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Is Shift Work Disorder Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?Working on rotational shifts is a need for many employees. Whether you work in health care, manufacturing, or any other business that demands round-the-clock personnel, there will be occasions when your boss will expect you to be on the job at different times. This, however, can have a major influence on a person’s health.

If you suffer health consequences as a result of your work schedule, can your employer be liable for damages under workers’ compensation coverage? Read on to find out if you can, and then reach out to PLBH at (800) 435-7542 if you require a legal consultation with an employment attorney in California.

What is Shift Work Disorder?

Sleeping on a regular schedule is essential for good health and well-being. Moving from night to day shifts on a regular basis, or even working the graveyard shift for lengthy periods of time, can take a toll on an employee’s health. This can lead to a medical condition known as Shift Work Disorder. While anybody who works shifts may suffer symptoms of sleeplessness or excessive drowsiness, Shift Work Disorder is diagnosed when the condition continues and interferes with everyday living. Working shifts has also been linked to a variety of other health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

It Can Be Difficult to Prove Your Job is to Blame

It might be difficult to establish that your work schedule is the cause of a certain medical condition, especially if your coworkers work shifts as well. Medical causation can be determined by treating doctors, certified medical evaluators, agreed medical evaluators, or regular physicians in California. In other words, they can determine whether shift work is to blame for your excessive drowsiness, sleeplessness, and other health concerns.

A medical exam and diagnostic tests, as well as a review of your medical records, might be used to achieve this. Importantly, you may be qualified for workers compensation even if you already have sleep-related medical issues before commencing shift work. A work-related injury in California might be the aggravation or acceleration of a pre-existing ailment.

You may be eligible to submit a claim if shift employment has harmed your health. Based on your medical history and present state, an expert California workers compensation attorney will help you evaluate if you have a legitimate case for workers compensation.

This is a Legitimate Medical Condition

While receiving benefits for being “sleepy” from shift work may sound absurd, it’s important to realize that Shift Work Disorder is a legitimate medical condition that entails more than just being tired. Indeed, the California Workers Compensation Appeals Board has already affirmed rulings providing compensation to employees injured while working shifts.

There are a variety of work circumstances that might contribute to a workplace injury, and one of them is your planned work hours. If you work swing shifts, it’s possible that your health will suffer as a result. A workers compensation lawyer in California can examine your case to discover whether you are eligible for benefits. Contact PLBH now at (800) 435-7542 to find out what your options are.