Nearly any employment situation or jobsite can cause employees to be exposed to dangerous chemicals and substances. While toxic chemical exposure is far more common in industrial or construction careers, jobs located in older buildings or those that involve frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals can cause workers to suffer serious injury or illness. Inhaling fumes, skin contact with harsh chemicals, or accidentally swallowing even a small amount of a harmful substance can cause a worker to develop a variety of serious illnesses – many of which can be life-threatening.
Some of the most common toxic substances that can harm workers include:
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Benzene
- Pesticides
- Cadmium
- Beryllium
- Mercury
- Silica
- Acids
- Industrial paint
- Perennial talc
Common injuries suffered from toxic exposure include chemical burns, rashes, neurological complications, brain damage, and the development various forms of cancer.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Chemical Exposure?
Yes. Employers have a duty to provide a reasonably safe working environment for their employees, and as such can be held financially responsible for any harm that may befall their workers throughout the course of their employment. Employees who are injured due to chemical exposure at work may seek compensation for their lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs by filing a claim under their employer’s workers’ compensation coverage. Workers’ compensation claims are not based on fault and do not require an employee to prove that their employer was guilty of any wrongdoing, simply that their injuries occurred within the scope of their occupation.
In the event that a worker should suffer a workplace illness or injury from toxic chemical exposure caused by a party other than their employer, they may be able to seek additional compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the responsible third party. Say, for example, a chemical manufacturer provided an employer with a certain substance but did not mention that protective gear must be used when handling said substance. If a worker were to become sick or injured from handling the chemicals, they would be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits and file a claim against the chemical manufacturer.
Top-Rated Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Orange County
If you or a loved one have been injured after being exposed to a harmful substance at work, the knowledgeable Orange County workers’ compensation lawyers at Alvandi Law Group, P.C. can advocate on your behalf and fight to ensure you receive every penny of your entitled benefits. We have successfully recovered more than $300 million on behalf of our injured clients and can provide the powerful counsel you need during this difficult time.
Call (800) 980-6905 or contact our office online today to get started towards filing a claim.