Construction Workers Exposed to Hazardous Substances on the Job Do Have Legal Options
Construction work is inherently dangerous even in the best of circumstances. Many workers are seriously injured in falls or accidents involving heavy machinery. But another major source of danger is exposure to dangerous substances. According to OSHA, “Chemical hazards and toxic substances pose a wide range of health hazards (such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and physical hazards (such as flammability, corrosion, and explosibility).” Any worker that is harmed by toxic exposure on a New York construction site may be able to pursue legal options to seek compensation.
Common Toxic Substances at Construction Sites
Construction workers across New York are often exposed to many different harmful substances. Not all of these substances are necessarily obvious as being dangerous, though many are.
- Asbestos: Asbestos was used as an insulating material for many years in buildings across New York in the United States. Anytime that workers have to perform construction or demolition on old buildings with asbestos, this could inadvertently put workers at risk.
- Silica Dust: One of the core functions that construction workers perform is cutting various materials in order to ensure that they are the proper size and fit. This process can create large amounts of silica dust that can enter a worker’s lungs and cause major health issues down the road.
- Lead: Similar to asbestos, many old buildings have lead. It was commonly mixed in paints and certain other materials. Construction sites should use great caution when dealing with any building where lead is known to be present.
- Solvents and VOCs: In many cases, the chemicals that construction workers utilize are so strong that merely inhaling the vapors of these products can be dangerous. This is particularly true with respect to solvents and other VOCs.
Exposure to any of these substances can have major health implications for construction workers. This includes chronic respiratory issues, cancer, and neurological damage.
Health Consequences of Toxic Exposure
It is common for construction workers to have careers that span many decades. Exposure to certain substances over a long period like this can have many negative health consequences for workers. Symptoms may manifest in a variety of different ways.
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Respiratory problems
It is important that workers exhibiting certain symptoms get checked by a doctor. Workers exposed to toxic substances may not realize the full extent of their injuries until many years or decades after exposure.
Legal Recourse for Workers
Depending on the facts of any case, an injured worker may have numerous legal avenues in order to receive compensation for their injuries. Most claims will typically be filed through either workers’ compensation or third-party lawsuits.
- Workers’ Compensation: The worker’s compensation system in New York is designed to help workers who have been injured on the job. This includes situations where they have been injured due to toxic substance exposure. Benefits through the system can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
- Third-Party Lawsuits: In addition to worker’s compensation, an injured worker may also be able to receive aid through a third-party lawsuit. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from the worker’s employer contributed to an injury. This may include the company responsible for failing to maintain a worksite in a safe condition.
Toxic tort claims are often highly complex. It is also possible that there are numerous liable parties. Any person that suspects that they may have been injured due to toxic substance exposure at a construction site should seek the guidance of a skilled attorney.
Getting Legal Help for Toxic Substance Exposure
We at GLK Law understand how difficult it can be for a worker to become seriously ill from toxic substance exposure. Companies have a legal obligation to protect their workers from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. But in far too many instances, convenience and price-cutting measures lead to dangerous safety compromises.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured after exposure to toxic substances in a worksite? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to get their lives back on track. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
