Work Injury in Weather Extremes
Surviving the Cold: Work Injury Related to Weather Extremes.
Winter has struck with a vengeance. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice have placed tremendous strains on our roads, buildings, vehicles, and homes. Vehicles struggle to start. Our furnaces struggle to keep up with the cold. Our snowblowers sputter under the weight of snow.
Our bodies are no different. Exposure to the cold stresses our bodies. It restricts blood flow. Restricted blood flow can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
If your job requires you to work outside in these extreme conditions and you experience physical consequences as a result, you may have a compensable work injury. Illinois courts have long recognized that exposure to weather extremes can cause compensable work injuries. This is true even if you have a pre-existing heart, lung, or other underlying health conditions that are aggravated or accelerated by your exposure to extreme weather conditions. Remember, in Illinois, your job need only be a factor that leads to your injury. It does not have to be the sole or primary cause of your injury.
The summer is fast approaching. Exposure to extreme summer heat can also cause stress on your body which can lead to injury. Any job-related exposure to extreme weather conditions, hot or cold, can lead to a compensable work injury. If you believe that your work-related exposure to weather extremes has contributed to a physical injury, call us. We are happy to help.