Work-related cancer is a serious and often life-altering condition affecting workers in various industries. While many forms of occupational cancer develop over long periods of exposure to harmful substances, some professions inherently carry a higher risk. Workers’ compensation benefits provide financial relief and support to employees who develop cancer as a direct result of their occupational environment. However, the nature of these benefits and the criteria for eligibility vary by profession, particularly between civilian workers and firefighters.
This article explores workers’ compensation benefits for work-related cancer, differentiating between the claims process and eligibility for civilian employees and firefighters. The distinction is important as firefighters, due to the unique hazards of their job, often receive enhanced protections and presumptions under workers’ compensation laws.
