Construction workers are exposed to a variety of potentially dangerous circumstances on a daily basis. The possibility of falling from ladders or scaffolding, getting hit by falling objects, or being electrocuted are some of the obvious dangers. However, even if they are less evident, hazardous chemicals provide serious health risks that all workers should be aware of. It can cause everything from burns or organ damage to respiratory issues or even cancer.
Hazardous materials accidents happen more than you may think on New Jersey construction sites. The more you know about these accidents, the more you can help you avoid them. We will provide you with all the information you should know if you ever find yourself in an accident involving dangerous or hazardous materials.
However, it's important to seek the advice of an experienced hazardous materials accident lawyer who can help either you or loved ones get the assistance they need to make a full recovery.
The legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has helped represent clients who have been hurt in these accidents. We encourage you to call us with any questions.
Common Effects of Exposure to Toxic Materials
Depending on whether toxic materials are in the form of dust, fumes, gas, or vapor, the body will absorb it in a different way. A worker may be injured by toxic chemicals through skin contact, inhalation of fumes, or ingestion of even minute amounts of a dangerous substance. Burns, rashes, irritation of the throat and lungs, as well as nerve and neurological damage, are some of the more common injuries that can develop as a result of exposure to hazardous chemicals. In severe cases, products like industrial paint, which can emit fumes that are so poisonous that a strong ventilation system is necessary during their use, can cause brain damage in people.
Exposure to hazardous materials can result in a variety of health issues, from minor to very serious. Common acute effects and common chronic effects are two categories used to describe these conditions.
Common Acute Effects
- Allergic reactions that cause anaphylactic shock
- Corrosivity that burns the skin
- Dermatitis
- Fatal concentration
- Metal fume fever, which develops after inhaling tiny particles of zinc, magnesium, and copper
- Skin rashes, irritations, and dryness
Common Chronic Effects
- Asbestosis
- Cancer
- Cumulative hearing disorder
- Mesothelioma
- Occupational hearing loss
- Silicosis
Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim
In most states, you must first go through the workers' compensation system if you are exposed to chemicals at work that lead to a chronic condition before you can file a personal injury claim. Additionally, you may have to file an administrative claim with OSHA. A number of substances that may be present at work are governed by OSHA regulations, along with recommendations for employee training and safety. The likelihood of filing a claim increases when an employer disregards certain OSHA regulations and an employee suffers an injury or health issue.
Workers' compensation claims are not based on liability, so even if you took reasonable precautions but were exposed to harmful chemicals, you can still file a claim for benefits. You are eligible to file a claim as long as you were exposed to hazardous substances while carrying out work-related tasks.
A New Jersey workers' compensation lawyer can give you a better idea of your best course of action and what claim to file.
How To Prove Your Case For Hazardous Materials Exposure
Although pursuing a lawsuit or personal injury claim involving exposure to harmful chemicals at work can be difficult, that shouldn't deter you from exploring your legal options. You must prove that chemical exposure is what led to your disease in order to win your case. This can be challenging when the illness could have been brought on by another reason, such lung cancer. Smoking and certain harmful chemical exposures both have the potential to result in lung cancer.
Who is accountable and, thus, who you will mention in your claim, is another thing to think about. Despite the fact that most lawsuits are filed against employers, it is also possible to file a product liability claim against the maker of the faulty safety products. You can choose who is at fault and whom to mention in your claim with the assistance of an experienced workers' compensation lawyer.
The Attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney At Law Can Help You Today
Contact the New Jersey construction accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law if you or someone you love has been exposed to toxic, dangerous material at a construction site.
We'll work to get you the highest possible monetary settlement. We are one phone call away. Call us today to schedule an initial case evaluation.