occupations are particularly at risk:
- Health care workers from latex gloves, disinfectants, and harsh soaps
- Construction workers from cement, solvents, and wood dust at construction sites
- Factory workers from oils, solvents, and epoxy resins used in manufacturing
- Agricultural workers from pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and certain plant allergens
- Hairdressers and beauticians from hair dyes, shampoos, and nail products
- Laboratory workers from chemicals, latex gloves, and disinfectants
- Cleaners, janitors, and maintenance staff from products containing detergents, bleach, and ammonia
- Meatpackers and poultry workers from animal proteins, frequent use of cleaning agents, and cold environments
- Catering and food service workers from frequent handwashing, exposure to food allergens, and contact with sanitizers
- Metalworkers from exposure to nickel, chromium, cutting fluids, and solvents
- Mechanics from automotive oils, solvents, and battery acid
- Textile workers from dyes, formaldehyde, and fiber dust
Recognizing the heightened risk in these fields is crucial for early detection and treatment, helping to protect workers’ health and well-being from the impacts of occupational dermatitis.
Can I get workers’ compensation for occupational dermatitis?
Yes, you can generally receive workers’ compensation for occupational dermatitis if you can prove that it’s caused by your job.
In North Carolina, most businesses with 3 or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers work-related injuries and occupational illnesses and diseases, including dermatitis. This compensation is available regardless of who may be at fault for your condition.
However, there are exceptions, including some agricultural workers, certain sawmill and logging workers, domestic employees, railroad workers, and independent contractors.
How do I prove my occupational dermatitis is work-related?
Proving that your occupational dermatitis is work-related requires gathering evidence that directly links your condition to your job. Some key steps to proving your condition is work-related include:
- Medical diagnosis and documentation. Visit an employer-approved doctor, preferably a dermatologist, as soon as your symptoms appear. Ensure they document the diagnosis and note the likely connection to your specific workplace irritants or allergens.
- Workplace exposure records. You should document all chemicals, materials, or substances you regularly handle at work. Also, obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from your employer to highlight the potential health risks these substances pose.
- Work history and job duties. Provide a detailed description of your job duties, particularly those involving contact with suspected irritants. Be sure to record any specific incidents where symptoms worsened after handling certain materials.
- Consistency in symptoms. Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they worsen or improve, especially in relation to your work schedule.
By compiling thorough medical records, workplace documentation, and consistent evidence of your symptoms, you can strengthen your case that your occupational dermatitis is directly related to your job. This evidence is essential when filing for workers’ compensation or pursuing legal claims.
What benefits can I get from workers’ comp?
Workers’ compensation offers several key benefits to employees suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses like dermatitis. Generally, these benefits include:
- Medical benefits. Workers’ comp pays for all necessary medical treatments related to occupational dermatitis, including doctor visits, prescription medications, dermatology consultations, and any required therapies or treatments like corticosteroid creams or antibiotics.
- Wage replacement benefits. If your condition prevents you from working, workers’ compensation provides a portion of your lost wages, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, while you recover.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits. If your dermatitis prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers’ comp may cover vocational rehabilitation services, including job retraining or education to help you transition to a different role or career.
These benefits are designed to financially support you during your recovery and help you return to work or transition to new employment if necessary.
What are the steps for filing for workers’ comp in NC?
If you’re dealing with occupational dermatitis and need to file for workers’ compensation in North Carolina, it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure your claim is successful.
Here are the steps to file for workers’ compensation:
- Seek medical care. Visit an employer-approved doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. Proper diagnosis and documentation are crucial for your claim.
- Notify your employer. Inform your employer of your injury in writing within 30 days after receiving a diagnosis. This notification is necessary to prevent a denied claim.
- Submit Form 18. File Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) as soon as possible, but no later than 2 years after the injury. This will officially begin the claims process.
- Await insurance response. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company has 14 days to provide written notice of whether they accept or deny your claim. If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal.
If you need help gathering evidence to support your claim or navigating the appeals process for a denied claim, consider hiring a local Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney to help protect your rights.
Contact an experienced North Carolina work injury attorney today
Workers’ compensation claims for occupational dermatitis can be challenging, so having solid evidence linking your dermatitis to your job is crucial. Consulting an experienced attorney can make all the difference in securing the compensation you need for your recovery.
At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, our knowledgeable Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys have over 85 years of combined experience helping workers in North and South Carolina obtain the maximum compensation for conditions like occupational dermatitis.
We work diligently to gather comprehensive evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and workplace documentation, to build a strong case that clearly links your condition to your job. Our team understands the complexities of these types of workers’ comp claims, and we use our extensive experience to navigate the legal process, ensuring that you receive the full benefits you deserve to support your recovery.
Contact Wilder Pantazis Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your claim.
References
Milam, E. C., Nassau, S., Banta, E., Fonacier, L., & Cohen, D. E. (2020). Occupational Contact Dermatitis: An Update. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 8(10), 3283–3293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.004