Depending on your work environment, you may be required to handle volatile or harmful substances. In other situations, you may be exposed to a toxic substance at work without realizing it. Certain chemicals can be detrimental to your health. If you touch a hazardous material, ingest a harmful substance through water or food, or breathe in toxic fumes or vapors, you may suffer severe side effects.
Types of toxic substances include:
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Mercury
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Formaldehyde
- Uranium
- Solvents
- Paint and cleaners
Whether you are exposed to a hazardous substances over a long period of time, or you come into contact with a dangerous chemical for a brief moment, it could have long-lasting negative health effects. Your employer is required by law to provide adequate safety training and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to help keep you safe. If your employer fails to provide proper training and safety equipment for handling such chemicals, you could become a victim of toxic exposure.
Toxic Exposure Can Lead to Many Long-Term Health Effects
Sometimes, one instance of toxic exposure may result in serious injuries. You may be burned by touching a powerful chemical without gloves. This is known as the acute (short-term) effects of toxic exposure. Gradual exposure to a harmful substance over a long period of time can also cause serious side effects. These may not be immediately apparent, so the victim may be unaware of the physical damage for months or even years. This is known as the chronic (long-term) effects of toxic exposure.
Stomach and digestive problems, organ damage, coughing, shortness of breath, insomnia, loss of coordination, and tremors could result from exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals. Medical treatments, including surgeries, medications, and therapy, could provide a solution to some of these symptoms. However, other side effects could be permanent. In some cases, you may be unable to work because of the effects of toxic exposure. You may also need regular medication and intensive treatment for years. This will result in expensive bills. Pursuing workers’ compensation can provide the financial relief you need as you seek to move forward.
Toxic Exposure Can Cause Cancer
Some toxins, such as asbestos, are known to cause cancer. If you were exposed to toxic fumes, you may suffer lung cancer. Touching certain chemicals without proper protection may also result in skin cancer. Victims of cancer may face years of expensive medical treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, to try to eradicate the cancer. They may also have to surgically remove infected parts of their body. Cancer can be fatal, and may hinder the quality of life for those who survive. Thus, it is important to pursue workers’ compensation for cancer caused by toxic exposure.
Our Workers’ Comp Attorneys in Glendale Will Guide You Through the Process
At the Law Offices of Wax & Wax, we provide compassionate legal assistance to those who have suffered toxic exposure at their workplace. Our Glendale workers’ compensation lawyers will investigate the incident to determine when and where you were exposed to the substance, and help you file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. If your claim is delayed or denied, we will use effective legal strategies to fight on your behalf. You may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disability, and other expenses.
Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation. We offer Spanish speaking services as well.