Every day, thousands if not millions of people in California go to work knowing that they may be exposed to toxic chemicals or fumes. Construction workers, farmworkers, welders, mechanics, even hairdressers and barbers all work in environments with an increased risk of toxic exposure.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic chemicals or potentially harmful fumes while at work, there are several steps you should take. Immediately following exposure, it is important to clear the lungs and clean your skin. Your first step should be to remove yourself from the harmful environment by stepping outside and breathing clean air. If you can, remove and launder your clothes (if they are salvageable), and take a shower. You should seek medical attention if the chemical or fumes coming into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth, if your skin is burned, or if you have difficulty breathing. If the exposure was severe enough to call for a worker’s compensation claim, then it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and reimbursement for your medical treatment.
Toxic chemical exposure can cause significant illness or injury. Don’t be conservative when it comes to seeking medical treatment, filing a worker’s compensation claim, and seeking the damages you rightfully deserve. Let one of our attorneys represent you in your workplace toxic exposure case, while you focus on recovery.