It should come as no surprise that exposure to hazardous waste can be incredibly damaging to an employee and is why asbestos abatement, such as by Nielsen Environmental, needs to be done very carefully. Unfortunately, employees who handle hazardous materials are at significant risk. If you have suffered injuries from exposure to toxic waste, you may have injuries that are damaging and even life-altering. Injured accident victims may be left with significant damages, facing extensive medical bills, physical pain, and missed time away from work. When dealing with such losses, there will be many questions that only an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can provide the answers to.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a benefit available to those who have been injured in the workplace. Benefits include compensation for a portion of lost wages, medical coverage, vocational rehabilitation, and more. Workers’ compensation benefits workers in that they receive benefits following an accident. Also, employers benefit because an employee’s ability to pursue legal action is waived when workers’ compensation is accepted. In many situations, when workers’ compensation is available, an employee may not take legal action in the form of a personal injury suit. Despite this, it’s critical to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure that you can make the most of the benefits you are entitled to.
What types of jobs may lead to hazardous waste exposure?
Workers at risk for hazardous waste exposure are at risk for injuries when exposed to toxic chemicals through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Workers more at risk of exposure to hazardous waste include construction workers, glass manufacturers, shipbuilders, lead miners, plastic manufacturers, solid waste operators, and more.
What is the difference between workers’ compensation and third party claims?
If you have been injured due to hazardous materials exposure, it’s critical to understand the difference between workers’ compensation and a third party claim. While an injured employee may have the ability to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, they may also be able to pursue a third-party claim. While this is not the case in all situations, when a third party can be held liable, the injured party may seek damages for the losses they are experiencing. If your lawyer can prove that the third party is at fault for the damages, injured employees may be able to receive compensation for emotional pain, physical pain, lost wages, medical expenses, and more.
What steps should be taken if an employee has been injured?
In the wake of an injury, employees must take immediate action to ensure that they can receive the benefits and possible compensation they are entitled to. Injured workers should start by tending to their injuries, seeking medical treatment, reporting the accident to their employer, and seeking guidance from a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Injuries and physical pain are just one way that a worker who is injured on the job can be impacted. Work-related injuries can result in severe emotional stress for those exposed to hazardous waste while on the job. Workers’ compensation only covers a portion of lost wages, which is why it will be critical that injured workers take every measure to protect their case. Take the first step towards ensuring that you receive the best possible support by contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.