Construction, extraction, and industrial workers are at a higher risk of exposure to toxins that can cause serious and life-long complications. Have you been hurt by toxic exposure on the job? Goidel & Siegel will put more than 30 years of legal experience to work helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Toxic substances are used in a range of applications which places certain occupations at a higher risk of toxic exposure. Employees in nail and hair salons, miners, airline flight crew, agricultural workers, and mechanics are all at risk of being exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes.
Construction workers in New York face one of the highest risks of toxic exposure and other workplace injuries. Common toxic chemicals in the construction industry include:
There are many ways in which construction workers are exposed to toxic substances on a regular basis through inhalation, accidental ingestion, or skin contact. You may be at risk of toxic exposure from the following:
Certain construction workers face higher risks than others. You may be at a higher risk of toxic chemical exposure if you perform drilling or sanding or cutting metal. Welders and roofers are at a particularly high risk of exposure to dangerous fumes.
It is estimated that 4% to 10% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are the result of workplace exposure to toxins. The CDC estimates that 13 million workers are exposed to chemicals absorbed through the skin at work daily.
Toxic exposure may or may not cause immediate symptoms. Toxic exposure that causes diseases and disorders may take years to develop.
Occupational illnesses associated with toxic exposure include:
Depending on the type and severity of the toxic exposure, serious complications include:
Initial symptoms of exposure to harmful chemicals or fumes may include:
Even if you do not develop symptoms on the job, you may still face serious, long-term consequences from toxic exposure.
After workplace toxic exposure, there may be multiple avenues to recover compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
Occupational illness from toxic exposure is considered a work-related injury under workers’ compensation law. This no-fault system allows you to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. However, benefits for lost earnings and disability are capped and may not fully compensate you. You are not able to pursue compensation for non-economic losses like pain and suffering through workers’ comp.
An experienced New York toxic exposure lawyer will explore whether your case qualifies for additional compensation outside workers’ comp. If someone’s negligence caused your exposure, they can be held liable for your damages. This may include:
There are also special rules regarding asbestos exposure. If you got sick after exposure to asbestos, you may be entitled to recover from an asbestos victim trust fund.
Toxic exposure injury cases are notoriously complex as it may be years before you realize you are sick and may not know the exact cause. Goidel & Siegel has more than 30 years of experience representing workers exposed to dangerous chemicals. We understand the unique challenges you face and how to build your case.
Contact us today at (929) 593-2024 for a free consultation with a New York toxic exposure attorney. Our multilingual attorneys can meet with you however you are comfortable and help you through every step of your case.
56 W. 45th Street 3rd Floor New York, NY 10036
