Sacramento Occupational Illness Attorney
Seek Financial Relief for a Work-Related Disease or Condition
While many work injuries happen suddenly, such as serious burns or slip-and-falls, other injuries take years to fully manifest themselves. These conditions are known as “occupational illnesses” and can develop as a consequence to a repeated motion or constant exposure. It can be difficult to prove that an occupational illness was caused by your employment, which means that there’s a good chance your initial claim will be denied.
At Smolich and Smolich, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to have their claim addressed, and we understand that sometimes that requires the assistance of an attorney to ensure your claim is handled properly. Our Sacramento workers’ comp lawyers have helped clients through all types of work-related injuries since we opened our doors in 1969. We understand the necessity of having your claim handled quickly and appropriately so you can obtain the treatment you need to relieve the pain you are dealing with as a result of your occupational injury.
If you are suffering from the symptoms of an occupational illness, call Smolich and Smolich today at (916) 571-0400and request a free case evaluation!
Types of Occupational Illnesses
Occupational illnesses can come in many forms, and nearly every employment position possesses a risk of one of these injuries happening, even if it is a small one. Therefore, it’s important to analyze your condition and determine if your job may have directly caused it over a long period of time.
Some relatively frequent examples of occupational illnesses include:
- Repetitive motion injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, or “tech neck,” which is becoming much more common in recent years.
- Cancer: Leukemia or lymphoma can develop in those who are frequently exposed to toxic chemicals, particularly those with harmful fumes.
- Skin disorders: Occupations that demand workers to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time are at a high risk of developing skin cancer. Some of these high-risk occupations include roofers, construction workers, and agricultural workers. Additionally, skin diseases might also be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. Workers who are often exposed to such dangerous chemicals include painters, cleaners, construction workers, and mechanics. Of course, these are not the only two types of skin disorders workers suffer from. Other common disorders include ulcers, skin inflammations, rashes, contact dermatitis, skin infections, and eczema.
- Respiratory illnesses: Toxic chemicals can also cause respiratory problems for workers who are in an industrial setting or on construction sites, where it is common to breathe in dangerous chemicals on a daily basis. This can worsen allergies or cause ultimately fatal illnesses like mesothelioma. Other common respiratory problems that affect workers include pneumonitis, tuberculosis, occupational asthma, silicosis, pharyngitis, and chronic pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chemical Exposure Claims
Injuries, illness, or other harm done to the body from chemical exposure can lead to temporary or even lifelong problems. For those who have been harmed due to toxic chemical exposure in the workplace, it becomes all the more important to resolve the matter as soon as possible. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you file a claim for financial compensation.
Chemical exposure is not relegated only to those working in an industrial facility, a factory, or a science laboratory. Dangerous chemicals can exist in nearly any workplace—even in an office—if chemical products are being used and there is a spill or the areas are not properly ventilated.
Some of the most common types of toxic chemicals include the following:
- Asbestos
- Pesticides
- Paint
- Silica
- Mercury
- Lead
- Acids
Injuries from Chemical Exposure
Workers who are exposed to dangerous substances on a daily basis face the immense risk of becoming injured, sick, or worse after chemical exposure has occurred. Depending on the type of materials that are being used, employers should be enforcing rules, such as wearing protective clothing, gloves, hazmat suits, goggles, and other equipment to keep their employees safe.
Injuries that often result from toxic chemical exposure:
- Burns
- Rash
- Nerve damage
- Neurological damage
- Brain injuries
- Respiratory illnesses
- Throat injuries
In one of the most extreme cases of toxic chemical exposure, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation to help you and your family while you recover. Employees in the State of California are entitled to receive compensation for injuries that occur in the workplace due to negligence. This applies in particular if employers were negligent and failed to prevent any injuries or illnesses that arise from toxic exposure.
Contact Smolich and Smolich Today
Be sure to reach out to a knowledgeable Sacramento workers’ comp attorney right away. Workers’ compensation laws can be complex to grasp, so let us help make sense of it all for you and help you obtain the best possible result. Life after a serious injury, particularly from chemical exposure, can be difficult to adjust to, so it is important that you have everything you need to move forward.
Need help with your occupational illness or chemical exposure claim? Contact Smolich and Smolich now to get started.