Especially in industrial occupations, exposure to toxic chemicals can reach a level where it can cause serious health issues and maybe even the death of the victim. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the exposure, symptoms can come on very suddenly, as in the case of a chemical spill, or develop over time when the worker is exposed to a low level of a dangerous toxin over a period of months or years while working.
When employees develop these conditions as a result of their job, they have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Toxic exposure claims can sometimes be very difficult to prove, and it is important to have an experienced attorney representing you from the start.
Call for a free initial consultation about your toxic exposure injury. Contact our Atlanta office at 404-233-6200 now to speak with our law firm.
Toxic exposure can result in some extremely serious long-term side-effects, including trouble breathing, chronic skin conditions, brain damage, cancer and many other debilitating occupational diseases. When you hire our firm, we will do everything in our power to secure the medical care and financial support you need in the short and long term.
At Hilley & Frieder, P.C., we have handled cases involving all types of toxic exposure, including:
Our lawyers can help you fight for justice as someone who has been diagnosed with an injury or illness due to toxic exposure, either at work or elsewhere. We have over 35 years of experience in personal injury law to put to use on your case and a passion for justice. We will work around the clock to make sure you’re satisfied as our client.
Some workers are aware that they may come into contact with toxic chemicals and other substances due to the nature of their jobs. Others, however, may be left in the dark about this potential health and safety risk due to employer negligence. If you are aware that your job comes with a risk of toxic exposure, take steps to avoid coming into contact with a dangerous substance. Some of the most common routes of exposure in the workplace are:
If your job puts you at risk of chemical exposure, your employer should equip you with all of the proper protective gear to keep you safe from unnecessary and preventable risks. Protective gear often includes goggles, masks, respirators, gloves, boots and full-body suits. Your employer should also take other steps to protect workers, such as isolating the toxic substance or implementing work safety protocols.
It is an employer’s duty to keep employees reasonably free from harm on the job. This duty of care requires adequate employee safety training, safety and warning signs posted in the workplace, adherence to state and federal safety rules, periodic safety inspections, and providing all necessary safety equipment to workers. Unfortunately, not all employers meet this duty of care. Some skip safety training or ignore protocols to save time or money.
Employer negligence can give an injured worker the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company. If you believe your employer was negligent in exposing you to a toxin, it’s critical not to accept a workers’ comp settlement without speaking to a lawyer. Once you accept a settlement, you give up the right to sue your employer for negligence. A personal injury lawsuit may offer greater financial compensation than a workers’ comp claim.
The damages, or financial compensation, available for toxic exposure in Georgia depends on the type of claim filed, the extent of your injury or illness, the losses that you suffered, the insurance coverage available, and many other factors. Through a Georgia workers’ compensation claim, you could receive the following types of benefits:
With a successful personal injury lawsuit for toxic exposure due to negligence, you could recover damages for:
If a loved one passed away due to toxic exposure at work, you could also be eligible for death and survivor benefits. You may be eligible for both types of compensation if someone other than your employer is at fault in your toxic exposure case, such as the manufacturer of a defective or dangerous product. Pursuing both types of claims can maximize your financial recovery. Discuss how much your case might be worth during an evaluation at Hilley & Frieder, P.C.
To schedule a free initial consultation at our Atlanta office or over the phone, please contact us today.
Ronald Hilley was the contributing attorney to this content.
