A majority of industry uses chemicals in the workplace when manufacturing products, building houses or establishments, painting, and others. California is an industrialized state that offers a variety of occupations where chemicals are often involved.
Toxic exposure can start from simple eye irritation, mild skin rashes, or minor throat irritation. When repeatedly exposed to harmful substances, it can cause more serious damage to the worker’s health.
Are you an employee or a worker who suffers an injury, developed or aggravated a previous health condition because of repeated exposure to toxic substances? If you do, you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Contact ODG Law at (818) 975-3080 and our experienced LA workers’ compensation attorney will help you with your work-related concerns.
Exposure to Harmful Substances in the Workplace
Approximately, there are 650,000 existing chemical products in workplaces in America, based on the data of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The said federal organization imposes permissible exposure limits (PELs) on the chemical’s concentration in the air. This is to help safeguard workers from the harmful effects of toxic chemical exposure.
According to the Hazard Communication Standard, employers must ensure to identify and list hazardous toxic substances in the workplace along with the dangers of chemical exposures. Affected workers can suffer from acute or chronic illnesses and may incur them after exposure or can take up for several months or years
LA workers’ Compensation Attorney: Occupational Exposure
Occupational exposure is also another term used for toxic chemical exposure. These harmful chemicals are occupational hazards exposing workers to dangerous fumes or vapors which can get into the eyes, make contact with the skin, or can be inhaled. It can get into the bloodstream which can cause a manifold of health conditions that can lead to serious or life-threatening injuries or severe health conditions.
Harmful Effects of Toxic Chemical Exposure
Recurrent exposure to toxic chemicals can have significant effects, which are generally permanent. It includes:
- Cancer
- Brain damage
- Liver damage
- Low sperm count in males
- Chemical burns
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Tremors
- Miscarriage in women
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Tremors
Common Dangerous Substances Used or Found in the Workplace
In a workplace, it’s not unusual to find even a small bottle of chemical. Some of the most common dangerous substances found in the workplace include:
- Caustic substances, such as toilet bowl cleaners
- Acids such as battery acid and hydrochloric acid
- Glues and adhesives such as contact cement
- Paints
- Solvents
- Petroleum products
- Disinfectants
- Pesticides
- Heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and aluminum
Benefits Available in Workers’ Compensation for Injured Workers
If you suffer work-related injuries, you have the right to receive benefits from workers’ compensation. These are:
Medical Care. Even if you suffer the slightest injury, it’s your employer’s responsibility to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment from its network of health care providers. If your employer doesn’t have one, ODG Law can help coordinate your medical treatment.
Temporary Disability Benefits. This benefit replaces the injured worker during his healing process due to the injury. The Temporary partial disability (TPD) pays the injured worker’s salary loss because of the injury, but still works and earns money. Temporary total disability, on the other hand, pays the injured worker’s salary loss because he can’t get back to work and receives 2/3s of his average weekly earnings.
Permanent Disability Benefits. This isn’t a salary replacement but compensation for the immutable consequences of the injury. An injured worker with a permanent disability will receive compensation based on:
- The date of injury
- Occupation
- Impairment
- Age
- Apportionment
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit. It’s also known as a “voucher” and is usually given to impaired workers. This aims to help them retrain for new skills they can use to find another job that they can perform despite their disabilities.
Filing California Workers’ Compensation Claim
When it comes to workplace injury, the most severe hazards are usually the ones that aren’t visible to the naked eye. If you’re a worker and suffer valid work-related injuries, you are eligible to file a claim. Our reliable Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorneys will guide and help you throughout the process.
You must inform your employer about your workplace injury or illness related to your work immediately. Make sure to discuss with your employer that your injury was work-related and caused by repeated exposure to toxic chemicals to acquire the appropriate medical care. Keep in touch with ODG Law so we can help you file the correct documents and get the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from Experienced Los Angeles Workers’ Compensation Lawyers. Contact ODG Law Today.
You must not suffer physically, emotionally, and financially brought about by toxic exposure in the workplace. ODG Law is always here to help you together with our compassionate and expert workers’ compensation lawyer.
Get in touch with us today and have a free evaluation of your case. We work on a contingency fee basis. Call (818) 975-3080 or send your queries to our email. We’ll be glad to hear from you.
