Exposure to toxic chemicals can stem from contaminated air, unsafe chemicals in consumer products, and pesticides. Certain chemicals pose serious health hazards to those who are exposed to them. Often, someone’s negligent, careless, or reckless actions are to blame for work injuries related to toxic chemicals. A Downey toxic chemical exposure lawyer familiar with handling these cases could advise you as to your options for pursuing compensation.
When you are injured at work due to toxic chemical exposure, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney could help you file a claim with your employer for benefits. Workers’ compensation insurance must cover the reasonable cost of your medical expenses, and you could be eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits if your injury causes you to miss work for an extended period.
There are many environments where an employee may face exposure to toxic substances, but certain occupations come with a higher risk of toxic chemical exposure. Some of these high-risk industries include:
A Downey attorney is familiar with these sources and could perform an investigation regarding specifics of toxic chemical exposure at work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets national standards for the use of chemicals and other toxic substances in the workplace. Employers must provide notice to workers of any chemicals they may be exposed to and any potential harmful side effects. OSHA also sets limitations for an acceptable exposure amount. Employers should provide their workers with the necessary safety equipment to protect themselves, including gloves, protective eyewear, respirators, and shower and eyewash stations when needed.
Even when all precautions and safety standards are adhered to, work accidents happen. When an employee is exposed to toxic substances, it can be challenging to show it was caused at work. To avoid covering an injury, insurance companies may blame the injury on other factors or claim that the chemicals were safe and handled properly.
However, there are still ways to prove that contact with a toxic substance contributed to an illness or injury. A Downey attorney who is experienced in handling cases involving toxic chemical exposure could work with injured employees to show that their illness or injury is directly related to contact at work.
When an employee can demonstrate that they sustained an injury or other illness due to their exposure to toxic chemicals at work, they can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. In California, employers must provide insurance coverage to their employees for on-the-job injuries. Benefits should cover the reasonable cost of medical care, and in some instances, workers are entitled to temporary or permanent disability benefits to cover lost wages if they are unable to work.
An injury related to toxic chemical exposure can cause debilitating symptoms. The practiced attorneys at Glauber Berenson Vego understand how difficult it is to cope with an injury, especially when insurance companies may attempt to deny your claim.
As soon as you are exposed to toxic chemicals at work, contact us. Our trusted legal professionals could help you file a claim for benefits and challenge the decision if necessary. Talk to a Downey toxic chemical exposure lawyer today to set up an initial consultation.
