Have You Been Exposed To Dangerous Chemicals At Work?

Many jobs involve exposure to dangerous chemicals, we may just not always think about it. For instance, janitors and cleaning professionals deal with a number of toxic cleaning products that can cause chemical burns if exposed to the skin, or respiratory issues if used in a confined or non-ventilated area. Construction workers also use corrosive products in the course of their employment, and may also be exposed to lead or asbestos in the process of renovations and construction on older homes and buildings. Paints, pesticides, glues, and countless heavy metals can all pose serious risks to employees, and can cause serious short-term and long-term injuries and health conditions if they are not properly handled or are involved in an accident. If you have suffered physical injury or developed a serious health condition as a result of workplace chemical exposure, you have legal options to recover for the harm that you have suffered. The best course of action depends on your employment status.

Workers’ Compensation Claims for Chemical Exposure

If you are classified as an employee (as opposed to an independent contractor) and you suffer an injury or develop a medical condition as a result of workplace chemical exposure, you can file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage should provide you with medical care (including doctor’s appointments, treatments, medications, and surgeries or procedures if necessary) as well as full or partial wage replacement while you recover. It’s important to note that unlike bringing a lawsuit, fault is irrelevant when it comes to determining eligibility for workers’ compensation coverage as long as the chemical exposure happened in the course of your employment. This means that it is irrelevant whether your employer took appropriate precautions, or if you made a mistake in completing a work-related task.

If you were injured in the course of your employment, you are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage for your injuries. If you are struggling to get the workers’ compensation coverage that you are entitled to, an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can help. Even though workers’ compensation coverage means that an employee loses the right to bring a lawsuit against their employer for the injury, it does not negate an employees’ right to retain counsel in order to ensure that they receive the coverage and benefits that they are entitled to. A lawyer can fight to make sure that your workers’ compensation claim is approved, and that you get the maximum possible settlement available. If your employer has illegally misclassified you as an independent contractor in order to avoid liability, an attorney can also help you to right this wrong and hold your employer accountable for their illegal conduct.

Schedule a Consultation with Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers

Serving Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs, Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers will fight to hold your employer accountable and get you the benefits, compensation, and support that you are legally entitled to. Contact our Gwinnett County personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free personalized consultation.

Source:

atsdr.cdc.gov/emes/public/docs/health%20effects%20of%20chemical%20exposure%20fs.pdf