A person suffering from vertigo generally has a sense of dizziness and may feel as if the environment around them is spinning or tilting.
Vertigo is a condition generally characterized by dizziness, nausea, and other disorienting symptoms. Unfortunately, this condition has affected nearly 40% of Americans at least once in their lifetime.
The good news is that there are treatments for vertigo. However, they can be expensive. This leads us to the question: Can you collect workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer from vertigo at work?
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a disorder that affects an individual’s equilibrium. A person suffering from vertigo generally has a sense of dizziness and may feel as if the environment around them is spinning or tilting. The false interpretation of the environment may also make them feel as if the walls or floor are moving.
Some of the symptoms of vertigo include:
- Disorientation and a sensation of motion
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Loss of balance and difficulty walking
- General body weakness
- Vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
- Lightheaded
- Blurred vision and earache
If these symptoms are not treated early and properly, they can lead to even more severe workplace accidents and injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to get treatment right away.
Causes of Vertigo in the Workplace
Vertigo is commonly associated with heights, which explains why it’s common in factory workers. In most cases, factory workers often stand for long hours, sometimes on elevated grounds such as a ladder. As a result, these workers may experience a sense of imbalance followed by a distinct feeling in their stomachs.
Another common cause of vertigo at work is head trauma from hitting your head on a blunt object. And chances of hitting your head at work are high. As a result, you may feel like the world around you is moving or spinning.
Ear injury due to prolonged exposure to high audible levels in factories has also been linked to vertigo. Other causes of vertigo include hypertension, ear inflammation, restricted blood flow to the brain, diabetes, and headaches.
Can You Qualify for Workers’ Comp Benefits in Missouri if You Suffer From Vertigo at Work?
The short answer is generally yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
To qualify, you have to prove that your vertigo is caused by a condition that can be traced back to your job. In other words, you have to prove that working in the factory was what caused or made your vertigo more severe than it already was before you started working there.
This is where an attorney can be of great help.
An experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney will know how to gather the right medical evidence to determine and prove your condition is work-related. An attorney can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you get all the benefits you deserve.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney
If you’re in St. Louis and looking for an attorney who can help you get workers’ compensation benefits for a work-related injury or condition, contact the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman today. We have over 30 years of experience helping injured Missouri workers get the benefits they deserve. Give us a call for a free case evaluation.