Maison Law can help you through the workers’ compensation process in Glendale. While most people in Glendale associate workers’ comp with visible injuries, not every situation works that way. Sometimes, it means being exposed to harmful substances–and the effects take time to show up. But once they do, they can impact everything from your breathing to your ability to work. That’s where we can step in and make things easier. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Exposed to Harmful Substances at Work?
You don’t have to have a lawyer to file for workers’ comp—but if you’re facing medical bills, time off work, and a condition that’s hard to prove, having one can help a lot. We’re here to guide you through the system and take some of that pressure off your shoulders. Here’s what we can help with:
- Figuring out what caused your condition – We’ll help show how your illness or injury connects to what you were exposed to at work.
- Coordinating with your doctors – We make sure your medical records clearly explain what you’re dealing with and how it affects your job.
- Making your claim stronger – From paperwork to appeals, we help you avoid delays and pushback so you can focus on getting better.
Exposure to harmful substances isn’t always easy to trace—but it can turn your life upside down. We’re here to make sure you get the care, time off, and benefits you need.
How Does Exposure to Harmful Substances Happen at Work?
Toxic exposure doesn’t always look like a dramatic chemical spill. In fact, in many Glendale workplaces, it’s the slow and silent kind—day-to-day contact with fumes, dust, or even mold that’s hidden in the building. You might not realize something’s wrong until the symptoms start stacking up. Here’s how exposure can happen in real life:
- Breathing in airborne toxins – Dust from construction sites, fumes from machinery or cleaning products, mold from poor ventilation—these are all common in industries across Glendale, from auto shops to office buildings.
- Skin contact – Many workers handle cleaning agents, solvents, or other chemicals without proper gloves or safety gear. Even brief contact can cause rashes or long-term skin conditions.
- Accidental ingestion – If your job doesn’t have clear safety protocols about where and when to eat, there’s a risk of accidentally consuming harmful particles through contaminated hands or surfaces.
- Contaminated work environments – Leaky pipes, poor air systems, and spills that don’t get cleaned up properly can all contribute to hidden exposure risks.
- Lack of protective gear – Employers are required to provide safety equipment for hazardous tasks. But in reality, gear is often missing, damaged, or not enforced—and that puts you at risk.
If you think you’ve been exposed, it’s important to act fast. Get checked out by a doctor, tell your supervisor, and start documenting what you’ve been exposed to and when. Workers’ comp is there to support you—but you have to start thinking about gathering the right information.
What Information Will I Need to Show That I’ve Been Exposed to Harmful Substances?
Unlike a broken bone or a sudden injury, illnesses from harmful substances—like chemicals, dust, or mold—don’t always show up right away. That makes it harder to pinpoint what caused the problem. The good news? With workers’ comp, you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault. But the stronger your claim is, the easier it is to get the benefits you’re going to need. Here’s what can help you with that:
- Details about your work environment – Write down where the exposure happened, what substances were present (if known), and how often or how long you were around them.
- Timeline of symptoms – Keep a record of when your health issues started, how they’ve progressed, and what days you missed work because of them.
- Medical documentation – Make sure your doctor connects your condition to your work environment in their notes. Test results, diagnoses, and treatment plans will all help link your illness to your job.
- Proof of unsafe conditions – Photos of damaged protective gear, poor ventilation, leaks, spills, or other hazards can help show that the environment wasn’t safe.
- Coworker statements – Written or verbal statements from people who worked alongside you—especially if they experienced similar symptoms—can add support to your claim.
- Reports or complaints – If you or anyone else reported the problem to a supervisor, HR, or OSHA, keep a copy of those reports or emails.
These pieces of information help show that your illness is job-related, which is what matters most in a Glendale workers’ compensation claim.
What Are Your Options for Filing a Claim After Exposure to Harmful Substances?
If you’ve been exposed to something toxic or harmful on the job—whether that’s cleaning chemicals, fumes, mold, or another substance—it can take a real toll on your health. It may start small: a lingering cough, a rash, headaches that won’t go away.
But over time, these exposures can turn serious. When that happens, you’re not just dealing with medical issues—you’re also facing time away from work, mounting bills, and the stress that comes with both. It’s hard to deal with, but you do have options:
- Filing for workers’ comp – Most people start here—and for good reason. Workers’ compensation is designed to help injured or sick workers cover the basics: medical treatment, lost income, and time off work. All you need to do is request the DWC-1 form from your employer, fill it out, return it, and then wait for the investigation and decision. Once all that happens (usually within a few weeks), you could start receiving benefits like:
- Coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, and necessary treatments.
- Temporary or permanent disability payments if your condition affects your ability to work.
- Job retraining if you can’t return to your former role.
Even though the process seems straightforward, claims tied to exposure illnesses can be more complicated because symptoms often don’t show up right away. That’s where having legal guidance can make a big difference–especially if you need to go further.
- Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit – In some cases, workers’ comp just doesn’t go far enough—especially if your illness is severe or life-altering. If a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) contributed to your exposure, or if your employer failed to protect you, you may be able to file a separate legal claim where you can potentially get:
- Full lost wages and reduced future earning capacity.
- Long-term medical care and rehabilitation expenses.
- Pain and suffering tied to your illness or condition.
- Emotional distress from the impact the illness has had on your life.
The requirements for a civil claim are more strict—you’ll need to prove fault or negligence—but it may be worth exploring, especially if your condition is ongoing or getting worse. And remember, no matter which route you take, timing matters. In California, you generally have one year to file a workers’ comp claim and two years to file a civil claim. The sooner you get help, the more options you’ll have. And our team will be there to support you through it all.
Glendale Workers’ Comp Help After Exposure to Harmful Substances
If you’ve gotten sick from being around toxic chemicals, fumes, or mold at work, you shouldn’t have to deal with it alone. At Maison Law, we help Glendale workers file workers’ comp claims and make sure their medical needs and lost wages are taken seriously.
You don’t have to prove fault—but you do need to show your illness is job-related. We’ll help you gather that evidence and explore other legal options if someone else may be responsible. Don’t wait–reach out today for a free consultation.
