What to Do If You’ve Experienced Toxic Exposure in the Workplace

Repeated exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace, or significant exposure at one time, can seriously jeopardize a person’s health. Worldwide, toxic exposure kills a worker every 30 seconds—that’s over 2,780,000 global deaths every year. Many millions of other individuals end up with mild to severe illnesses and injuries because of toxic exposure. Substances such as asbestos, pesticides, benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, ammonia, chloroform, zinc, lead, mercury, and iodine are among the most common and dangerous chemicals employees may come into contact with on the job.

Touching and/or inhaling a toxic chemical can cause:

  • Birth disorders
  • Blindness
  • Cancer, such as mesothelioma (caused by asbestos exposure)
  • Occupational illnesses, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Rashes
  • Severe burns
  • Sterility or other reproductive harm
  • Throat and lung injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Wrongful death

If you have been exposed to toxic chemicals in the workplace and that exposure has led to harm, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for damages. Your employer will then be responsible for paying your medical bills, lost wages, and certain other expenses related to your treatment.

However, you must act quickly—toxic exposure claims must be initiated within 30 days of the exposure, and the sooner you initiate the claims process, the better your chances of receiving prompt and comprehensive compensation.

If you been exposed to a toxic chemical in the workplace, do the following as soon as possible:

  • Report the incident to your supervisor immediately, in writing
    • Explain exactly where, when, and how your exposure occurred
  • Talk to anyone who may have witnessed your exposure and write down their contact information
  • Seek medical treatment and an official diagnosis from a doctor
    • Tell your health care provider that you were exposed to a toxic chemical at work so they can record the occupational injury/illness in your medical records
  • Consult with a local toxic exposure attorney to learn your rights and what steps you should take next

Since 1964, our Santa Ana toxic exposure attorneys have been helping injured Californians and their families receive the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. We can help you file your claim from the beginning or appeal your claim if it has been denied. For more information, reach out to us for a free legal consultation.

Call (714) 909-2609 or contact us online to learn more.

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