What Is A Hazardous Work Environment Lawsuit And How Can It Help You?

A number of lawsuits have been filed as a result of benzene exposure. You are likely aware that this substance is widely found in numerous household items, including antifreeze, gasoline, pesticides, insecticides and cosmetics. However, did you know that it can also be found in insect bites, inhalation, and skin contact? And while many people are informed that they are exposed to benzene through these things, the health effects of long term exposure are still unclear.

Because there is still no definitive answer on exactly how much exposure is too much, there is no safe level of exposure. The only way to be prepared is to know your health risks in relation to benzene. This knowledge can help you determine whether or not a benzene exposure lawsuit is right for you. There are a number of potential health risks associated with this substance, but none of them are life threatening. They include:

Short term health effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is very important to go to the nearest hospital to have them treated. Some people may find that their nausea and vomiting get better over time, while others may need to be hospitalized to get better. If you have persistent or long-term nausea and vomiting, you may have an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed.

Long term exposure to benzene may affect a person’s eyesight as well.

A significant number of workers that do surface coatings and other applications have reported experiencing visual impairment over time. People exposed to large amounts of benzene may have less clear vision, as well as difficulties seeing things at night. There is even some evidence that shows that it may play a role in cataracts and other age related eye disorders. Because of this possibility, if you have had any type of long term exposure to benzene, you should see a doctor about an evaluation and possible treatment.

In the past, if you were employed at a chemical company and worked in an area where there was a certain level of benzene contamination, you may have been able to file a claim for compensation with the help of an attorney.

While many employers are now required to test their air and water for benzene, the laws regarding personal health are not as inclusive. Thus, it is still possible for an employer to knowingly expose employees to harmful levels of benzene and not expect any negative consequences. Many times, people exposed to high levels of benzene do not even realize that they are suffering from short or long term health problems.

If you are a victim of benzene poisoning, you may be able to file a claim against your employer.

Even if the level of exposure was not high enough to cause any life-threatening consequences, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your health. Depending on the amount of benzene that was released into the air or water, you may be able to receive financial support to assist with covering your medical expenses or to compensate for lost wages. Your lawyer may be able to determine if you qualify for such a settlement, but it is worth doing this research before hiring an attorney to represent you.

You may also be eligible for compensation due to a workplace exposure lawsuit based on benzene contamination.

If you were subjected to a hazardous work environment that exposed you to benzene, you may be able to collect damages for your loss of earning ability, your medical expenses, and even punitive damages. The first step is filing a claim for your damages. There are many lawyers who deal with the defense of benzene exposure lawsuits, so it is not difficult to find one to represent you. If you suspect that you may be eligible for a benzene exposure lawsuit, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

You should remember that filing a benzene exposure lawsuit does not protect your employer from being found liable for other wrongful acts. For instance, if you were exposed to benzene at work, they may still be found liable for diseases or conditions caused by their negligence. However, when it comes to punitive damages, you may very well have at least as much success at getting compensatory damages as at recovering damages for your injury. This is because punitive damages can be awarded even in cases of gross negligence. Recovering compensatory and punitive damages is often very difficult, so it is often better to simply get a good lawyer to help you with your benzene exposure case. Having a good lawyer working on your behalf, can mean the difference between settling at minimal cost and walking away with at least a small profit.