Springfield, Missouri Chemical Exposure Lawyers
Most people who work at manufacturing companies or laboratories know they are at risk of being exposed to chemicals. However, chemical exposure incidents can happen in any work environment. Chemical exposure is particularly unnerving because victims may not even be aware they've been exposed until months later. Additionally, many victims of hazardous chemical exposure believe their symptoms are due to other causes. At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, our skilled chemical exposure attorneys are dedicated to helping people dealing with injuries through no fault of their own. If you've been harmed by chemical exposure, we can help you file a claim and receive the workers' compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure occurs through numerous means, including:
Food: Eating food containing harmful chemicals is one of the easiest forms of chemical exposure. Additionally, some foods, such as fish and cattle, can become contaminated and leave you with a chemical exposure injury.
Air: A person can breathe in hazardous chemical vapors or take in unhealthy air containing hazardous chemicals or dust.
Soil or Dust: You can be exposed to hazardous chemicals in soil, sediment, and dust through direct skin contact or by breathing it in. It's important to note that children are especially susceptible to this form of chemical exposure because they instinctively perform many hand-to-mouth motions. This can lead to the wrong items to have contact with their mouths.
Water: When a person drinks contaminated water, they can experience symptoms of chemical exposure. Exposure can also occur through accidental ingestion of water in the shower or while swimming. These same activities can introduce chemicals into the body through direct skin contact.
Examples of Chemical Exposure Injuries
Chemical exposure leads to a wide variety of injuries and can even be fatal. If you've been exposed to chemicals, or even if you only suspect you might have been exposed, consult your doctor immediately and follow their treatment to protect yourself from further injury. Here are some of the most common types of chemical exposure injuries:
- Asbestosis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chemical burns
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Lung or throat damage
- Mesothelioma
- Parkinson's disease as a result of Paraquat exposure
- Shortness of breath
If you believe you may have been exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins, getting professional medical care is of the utmost importance. Injuries from chemical exposure can be very serious, so do not hesitate to get immediate medical attention as soon as you are aware of the exposure.
Contact a Missouri Chemical Exposure Attorney
If you or someone you love is suffering from a hazardous chemical incident at work, get help from an experienced chemical exposure attorney from Morris, Webster & Carlton. Let us review your case, explain your rights and options, and begin working towards obtaining the workers' compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, we can help you collect financial reimbursement through a variety of options, including temporary and permanent disability, medical benefits, and wage replacement.
Contact us online now or call (417) 545-3775 to get your free initial consultation.
Stay In The Know
-
Why Do I Need a Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorney?A workers’ compensation claim can take several months, even years, to resolve, especially if you continue to suffer from the effects of your work-related injury. Your employer and its insurance company will be represented by highly skilled attorneys who know how to exploit an injured employee. You need to level the playing field by hiring a Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight on your behalf.
-
What Happens If My Employer Denies Me Workers’ Compensation Benefits?In many cases, your employer or their insurance company will promptly pay any workers’ compensation benefits. But if they deny benefits–or stop paying them before you receive what you believe you are entitled to under the law–then you have the right to file a claim with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. An administrative law judge appointed by the Division will review your claim and either conduct mediation between you and your employer, or alternatively hold a formal hearing to determine your right to compensation.
-
What Kinds of Injuries Are Covered?
Under Missouri law, workers’ compensation only covers injuries that arise “out of and in the course of employment.” This includes accidents that occur during your work shift. It also includes “occupational diseases” contracted at work, provided workplace exposure was the “prevailing” cause.
Workers’ compensation is not necessarily limited to injuries suffered at your normal workplace. If your job requires you to travel–i.e., make deliveries or conduct on-site work with clients–you may be compensated for injuries sustained in the course of such travel. However, Missouri workers’ compensation law specifically excludes injuries sustained while commuting from home to work and back, even if you use a company-owned car.
-
What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries That Qualify for Workers' Compensation?Workers' Comp, WorkplaceRead Article -
The Long-Term Impact of Workplace Accidents on EmployeesWorkers' Comp, WorkplaceRead Article
-
Getting a Second Opinion for Missouri Work Comp ClaimsWorkers' CompRead Article
-
Safety Violations with Missouri Work Comp ClaimsWorkers' CompRead Article
-
Pre-existing Condition May be Covered by Workers’ CompensationWorkers' CompRead Article
-
Pre-Existing Conditions and Missouri Work CompPre-Existing ConditionsRead Article
