Toxic exposure can lead to serious, permanent and even fatal health problems for workers in Pennsylvania. Toxic exposure refers to prolonged contact with a harmful substance – such as fumes, chemicals, mold or asbestos – that results in physical illnesses or ailments for workers. If you are a victim of workplace toxic exposure in Pennsylvania, learn how to get justice.
What Is Toxic Exposure?
Many jobs in Pennsylvania put workers at risk of coming into contact with dangerous substances, such as recognized toxins and known carcinogens. Construction workers, for example, may have to work with materials that contain asbestos, a cancer-causing group of minerals.
Continuous contact with toxic substances over time can cause a wide range of health problems, including:
- Respiratory problems
- Asthma
- Lung diseases
- Cancers
- Skin or eye irritation
- Skin conditions
- Chemical burns
- Neurological disorders
- Reproductive disorders
- Organ damage
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Wrongful death
Workers in Pennsylvania are often put at risk of illnesses related to toxic exposure due to repeated contact with dangerous substances over a long period of time. Working with a toxin daily on the job can lead to it building up in the body and causing a wide range of long-term health effects.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Case in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, victims of toxic exposure may be eligible for financial compensation through one or more legal outlets. The first possibility is a workers’ compensation claim. This is a type of no-fault insurance claim that can pay a worker for losses caused by an injury or illness that occurs due to the worker’s job, including medical bills, partial lost wages, permanent disability and death.
To file a workers’ comp claim, you must report your injury or illness due to toxic exposure to your employer right away. You must get medical care and submit evidence of your health problem to your employer’s insurance provider. Your employer should file the paperwork for you to initiate a claim. Do not accept a workers’ comp settlement, however, until you’ve spoken to an attorney about a potential lawsuit.
A personal injury lawsuit is a civil case that requires proof of fault, such as an employer carelessly failing to protect workers from toxic substances. Employers must obey federal safety laws when it comes to preventing toxic exposure. A personal injury lawsuit against an employer could result in greater compensation than a workers’ comp claim. Once you accept an insurance settlement, however, you can no longer sue your employer.
Discuss Your Toxic Exposure Case With an Attorney in Pennsylvania
Before you accept a workers’ compensation settlement for workplace toxic exposure, contact an attorney about your legal rights. If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with an illness or disorder that is connected to toxic exposure, a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer at Dallas W. Hartman P.C. can investigate and review your case.
You may be able to seek justice from your employer or another party for altering your life by negligently exposing you to a toxic substance. Our attorneys will compassionately advocate for your rights during this difficult time. We have years of experience representing injured workers in Pennsylvania. Contact us today to start with a free case consultation.