For many employees in the Chicago area, exposure to toxic fumes, particulates or chemicals presents one of the greatest risks for a job-related illness or injury. From asbestos dust to cleaning solvents, from carbon monoxide to diesel exhaust, and from pesticides to toxic mold, many workers encounter potentially-serious health risks on a daily basis.
10 Common Illnesses Linked to Work-Related Toxic Exposure
If you are experiencing symptoms of exposure, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. The following is just a small sampling of the types of illnesses and diseases that employees can contract from toxic exposure in the workplace:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Resulting from exposure to harmful levels of carbon monoxide working in close proximity to vehicles or boats, refineries and boiler rooms, production mills, and other enclosed spaces.
- Lead Poisoning – Commonly due to exposure to lead paint dust or chips in older buildings, but also resulting from working lead manufacturing and similar occupations.
- Lung, Bladder and Liver Cancer – Resulting from exposure to various types of toxic fumes and particulates, including those from diesel, certain metals and chemicals, radon, and second-hand smoke.
- Mercury Poisoning – Most commonly as a result of exposure to hazardous metal mercury contained in fluorescent light bulbs, either due to improper cleanup, inadequate safety precautions, or lack of ventilation.
- Mesothelioma – An aggressive form of cancer that is known to result from asbestos exposure.
- Neurotoxicity – Neurological effects and complications due to exposure to certain types of solvents and laboratory chemicals.
- Respiratory Disease – Pneumoconiosis (black lung disease), asbestosis, silicosis, allergic alveolitis (farmer’s lung) and other respiratory disorders resulting from toxic exposure.
- Sick Building Syndrome – Typically presenting in the form of respiratory and neurological symptoms that result from exposure to an unhealthy working environment.
- Skin Cancer – Resulting from exposure to industrial chemicals containing carcinogens, exposure to ultraviolent radiation and other health risks.
- Thallium Poisoning – Typically resulting from exposure to insecticides containing thallium, an element that is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
Preparing to File for Workers’ Compensation After Suffering an Exposure-Related Illness
When seeking workers’ compensation benefits for an illness suffered due to toxic exposure, it is important to work with an attorney who has specific experience handling these types of claims. Toxic exposure cases present some unique challenges, and you will need an aggressive advocate who is prepared to fight for the medical and disability benefits you deserve. In order to evaluate your claim for benefits, your attorney will need you to provide answers to question such as:
- How you were exposed?
- When were you exposed?
- When did you first begin to experience symptoms?
- How have your symptoms progressed?
- When did you first see a doctor?
- What was your doctor’s diagnosis?
- What treatment have you received for your illness?
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation at Jackowiak Law Offices
If you would like to speak with an attorney in Chicago about filing a claim for workers’ compensation, we encourage you to contact us for a free initial consultation. To find out how much you are entitled to recover for your exposure-related illness, please call (312) 795-9595 or tell us about your case online today.