What Are Your Rights When You’ve Been Exposed To Toxins At Work?
Brian O Sutter
Workers’ Compensation
It is your right to work in a safe place. If you are working with toxins, your employer is required to give you information on all chemicals you may be exposed to and their potential side effects. This information also should state the chemical’s use, how to handle that chemical safely, and how to provide first aid if exposed. If you have been actively exposed to or believe you are currently being exposed to harmful chemicals at work that have caused injury or illness, you may have rights to a claimWhat Toxins Are Covered By Workman’s Compensation?
There are many toxic materials that are covered by Florida’s workers’ compensation including:
● Asbestos
● Lead
● Pesticides
● Mercury
● Silica
● Paints
● Solvent
● Acids
These are just some of the most common toxins employees are exposed to on the job. However, you need to speak with your physician to determine if your injuries or illnesses are connected to the toxins you interact with at work.
Can I File A Workers’ Compensation Claim If I Am Exposed To Toxins?
If your doctor finds that you have incurred an illness or injury as a result of toxic exposure. You will need to inform your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim. Sadly, even if your illness or injuries are a result of your work, you may be denied the claim if you don’t take the right steps. Here is what you need to do:
Report your injuries to your supervisor immediately. If you are unable to do so, have a coworker or family member inform them.
Explain exactly how and where you were exposed.
Get the names of any coworkers who saw you being exposed to the chemical.
Do I Need A Lawyer After Being Exposed To Toxins?
It is always a good idea to contact a workers’ compensation attorney immediately after your exposure. Your attorney can accomplish things that may be difficult, if not impossible for you to do. This includes gathering evidence by testing the workplace and hiring toxic chemical experts. Based on these findings, your lawyer can assess your benefits and make sure you get the maximum amount. These benefits include:
● Provide temporary disability benefits that cover the wages you lose while you are unable to work, including overtime hours.
● A permanent total or partial disability to compensate for any permanent bodily impairment that resulted from the exposure.
● Covering all of your medical expenses such as any chemical studies, testing, medication, and adaptive equipment and doctors visits.
Another reason that a good attorney can help you is that in most cases concerning toxic chemical exposure is they can determine if it was actually your employers’ fault or a third party. For example, the manufacturer of the chemical may not have informed your employer of the risks of using their product. In that case, they will be responsible for your injuries.
How Do I Get Compensation For Exposure to Toxins?
Whether you decide to file a workers’ compensation claim or you feel there may be someone else responsible, it is imperative that you contact an attorney to not only look out for your interests when filing your claim but to determine who is truly responsible. At All Injuries Law Firm, we have over thirty years of helping workplace injury victims in Port Charlotte get fair compensation for their injuries. We can help you recover lost wages, pay for your medical bills, and make sure your other expenses are covered. Contact us at 941-625-HURT for a free consultation and see how we can help you.