Case Study 6

Workers’ Comp Case Study 6: Worker suffers from a debilitating injury to the immune system based on a severe latex allergy

This particular case could be considered catastrophic in terms of how seriously my client’s latex allergy impaired her ability to maintain employment. Due to her severe latex allergy, this client suffered from multiple injuries to the immune system and had to leave 3 different types of work duty due to latex exposure.

The problems started when my client was still working as a nurse at a hospital. She was known by her colleagues and supervisors as a good worker. However, due to being around latex while on the job and having to wear latex gloves, the client began experiencing an inability to breathe, severe headaches, and general discomfort on the job. After extensive testing, it was determined that the client suffered from a severe latex allergy and had sustained some damage to the immune system due to exposure.

When she was first diagnosed, she went on a Leave of Absence from work for 6 months. She did not receive any TTD benefits at that time. She then returned to work at the Call Center of the hospital so that she could avoid the direct exposure to latex in the hospital. However, this plan did not work; after about 3 months, she had a latex allergy reaction at the Call Center and had to leave that work area as well.

She then began working in a position from home. However, latex found in the cables attached to her modem began affecting her as well. Her immune system had already been weakened by her prior latex exposure and the client was more sensitive at this point.

The client had no choice but to stop working due to this debilitating condition. Her allergy was so severe that it has effectively rendered her unable to work in any office or hospital environment or even be exposed to allergens in much of the general surrounding environment. Our review of her medical history showed that her reaction to this allergy was quite extensive.

Based on her condition and the multiple medications needed by the client to strengthen her immune system and protect her from future flare-ups, we had to settle with her workers’ comp insurance company for an amount that would be favorable for my client and cover the above-mentioned medical costs.

She is now receiving benefits and medical care and is not working at this time.