Milwaukee, Wisconsin law firm of Laufenberg & Hoefle represents injured construction workers and factory workers who are suffering from occupational illnesses. A recently (1993) discovered disease known as Manganism afflicts welders, miners, steel workers, railroad workers and others who must protect themselves from toxic inhalation on the job. If you or a family member is suffering from Manganism in Wisconsin, contact Lynn Laufenberg today.

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Occupational Illnesses & Diseases

As a personal injury law firm, Laufenberg & Hoefle has always been an advocate for the rights and compensation workers are entitled to when they succumb to injury or illness on the job. Historically, construction and manufacturing are the two occupations where on the job injuries occur most often.

In the Milwaukee area alone, there are 37,000 people employed in construction, and 135,000 employed in manufacturing in factories and plants. In addition to the higher risks of injuries due to machinery accidents, falls, and being struck by objects and vehicles that these workers face, many in construction and manufacturing are exposed to harmful substances and environments that lead to crippling illnesses, shortening the length and quality of their lives.

The federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration defines an occupational illness as "any abnormal condition or disorder, other than one resulting from an occupational injury, caused by exposure to factors associated with employment."

Unlike a broken limb, back injury, or head injury, occupational illnesses are more difficult to monitor and detect in workers. One well known example of an occupational illness is asbestosis, a disease linked to repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos, a fire-proof substance once used as insulation in homes, on car brakes and many other consumer products.

Although outlawed in the 1970s, many workers are still exposed to asbestos, particularly those who work in the demolition and remodeling of older homes and buildings. The long dormancy period of asbestosis and mesothelioma (sometimes up to 25 years) in the human body means that those exposed may have contracted up the disease decades before.

Manganism is a less known and more recently discovered occupational disease. First identified as a serious occupational health threat by the National Institutes of Health in 1993, Manganism most often afflicts welders, miners, steel workers, railroad workers and others who work in occupations where employees must routinely protect themselves from toxic inhalation of the mineral manganese.

Manganism attacks the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver, and its symptoms include diminished motor skills and psychological problems. In its full manifestation, Manganism is very similar to Parkinson’s Disease. Manganism is also known as Welder’s Disease.

Symptoms of Manganism

  • Tremors
  • Impaired hand-eye coordination
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Awkward gait
  • Difficulty with facial expression
  • Speech difficulties
  • Psychological problems
  • Respiratory difficulties
  • Decreased sexual function
  • Damage to developing fetus

Occupations that Develop Manganism

  • Welders
  • Railroad workers
  • Miners
  • Steel workers
  • Workers who handle the pesticides Maneb and Mancozeb

If you or a loved one is suffering from Manganism, or if you suspect that you may have contracted Manganism through the course of doing your job, you may have rights to compensation for your illness that can protect the financial future of yourself and your family. The personal injury law firm of Laufenberg & Hoefle can help you and your family with your case, ensuring that lost time from work, medical bills, present and future pain and suffering, and other financial consequences of your injury don’t become obstacles to your future.

 

For help, contact Laufenberg & Hoefle today.

 

 

 

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