Can I get compensation, doctor?

Abstract

Patients with possible occupational illness may ask their doctors about compensation. Here we describe two scenarios, osteoarthritis of the knee and asthma, in which this issue may arise, giving guidance on how to advise the patient. ### The patients Mr White, aged 58 years, has difficulty climbing ladders at work from a painful right knee. Examination shows signs of osteoarthritis, later confirmed radiographically. He has worked for 35 years as a building labourer, and enquires about compensation. Mrs Brown, aged 45 years, presents with intermittent asthma symptoms over 2 months, gradually worsening. Some of her colleagues in the factory where she works have had similar symptoms, and she wonders if it is work-related and compensable. ### Two common conditions How do you handle the compensation issue? First, establish a diagnosis and assess its influence on the patient’s life and job. This leads to a decision on management. It is necessary to consider causation, since if the work were responsible return might be inadvisable.1 Mr White’s job involves much climbing while carrying loads as …