Can I Get Workers’ Comp for Heat Exhaustion or Light Overexposure?

Working in extreme heat or with significant light exposure can take a toll on your health. Whether you’re working outdoors for long periods of time in the sun or staring into bright lights as part of your employment, illnesses or injuries related to heat or light exposure can seriously affect your well-being.

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act covers injuries or illnesses caused by environmental factors, including heat-related conditions or eye damage caused by light exposure. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, or any other type of heat- or light-related injury, due to your working conditions—understand your rights and protect yourself. Get in touch with one of our attorneys and let us walk you through the workers’ compensation process.

What types of injuries are covered?

Working in extreme heat can be dangerous. Overexposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health conditions. Examples of heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rashes and more. Temperatures soar in Illinois during the summer, so workers in industries like construction, manufacturing or agriculture may be at risk.

Workers who sustain light-related conditions because of their work environment may also be eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits. For example, too much brightness from artificial lights or even lack of lighting at work might cause headaches or eye damage. If you work in an office with poorly distributed lights and experience a fall, that could qualify you to receive workers’ comp. If you experience eye strain due to long-term exposure to bad lighting at work, that could be compensable. Construction or warehouse workers who have inadequate lighting, healthcare workers who suffer visual impairments due to work-related lighting, or employees in poorly lit offices might all be at risk.

What to do if you suffer an illness

First, a worker must show that the heat- or light-related illness or injury occurred as a direct result of their work environment; that they were injured during the course of their employment.

Second, a diagnosis from a medical doctor is critical. A doctor can provide medical evidence that supports your case, confirming your condition and treatment.

If you suffer an injury and your doctor tells you that it might be due to your exposure at work, contact us. We can help you determine whether you have a compensable claim. We will assist you in getting a medical opinion from either your doctor or another third-party witness, which shows that your condition is related to your exposure at work.

How an attorney can help

Heat- or light-related illnesses aren’t always as straightforward as other injuries that workers may suffer. Having an experienced attorney on your side helps. At Black & Jones, we can walk you through the process every step of the way and ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. As the top workers’ comp law firm in Rockford, you can be assured we’ll fight for you. Get in touch and set up a free consultation by filling out our online form. You can also call us at (815) 967-9000.