Can I Get Workers' Compensation Benefits for an Occupational Disease?

Michigan provides workers’ comp benefits to employees with job-related accidents resulting in injuries. But what about those who develop a chronic condition from long-term workplace exposure?

What counts as an occupational disease

An occupational disease is one that arises from conditions characteristic of and peculiar to a particular trade or occupation. Examples include:

• Mesothelioma from asbestos exposure
• Repetitive-strain injuries
• Hearing loss from constant high-volume environments
• Respiratory disease from chemical exposure

Filing deadlines

Notice and filing deadlines for occupational disease claims start when you knew or should have known the disease was related to your work — not when exposure first occurred. Talk to an attorney before assuming a claim is too old.