Unlike many injuries sustained on the job, exposure to toxic chemicals can have lifelong repercussions. Sadly, there are times when exposure to toxic chemicals doesn’t cause any symptoms for many years. This is often the case when working with things like asbestos or chemical pesticides. If you have been recently diagnosed with a disease or condition directly related to chemicals you were exposed to over a long period of time, you may be wondering where to go from here. If your condition has progressed to the point where you can no longer hold down a steady job, how will you support yourself or your family?
A Look at the Most Common Chemical Exposure Risks
There are so many toxic chemicals you could be exposed to that you might not be immediately aware of why you are exhibiting certain symptoms. The most common toxic chemicals include:
- Chlorine
- Carbon Monoxide
- Sulfuric Acid
- Ammonia
- Hydrochloric Acid
Even a single exposure to these chemicals can have lifelong consequences, but if you work in a field where you are continually exposed without being provided the proper PPE, your employer could be held liable. A growing number of workers are not provided the protective gear they need when dealing with these substances.
Filing a Claim to Compensate for Your Injuries
If you are declared incapacitated in one way or another, leaving you with high medical costs and an inability to work, it is your right to file a claim against an employer who didn’t follow OSHA safety guidelines. Dealing with the actual illness or injury caused by these toxic chemicals is hard enough, but when you are also left without an income, it compounds the problem many times over. This is why you need an experienced lawyer, such as RB Law Firm.
It All Begins with the Diagnosis
As your attorney will clearly explain, you must have a diagnosis and a professional assessment of the underlying cause. Carbon monoxide poisoning is usually immediate, leaving no room for debate. However, low levels of carbon monoxide over time can cause serious issues as well. These can be even more difficult to treat because they can cause irreparable organ damage. Typically, the lungs are most affected, but the liver and kidneys can suffer damage as well. If you feel you have a justifiable claim, you may even want to get a second opinion to back up the validity of your claim.
The point being made here is that employers need to be held accountable for the risks they expose their workers to. Just because OSHA doesn’t come out weekly to inspect job sites doesn’t mean that companies can be hit and miss with risk mitigation. While PPE is high on the list of preventative measures that can be taken, so too would be adequate ventilation systems that help to filter chemicals released into the air. If you are suffering from lifelong health issues because you were exposed to any of the above among other toxic chemicals, you have the right to file a claim against your employer’s insurance.
