Depending on your workplace, it can be very easy to suffer exposure to chemicals. While some of these chemicals may be relatively benign, others can be extremely toxic, and exposure to these toxic chemicals can lead to long-term illness and possibility death.
Many workers don’t realize that there are actually many state and federal laws regulating exposure to toxic chemicals. If your employer has failed to follow these laws, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Read about toxic chemical exposure in the workplace and learn the many benefits of hiring a Chattanooga workers’ compensation attorney.
Regulations at the Federal Level
There are a wide variety of chemicals that a person could be exposed to in the workplace, including such deadly substances as asbestos and carbon dioxide. When it was discovered that long-term exposure to asbestos had lasting consequence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted rules that restricted workplace chemical exposure.
For example, these OSHA rules regulate a number of chemicals that can be present in the workplace, as well as guidelines for training and protecting employees. When an employer fails to follow these OSHA rules and an employee suffers negative consequences, there is the possibility of a workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ Compensation Laws
When you are exposed to chemicals in the workplace that causes a chronic illness like cancer, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Most states require that employees go through the workers’ compensation system before filing a personal injury lawsuit. It is also possible that you will need to make an administrative claim through OSHA.
If you’re considering such a claim, it’s a good idea to consult a Chattanooga workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ comp system and advise you about your options for filing a lawsuit.
Proving Your Case
If your workers’ compensation claim has failed, you might be considering a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should be aware that a personal injury lawsuit involving workplace toxic chemical exposure can be extremely difficult. For example, to win your case you will need to prove that exposure to chemicals is what caused your illness. This can be hard in cases involving asbestos as the cancers this chemical causes can also result from smoking.
Another factor to consider is who you will name in your lawsuit. Although most people file suit against their employer, it is also possible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of defective safety goods. A good attorney can help you decide who is responsible for your chemical exposure and who to name in your lawsuit.
Consult a Chattanooga Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Whether you’re considering a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ comp claim, you need the advice of a Chattanooga Workers’ compensation attorney from the McMahan Law Firm. When you work with the legal team at the McMahan Law Firm, you’ll be working with personal injury insiders who can help you effectively handle your personal injury suit. Our team can gather the evidence you need for your case so that you can focus on recovery.
Ask for help from The Insiders at The McMahan Law Firm today and fight for your deserved workers’ compensation claim.
