Workers’ Compensation Claims Involving Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

 Posted on September 03, 2021 in Workers' Compensation

In Illinois, workers’ compensation insurance covers costs resulting from a work injury or illness. When most people think of workers’ compensation, they picture an injured worker who fell or otherwise suffered a one-time traumatic accident. However, this is not the only type of worker harm that may result in a workers’ comp claim.

Exposure to dangerous chemicals, toxic fumes, and other hazardous substances such as asbestos can take a major toll on a worker’s health, especially when the worker is exposed to the dangerous chemical on a long-term basis. Unfortunately, bringing a successful workers’ compensation claim for exposure to hazardous chemicals is often an uphill battle.

Contact with Dangerous Chemicals and Worker Health

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has instituted strict rules about how toxic or dangerous chemicals must be stored and utilized in a workplace. OSHA has also established permissible exposure limits for dangerous substances. However, many OSHA rules and requirements are incomplete or outdated. Furthermore, some companies fail to adhere to these rules.

Severe health effects can result from inhaling toxic fumes, ingesting dangerous chemicals, or getting dangerous chemicals into your eyes. Some chemicals are so hazardous that simply getting the substance on your skin can lead to health problems.

What to Do If You Were Harmed by a Dangerous Chemical

Health effects caused by hazardous chemicals can be acute, meaning they are immediately apparent, or the health implications of the exposure may go unnoticed for months or years after. Often, negative health consequences are caused by the cumulative effect of exposure over time. Unfortunately, this can make it harder to prove that exposure to the chemicals is what caused the worker’s health problems.

If you or a loved one has suffered health problems because of working conditions, you should report the injury or illness according to the company’s rules and procedures. Gather as much information as you can about the times and dates on which you were exposed to the harmful substance. Lastly, contact an attorney who can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, represent you during settlement negotiations, and file an appeal if your workers’ compensation benefits are denied.

Contact a Champaign Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Exposure to dangerous chemicals at work can harm your cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, and more. Some people who are exposed to hazardous substances are left with permanent health complications.

At Kanoski Bresney, we understand that workers’ compensation claims involving exposure to dangerous chemicals are often some of the hardest cases to pursue. Fortunately, our experienced team of Champaign workers’ compensation attorneys is up to the challenge. Call us at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Source:

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy11_sh-22240-11_ChemicalHazards.pdf