Workers across the United States come into daily contact with fumes, dust, noxious chemicals, and other substances that can lead to long-term health problems. Sadly, many of these exposed workers were never properly protected, trained, or warned about these dangers. If this situation sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you may have legal options.
At Parks Law, PLLC, our Texas toxic exposure lawyers represent high-risk industry workers who developed serious illnesses due to toxic exposure in the workplace. We help sick and injured clients pursue peace of mind, financial compensation, and justice.
Understanding Workplace Toxic Exposure
Toxic exposure takes place when a worker ingests, inhales, or otherwise makes contact with a dangerous substance. This incident could be a one-off or, more likely, from continual contact over time, as symptoms take a while to develop.
Toxic Substances Commonly Found in High-Risk Industries
Workers are often exposed to:
- Asbestos: Known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma
- Silica dust: Can result in severe lung disease and silicosis
- Lead: Can lead to organ failure and cause neurological damage
- Benzene: Associated with leukemia and other serious blood disorders
- Mold and industrial solvents: Linked to immune system disorders and respiratory illnesses
- Heavy metals, PCBs, PFAS, and other industrial chemicals: These can pose a wide range of long-term health risks
What Industries Are Considered High-Risk?
Some professions face an increased risk of exposure, such as:
- Construction workers: Exposed to asbestos in building materials
- Machinists, pipefitters, and electricians: Encounter hazardous materials during installation and repairs
- Painters: Face lung disease risks from long-term solvent exposure
- Oil refinery workers: Regularly exposed to industrial chemicals and oil
- Military veterans and shipyard workers: Encounter asbestos on merchant marine and naval ships
- Veterans from all branches (especially the Navy and Marine Corps): At risk of toxic exposure during military service
Long-Term Exposure and Your Health
Exposure to harmful substances, while dangerous, does not always produce immediate symptoms. In most cases, the adverse side effects do not become fully apparent until many years down the road, when they are diagnosed with a life-altering illness.
Illnesses Commonly Linked to Toxic Exposure
Serious health conditions that are often associated with long-term exposure to dangerous workplace chemicals include:
- Mesothelioma
- Silicosis, COPD, and lung cancer
- Lymphoma and leukemia
- Brain damage and lead poisoning
- Neurological problems
- Organ damage, chronic fatigue, and skin conditions
If you have been diagnosed with one of these illnesses and work in a high-risk industry, contact a trusted Texas toxic exposure attorney as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Toxic Exposure
For workers in high-risk industries, certain symptoms can suggest toxic exposure, even if you left the job years ago. Symptoms you need to be aware of include:
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic fatigue
- Squeezing or tightness in the chest
- Sudden weight loss
Any of these symptoms could indicate a severe respiratory condition such as mesothelioma, a common occupational illness among railway workers. In cases involving chemical solvents or lead, workers might experience mood swings, trouble remembering, a loss of coordination, or chronic headaches. These symptoms tend to manifest slowly and are often misdiagnosed. If you suspect your illness is related to toxic exposure in the workplace, be sure to discuss your work history with your treating physician.
No one should jeopardize their health just to earn a paycheck. In fact, federal regulations were created for the purpose of protecting workers from harmful workplace chemicals. However, should those protections fail or be disregarded, the law allows you to hold wrongdoers liable.
OSHA Protections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to provide a safe working environment, including warnings about dangerous substances, training, and proper safety equipment. If your employer failed to uphold these safety standards, they likely violated federal law.
For instance, the law requires employers to notify workers when asbestos or other hazardous chemicals are present, provide appropriate protective equipment, and offer training on safe handling procedures. If any of these steps were omitted or warnings were not given, you may have grounds for legal action.
In many cases, liability for toxic exposure can extend well beyond your employer. Third-party contractors, property owners, and manufacturers of dangerous or defective products can all share responsibility, particularly when dangerous working environments span multiple companies or job sites. A skilled Texas toxic exposure lawyer can help you secure full and fair financial compensation for your work-related illness.
Toxic Tort Claims vs. Personal Injury vs. Workers’ Comp
Depending on the events surrounding your accident, you may have more than one path to financial recovery. These include:
- Toxic tort claims: These involve injuries resulting from toxic exposure. They target manufacturers, employers, and other accountable parties
- Personal injury lawsuits: A lawsuit lets you pursue damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and ongoing care, but requires proof of misconduct or negligence
- Workers’ compensation: Only covers hospital bills and income replacement, but requires you to waive your right to sue your employer
Each of these options has different legal strategies, filing deadlines, and eligibility requirements; just one of the many reasons working with an experienced Texas toxic exposure lawyer is vital.
Do You Have Questions About a Toxic Exposure Workplace Lawsuit?
At Parks Law, PLLC, our Texas toxic exposure attorneys have been helping veterans and employees harmed due to toxic exposure for decades. Our legal team understands the nuances of the high-risk industries and legal complexities involved in these cases.
During your free consultation, we will review your exposure history and the symptoms you’re experiencing. We will then get to work constructing an effective, bespoke legal strategy with your unique situation in mind, whether it’s a toxic tort lawsuit, a workers’ compensation claim, or joining a class-action lawsuit. To schedule your free case review, call (713) 979-3500 or fill out our convenient online contact form.