Employees Should be Protected from Toxic Exposure at Work

The attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman know that not every work injury is caused by a single accident. Illness or injury can result from repeated contact with toxic substances over time. Our clients have suffered long-term, debilitating injuries and illnesses due to toxic exposure in the workplace—and we fight to secure workers’ compensation when payment is unjustly denied. Contact us today to find out how we can help you in Wilmington, Seaford, Newark, or elsewhere in Delaware.

Hazardous chemicals are a given at certain workplaces: construction sites, mines, hospitals, labs, factories, airports, mechanical repair shops, and more. To help reduce the potential risks of hazardous substances, employees should be properly informed of a substance’s dangers, thoroughly trained on how to limit exposure, and understand how to protect themselves. Without the right background and training, workers’ health can be threatened by long-term exposure or even by a single instance of improper contact.

Commons toxins and resulting health problems

Toxins frequently found in the workplace include:

• Lead
• Asbestos
• Acidic/corrosive chemicals
• Lye
• Cleaning products
• Hair products at a salon
• Pesticides
• Biological agents
• Paints and solvents

The health issues associated with toxic exposure vary widely, from eye irritation to burns to the development of cancer. For example, lead poisoning could cause cognitive difficulties, mood disorders, high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, and many more dangerous and painful symptoms.

Proving a link between your injury and a toxic substance

Legal cases involving workplace toxic exposure can be complicated, especially if a toxin caused an illness many years after the exposure occurred. For example, let’s say you developed mesothelioma after years of working with asbestos-laden tiles, but you retired more than 10 years ago. Your attorney would have to show evidence that the disease you have now was directly caused by the contact with asbestos.

If you develop a condition almost immediately after being exposed, or after years of doing work that you are still performing, it can be simpler to build a case – but that shouldn’t stop you from fighting for what is yours. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can help you by documenting the evidence, working with your doctors, and presenting a case on your behalf.

In any event, you may be entitled to payment through workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit. Let a skilled, experienced Delaware workers’ compensation lawyer at one of our offices in Wilmington, Newark, or Seaford advise you on how best to proceed with your claim. Contact Silverman, McDonald & Friedman at 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form for a no-cost consultation. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your right to full and fair compensation. We’re on your side.