Is a heart attack at work covered by workers’ comp insurance in Illinois? The answer isn’t always clear. While most on-the-job injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, proving that a heart attack is work-related can be challenging. With an aging workforce, this issue is becoming more common. According to OSHA, nearly 10,000 workers suffer heart attacks at work each year. Although emergency equipment like automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has improved survival rates, these workers still face the burden of proving their heart attack was related to their job duties or work environment.
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If you suffered a heart attack while you were working, don’t let your employer or their workers’ comp insurer give you the runaround about your benefits. Call Ankin Law, and we’ll level the playing field. 312-600-0000. Consults are free.
When Does a Heart Attack at Work Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
To be covered by workers’ compensation, a heart attack does not necessarily have to happen while you are at work, or even during your work hours. If you began suffering symptoms while you were at work, or you received a stress-inducing phone call from your boss after hours, for example, and you later had a heart attack, you may still be entitled to workers’ comp benefits.
Examples of Work Conditions That Can Cause a Heart Attack
Even when you suffer a heart attack while at home, evidence can show that work conditions caused or significantly contributed to it happening. For example:
- Extreme Temperatures: Temperature plays a significant role in worker injuries and is a common factor in work-related heart attacks. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to a heart attack.
- Physical Exertion: Performing physically demanding tasks that cause a high level of exertion can increase heart rate and blood pressure, triggering a heart attack. For instance, shoveling snow for an extended period is a classic example.
- High-Stress Situations: Chronic workplace stress or sudden high-pressure situations can elevate cortisol levels, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Employees in high-stress environments, such as emergency responders or stock traders, may be particularly vulnerable.
- Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Working with toxic chemicals or inhaling harmful fumes can damage the heart over time, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack.
- Irregular Work Hours or Shift Work: Constantly changing shifts or working overnight can disrupt the body’s natural rhythm, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks.
To collect workers’ compensation benefits, injuries must have arisen out of employment. Because heart conditions can develop over time as a result of a number of factors, including age, health, genetics and family history, and obesity, the worker must prove that work conditions caused or contributed to the heart attack and any resulting heart bypass surgery.
Proving a Heart Attack Is Work-Related
Suffering a heart attack while working is a good indicator that the ailment is work-related. Your employer or a workers’ compensation insurance adjuster might disagree, but you can challenge a denial of your claim.
It also helps to present a well-documented claim to prevent a possible denial. If you suffer a work-related heart attack when you’re not on the job, get medical care right away, and then notify your employer as soon as possible. Immediate action and early documentation can show the work-related cause and diagnose the heart attack that resulted in the harm.
When filing your report, you will need to explain the circumstances leading up to the heart attack. Did you have a stressful day at work? Were you performing hard physical labor or working in the heat? The emergency room doctor who treats you or your personal physician will be able to confirm that you suffered a heart attack and the work you performed was capable of causing it to happen.
Is a Heart Attack Covered by Workers’ Comp if You Have a Pre-Existing Heart Condition?
A pre-existing heart condition should not affect your ability to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Illinois law says the workplace aggravation of a pre-existing condition is covered by workers’ compensation.
If your claim was denied based upon a pre-existing heart condition or for another reason, you can appeal a denial to the IWCC to overturn the adverse outcome of your claim. An experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your right to financial recovery.
What Benefits Are Available to Victims of a Heart Attack at Work?
If you suffer a heart attack at work, workers’ compensation benefits may help cover your losses. These benefits can include:
- Medical Benefits: Coverage for necessary medical care, including emergency treatment, heart bypass surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and follow-up visits.
- Temporary Disability Benefits: Compensation for lost wages while you recover from your heart attack and cannot work.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Payments if your heart attack causes long-term or permanent limitations that prevent you from working.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Job training or assistance to help you return to work if your heart attack prevents you from performing your previous job duties.
- Death Benefits: Payments to surviving dependents if the heart attack is fatal.
How to Get Workers’ Comp Benefits for a Heart Attack at Work
Is your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance company stalling on providing you with the work injury benefits you deserve? Was your workers’ comp claim for your heart attack denied? If you’re having trouble getting workers’ comp benefits for a work-related heart attack, Ankin Law can help.
Our work injury lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience in cases like yours. We’ll stand up to the insurance company and your employer, protect your rights, and make sure you recover maximum compensation. Call 312-600-0000 now. Consultations are free and there are no upfront fees.
