Asthma is an increasing problem worldwide. It is the leading childhood disease. However, just because you did not have asthma as a child does not mean you cannot get it as an adult. Occupational asthma or work-related asthma is the term used for asthma caused by or...
Occupational Illness
Worker Wins West Nile Lawsuit Against Railroad
In a September 12th press conference, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that they expect 2012 to become the worst year on record for West Nile virus cases in the United States. Though we have not yet topped 2002’s record-setting number...
Rising West Nile a Risk to Workers
As the dog days of summer in 2013 crept in, so began a number of disturbing news reports. Nationwide, more and more reports emerged of reports of West Nile virus. People weren’t just getting sick, however. Some were dying. Illinois swiftly joined the ranks of...
Report of Mad Cow Disease Reminder of Greater Dangers
Many of us remember the shocking stories that emerged in the late 1980’s during the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Great Britain. During the outbreak of BSE, more commonly known as “mad cow disease”, around 185,000 head of...
The Hawks Nest Tunnel Silicosis Disaster: Exposing Occupational Diseases
One thing is certain when an economic crisis hits – jobs become scarce and people become desperate for work. This was especially true during the Great Depression, when unemployment in the United States averaged 25%. As the need for jobs increased, not only were...
A Coal Miners Victory For Occupational Illness Benefits
When a worker files a workers’ compensation claim, a major hurdle can be proving that the injury or illness was caused by or at work. Too frequently, the employer and/or insurance provider may try every means possible to deny responsibility. One tactic is to...
New E. Coli Strain Among Deadliest
This spring, the European Union saw one of the deadliest outbreaks of food poisoning ever recorded. The culprit, a new strain of E. coli, confounded doctors and investigators with its surprising virulence and resistance to antibiotics. Even months later, its affects...
What Happened in Vegas? Legionnaires’ Disease.
Anyone who vacations in Las Vegas knows something about taking chances. One of the biggest appeals of visiting Vegas is the potential for anything to happen. But, while everyone hopes lady luck smiles on them, realistically the most you’ll probably return home...