Obese Workers Obtain Workers’ Compensation for Weight-Loss Surgery
In two recent workers’ compensation cases, decisions were issued in favor of obese workers who needed to undergo weight loss procedures after they were injured on the job. One work injury case, which went before the workers’ compensation board, involved an employer who was ordered to pay for the weight-loss surgery of a cook who sustained a back injury while on the job. The other workers’ compensation case, which also resulted in an employer being ordered to pay for an obese worker’s weigh-loss procedure (following a knee injury), went all the way up to the state Supreme Court.
According to Diane Stafford, the Kansas City Star’s workplace and career columnist, these rulings may be causing human resource consultants and employment law attorneys to warn employers about hiring people who suffer from obesity. Unfortunately, may prove to be another bias to toward overweight job applicants who are already worried that they might be discriminated against because of their appearance.
Illinois Workers’ Compensation
It doesn’t matter who or what cause your work injury. If your work entitles you to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits, your employer must pay them to you if you were injured on the job.
Common work-related injuries can include:
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Back injuries
• Knee injuries
• Fractures
• Internal injuries
• Organ damages
• Illnesses from exposure to toxic substances
• Shoulder injuries
• Arm injuries
• Hand injuries
• Knee injuries
• Burn injuries
• Electrical injuries
• Fall injuries
Workers' comp boards rule for obese workers wanting weight-loss surgery, Tampa Bay, December 22, 2009
Injury/Illness Incidence Rates, OSHA
Related Web Resources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Even if no one caused your work injury accident, you can still receive work injury benefits. An experienced Chicago, Illinois workers’ compensation law firm can make sure you receive all of the benefits your employer owes you and your family.
