Toxic Exposure and Workers’ Compensation
Many occupations carry with them the risk of harmful exposure to toxic chemicals by workers who come in contact with them. Employees laboring in industries such as photo developing, fabrication, hospital work, airline work, mechanical repairs and construction are often vulnerable to toxic exposure.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issues guidelines and regulations to employers, designed to protect workers from toxic exposure at work. Some employers do not follow OSHA, which can definitely lead to an injury in the work place, leading to a workers’ compensation case due to unsafe working conditions. However, accidents happen, often resulting in injuries to workers. Some workers become ill through the cumulative effects of toxic exposure over time, even when employers take precautions.
Chemical Exposure At Work: How It Happens
For example, custodial workers and hospital workers sometimes suffer chemical burns, silicosis or worsening of pre-existing asthma as a result of the hazardous substances that are part of their work. Mechanics suffer reactive airway disease after months or years of exposure to vehicle exhaust and fumes from substances used to maintain and repair vehicles. Even when workers wear hazard protective suits, they sometimes become ill because of exposure to adhesives, solvents and caulking.
It is critical to seek proper medical care immediately after contact with a chemical such as an acid, base, oxidizer, solvent, reducing agent or alkylating agent. If you have experienced a work-related chemical burn, consult an experienced workplace injury attorney as soon as possible to gain an understanding of your rights to workers’ compensation.
Signs Of Toxic Chemical Exposure
Different parts of the body can be affected in different ways from the exposure to toxic chemicals in the work place. Here are some examples of the signs you should be on the look for if you are trying to figure out the part of your body that has been affected by the chemical exposure.
- Lungs: Coughing, choking, and pains in the chest
- Reproductive: Miscarriages and infertility
- Neurological: Depression, headaches, dizziness, and convulsions
How We Can Help
A legitimate workplace injury can qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits to pay for medical care and replace at least some of your lost income. Have you suffered harmful effects to your health as a result of chemical inhalation on the job? Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo, in Philadelphia, can advise you on how to obtain proper compensation through a workers’ compensation claim and/or a third-party liability lawsuit if applicable in your case. Not in Philadelphia? Don’t worry, we have 16 offices strategically based throughout Pennsylvania to tend to any person who needs legal representation for their workers’ compensation case.
Our legal team is ready to help you pursue maximum workers’ compensation benefits when toxic exposure has made you sick. Since 1936, we have been dedicated to helping Pennsylvania’s workers.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Toxic Exposure In The Workplace
Here at Krasno Krasno & Onwudinjo, we want to hear about your work-related toxic exposure sickness and provide you with the information you need to recover compensation you are entitled to. Email us or call 800-952-9640 to talk to an experienced attorney. Our lawyers handle workers’ compensation cases on a contingency basis. We only get paid if we help you obtain compensation or prevent an insurance company from stopping or altering your benefits, or if you settle your case.