Exposure To Chemicals In The Workplace
When we think of worker injuries, we may think about individuals who drive trucks, work in construction, or even carpal tunnel syndrome for those who are on their computers every day.
But rarely do we think about those individuals who work with chemicals in their everyday jobs, and the hazardous effects that that exposure can have on them. These victims will typically need long-term medical care and rehabilitation as a result, and may have difficulty returning to work. As a result, pursuing legal options is often their only venue to ensuring that they – and their families – are taken care of.
While speaking with an attorney is advisable (once an individual who may be suffering from chemical exposure has received the medical attention that they need), there are a number of legal options available to these individuals, including:
- A workers’ compensation claim: For those who may have been exposed to dangerous chemicals at work. Workers’ compensation can cover medical and wage replacement, as well as other costs
- Personal injury lawsuit: Where someone else may have been responsible for the exposure. Personal injury lawsuits can cover medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses
- Product liability claim: If the exposure occurred due to a defective product, manufacturers can be held responsible through a product liability claim, and those parties responsible should cover similar damages – medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Some of the most common chemicals involved in work exposure include asbestos, benzene, pesticides, mercury, and lead. Chemical exposure can occur in a number of ways, but most frequently occurs due to a worker or individual coming into contact with the chemical through the air that they breathe or through direct contact with their skin.
Effects of exposure can range from localized issues, to even death. Some of the most common long-term health effects include lung disorders, kidney and liver problems, skin rashes, and even poisoning. Where these cases become more complicated is when long-term and permanent effects take a certain amount of time to materialize.
Let Us Help You Today
Companies that work with chemicals are required to evaluate the hazards of these chemicals and train employees in order to ensure that they are safe. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, contact our Macon workers’ compensation attorneys today for a free confidential consultation to find out how we can be of assistance.
