Millions of Americans face the risk of chemical exposure in the workplace each day. Even though there are preventative and protective measures that employers are supposed to take, workers still get injured every day. When you need a Downey chemical exposure lawyer, you can turn to the team at JML Law, APLC. These cases can become incredibly complex, but we will not be deterred. We will get to work investigating your exposure claim so we can secure the compensation you deserve.
More than 2.8 million workplace injuries and illnesses were reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) in the latest year. But what about chemical injuries?
What do we know about workplace chemical exposures
There are various ways that chemicals create hazards for workers. The main agency tasked with workplace safety in the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tell us that chemicals and toxic substances pose both internal and external health hazards for workers:
- Physical hazards include flammability, corrosion, and explosion risks
- Health hazards include irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity
The BLS tells us that exposure to harmful substances, including chemicals, was one of the leading causes of worker deaths in the latest reporting year, killing 531 people. Thousands of others suffered from exposure injuries and illnesses.
- Around the world, a worker dies from toxic exposure every 30 seconds (according to the United Nations).
These cases can become complicated. While many exposure incidents are immediately recognizable (chemical burns and explosions), there are times when a chemical exposure illness causes long-term chronic conditions or cancer. In these cases, linking the illness to chemical exposure can be difficult.
What should employers do to keep workers safe
Most chemical exposure incidents are preventable. In industries that rely on chemicals as a part of their overall operation, all workers should be properly trained and have the necessary safety equipment. OSHA says that employees should have working conditions that do not pose them a risk of serious harm.
Even in lower-risk work environments, the risk of chemical exposure is still present:
- Fast food industries may not rely on chemicals for the main parts of their operation, but they still use cleaning chemicals regularly
- Hotel workers use chemicals to treat pools and hot tubs.
- Nail and hair salon workers use chemicals as part of their jobs.
What can I do to secure compensation
If you or a loved one have been injured or become ill due to exposure to chemicals in the workplace, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At JML Law, APLC, we know that these cases can become complicated, but we will not let that stop us from securing the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- All of your medical expenses related to the exposure
- Lost income and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against a grossly negligent party
If you need a Downey chemical exposure attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 818-610-8800 for a free consultation today.
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