Maison Law guides injured workers in Los Angeles through the workers’ compensation claims process. While a workplace injury can happen to anyone, an often unforeseen scenario involves exposure to harmful substances like chemicals, mold, or something similar. When this happens, you can be facing serious health issues and other problems. You can file for workers’ compensation benefits, but you’re still going to need help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
Do You Need a Lawyer After Exposure to Harmful Substances?
If you’ve been exposed to harmful substances at work, the effects can be very serious–leading to ongoing medical care, expensive bills, lost income, and maybe even permanent disability. While you don’t have to hire a lawyer, handling a workers’ compensation claim alone can be stressful. That’s where our team can step in and make the process easier by:
- Gathering evidence to prove your exposure caused your illness or injury.
- Working with doctors to document your condition and plan your recovery.
- Getting you fair benefits so you get coverage for medical bills, lost income, and more.
Exposure to harmful and toxic substances can turn your life upside down with health problems and other issues. But workers’ compensation is there to help, and our team can make sure you understand how the process works and what you can do to get the most out of it.
What Should You Do After Exposure to Harmful Substances?
Unlike sudden injuries, illnesses caused by harmful substances–like toxic chemicals, dust, or mold–often develop over time. To make sure your workers’ compensation claim moves forward properly, here’s what you need to do:
- Try to pinpoint your exposure – Write down where, when, and how long you were exposed to harmful substances. Keep a detailed record of any unsafe conditions you had to go through at work.
- Get a diagnosis – Symptoms and health problems vary when there’s exposure, but it’s very important to see a doctor right away once you start noticing them. Medical records and test results are key to proving your illness.
- Talk to experts – Medical or safety experts can confirm that your health issues are linked to workplace exposure. Their input can make a big difference in your claim.
- Keep all your evidence – Save any protective gear, photos, or videos that show unsafe working conditions or the substances you were exposed to. This proof can support your case.
- Get statements from others – Talk to coworkers or supervisors who can confirm that you worked in unsafe conditions. Their statements can help strengthen your claim.
By taking these steps, you’ll have a stronger workers’ compensation claim and get better benefits. Further, if your employer failed to protect you from harmful substances, you may be able to file a legal claim to get the medical care and financial support you need to recover.
What Are Your Options For Filing a Claim After Exposure to Harmful Substances?
No matter what the substance is that you’re exposed to at work, if it’s harmful or toxic, it could leave you facing serious health issues. These issues go far beyond your ability to work, impacting not just your personal life, but that of your family and friends. The work aspect is important for filing a workers’ compensation claim, but that’s not the only option you have. Generally, though, there’s two main options:
- Workers’ comp claim – Workers’ comp works like an insurance claim. You file a claim, and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may offer a settlement or provide ongoing benefits. This is very important if you’ve developed health issues, such as lung problems, chemical burns, or other conditions linked to exposure. Workers’ comp can help cover:
- Medical expenses for treatments and doctor visits.
- Disability (temporary or permanent) benefits if your illness affects your ability to work.
- Job retraining costs if you can’t return to your previous job.
- Civil claim – In some cases, workers’ comp benefits may not be enough–especially if your condition is severe or long-term. Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit could help you recover additional damages, including:
- Lost wages and loss of future income if you can’t return to your job.
- Medical costs for ongoing or long-term care.
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of your illness.
- Emotional distress caused by your condition and its impact on your life.
Obviously, the burden of proof is higher in a civil claim, so you’re going to have to prove that your employer or someone else was negligent in order to get these damages. Whether you file a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit, it’s important to act quickly. In California, you have two years to file a civil claim after your injury or illness develops, but only one year to file for workers’ comp.
How Might You Be Exposed to Harmful Substances at Work?
Unfortunately, exposure to harmful or toxic substances is something that can happen in almost any workplace in Los Angeles. What’s worse, in most cases, you probably aren’t even aware that you’re being exposed. Still, looking at how exposure happens can help you prepare and respond in the right way:
- Breathing in toxic substances – This is among the most common ways exposure happens. Chemicals, asbestos, mold, silica dust, or fumes from paint and cleaning supplies can cause lung damage and respiratory illnesses over time.
- Skin contact – Direct contact with chemicals, solvents, or industrial cleaning agents can cause burns, rashes, or long-term skin conditions.
- Eating or drinking – Eating or drinking in areas where harmful substances are present can result in accidental ingestion of toxins.
- Working in contaminated environments – Poor ventilation, leaks, or spills can expose workers to dangerous airborne particles, chemicals, or hazardous waste.
- Lack of adequate protective equipment – Without protective equipment like masks, gloves, or goggles, workers are at greater risk of exposure during regular tasks.
Obviously, you have virtually no control over being exposed to harmful or toxic substances. That’s why it’s important to always use the right gear and if you feel like there’s a problem, speak up. If you believe you’ve been exposed to harmful substances at work, take action right away–your health and legal rights could depend on it.
Contact Maison Law For Workers’ Compensation Support in Los Angeles
If you’ve developed an illness or injury from exposure to harmful substances at work, Maison Law is here to help. Our experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyers will guide you through the claims process, handle the insurance company, and make sure you get fair benefits.
Don’t face this situation alone–contact us today for a free consultation and let’s talk about how we can support you.
