Did You Know February Is American Heart Month?

Across the country medical professionals are trying to raise awareness about American Heart Month, hoping that lives can be saved if more people understand the risk factors for cardiac events While it's true that lifestyle choices can impact heart health, few people are aware that workplace hazards can also result in damage to the heart.

What Workplace Hazards Can Damage The Heart?

There are many ways that the heart can be damaged at work. Examples include:

Falls
When someone falls from a height the impact of hitting the ground below can actually result in a rupture in the heart wall, a chamber, or one of the major arteries.

Assaults
Sadly, violent acts occur every day. If someone is stabbed or shot their heart may be pierced and the muscle damaged.

Crush Injuries
If an employee is hit by heavy machinery or has a heavy object dropped on them, not only can the upper body be crushed but extreme pressure in the abdomen can increase pressure in the chest and result in a rupture of the pericardium, the membrane which surrounds the heart.

Auto Accidents
There are many industries which require employees to travel, putting them on the road, surrounded by distracted drivers.

Does Workers' Comp Cover Cardiac Damage?
Yes, if it can be shown that the cardiac damage occurred because of a situation caused by the job, then workers' comp will cover the medical expenses. However, it can be very difficult in some situations to prove that the damage is work-related which is why it's so important to work with an attorney who has handled similar cases in the past.

Contact us at one of our offices:

White Plains
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
120 Bloomingdale Rd #401
White Plains, NY 10605
914-946-1452

Brooklyn
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
186 Joralemon St. #701a
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-509-3599

Long Island
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
1778 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
516-267-6873

NYC
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
1825 Park Ave #901
New York, NY 10035
212-897-9004