Can fibromyalgia qualify for workers’ compensation in Illinois?

man holding himself from painFibromyalgia is a painful and often debilitating illness that affects a small but significant percentage of the Illinois population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5 million adults in America suffer from fibromyalgia. Employees with the disease typically miss an average of 17 days of work every year, adding up to nearly three times as many sick days as the non-affected population. Some people claim workers’ compensation for disabling episodes of this illness, especially when the episodes begin after a work-related injury. Such cases are often controversial. By learning more about the disease and its status in Illinois workers’ compensation law, employees can safeguard their rights to full coverage for occupational illness.

What is fibromyalgia?

The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are persistent body pain and severe fatigue, along with some or all of the following secondary symptoms:

  • Tingling or numbness
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Memory loss and cognitive disturbances
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Intense headaches

These symptoms can make it difficult or impossible to maintain a regular work schedule.

Does fibromyalgia qualify as a work-related illness?

The causes of fibromyalgia are still not fully understood. The body responds to stress with an automatic inflammatory response, creating the range of symptoms described above. Some workers have found that their fibromyalgia symptoms began or worsened after a traumatic injury in the workplace. The link between trauma and fibromyalgia is still under medical exploration, but thousands of injured workers have successfully proven that their fibromyalgia is in fact a work-related illness. When a disabling condition can be directly traced back to an event at work, the employee has the right to full compensation, even if the medical causes are not entirely understood.

Making a strong workers’ compensation claim for fibromyalgia

Illinois workers who plan to make a claim for fibromyalgia should be especially diligent about presenting their case. Employees must seek expert medical advice to rule out pre-existing conditions such as lupus or multiple sclerosis. They must prove clearly that the illness has arisen from workplace activity or a workplace accident. All medical records should be preserved. The claimant should expect skepticism from the Workers’ Compensation Commission and be prepared to defend the case as strongly as possible.

With careful documentation, hard work, and the willingness to appeal if necessary, some employees in Illinois who suffer from fibromyalgia can qualify for workers’ compensation. Contact a personal injury attorney today to find out more about your options.