Do you have histoplasmosis? Do you think it’s related to your job? If so, call us at (312) 346-5578 or fill out our contact form. We have experience with these cases and cover all of Illinois. As always, it’s free to contact us and there is no fee unless we are successful. Read on for more information.
Histoplasmosis is a type of lung infection you may have contracted through your working environment. It is a fungal infection whose spores are found in the ground and often around droppings of bats and birds. Contaminated from these droppings, the soil can produce the fungal spores which travel into your lungs every day at work. This lung infection may cause you to have symptoms that include fever and cough, chest pain, joint pain and even sores on your lower legs.
In some people histplasmosis causes no problems. In others, especially if you have a weak immune system, it can wreak havoc and spread throughout your body and be life threatening. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Joint Pain
- Chest Pain
- A Dry cough
- Red bumps on your legs.
- Excessive sweat
- Coughing up blood
- Stiff neck
Typically, histoplasmosis is caused in areas where the soil is disturbed, allowing the pores of the fungus to enter your lungs while breathing. Some of the occupations which are more prone to becoming ill due to histoplasmosis include demolition workers, construction and farm workers, landscapers and pest control workers. Because the fungus grows in places where birds and bats have roosted if you work in a cave, near chicken coops, parks or older barns, your exposure probability is higher. Even if you aren’t in one of these jobs, having to visit an area like this could get you sick.
If you have been diagnosed with histoplasmosis in Illinois, time is of the essence to protect your rights. This is a condition that will be covered under workers compensation if you report the sickness in a timely manner (within 45 days of when you know you have it) to your employer and take the correct steps to protect yourself. When seeing a doctor, make sure that they have very detailed information about where you’ve been going for work and what you’ve been exposed to. If they don’t have detailed information they can’t accurately offer an opinion on whether or not your condition is work related.
Not every one of these cases is denied, but the majority of ones we’ve handled are denied at first because the insurance company knows that they can argue against what the true cause is. It’s not hard for them to get a hired gun doctor to state that your condition could be caused by anything. We don’t mind when this happens because if the facts are in your corner we will fight to get you the benefits that you deserve and allow you to focus on your health. If you want our help get in touch at any time.
