Lancaster Workplace Injury Lawyer for Occupational Diseases and Toxic Exposure Claims

Workers who contract an illness due to exposure to workplace toxins are eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits in Lancaster County and throughout Pennsylvania.

Common Occupational Disease Claims

Exposure to asbestos or silica dust, known to cause lung injuries and cancer, are common bases for workers’ compensation occupational disease claims. In addition, workers who are exposed to hard metals and substances such as nickel, lead, tungsten, mercury, ammonia, and phosphorus, are at risk for cancers, skin infections and other diseases. Exposure to coal dust is a well-known cause of black lung and other respiratory ailments.

Some occupations expose workers to blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis and other illnesses such as tuberculosis.

Pre-existing Conditions and Toxic Exposure

Workers who become sick or disabled after exposure to fumes, dust or chemicals in the workplace may be entitled to recover under the workers’ compensation laws, even if they had pre-existing conditions that resulted in the exposure causing more harm that it would otherwise have in a healthy individual.

Occupations at Risk for Toxic Exposure and Occupational Diseases

Occupations at risk for toxic exposure and occupational diseases include:

• Mining industry workers are at risk of developing silicosis, making them more susceptible to infectious disease such as tuberculosis. Miners are also at risk for developing chronic obstructive lung disease, coal workers pneumoconiosis and cancer from exposure to stone dust.
• Construction industry workers who are exposed to concrete, cement, insulation, drywall products, sanding activities, or drilling tools are at risk of disease due to silica exposure. Construction workers also at risk due to exposure to wood dust, which can cause allergic reactions, asthma, skin diseases, and even nasal and sinus cavity cancer. Chemical fumes from insulation, paint, polyurethane, blown foam, carpeting, solvents, and glues can cause asthma or chronic bronchitis. Asbestos exposure can result in lung disease and mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer.
• Manufacturing, farming, and other industries where diesel equipment is run in an enclosed areas leave workers at risk of developing lung cancer and heart and respiratory disease from exposure to diesel exhaust.

There are many other industries that expose workers to toxic substances and otherwise put them in danger of developing occupational illnesses, such as the aerospace and healthcare industries.  If you have questions or concerns, contact a Lancaster occupational diseases and toxic exposure workers’ compensation lawyer today.

Recovering for Occupational Diseases and Toxic Exposure in the Workplace

Sometimes it takes years before the symptoms of an occupational illness manifest themselves. Because of this, there are distinct statute of limitations and other timing issues related to when you can file a workers compensation claim for workplace-induced illnesses. In some instances, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against a third party for their part in producing and providing the toxic substance that caused your illness or disability.

Contact Vanasse Law LLC to Speak With a Lancaster Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you have become sick or disabled due to exposure to toxic substances in the workplace, Mike Vanasse  will work to help you recover the benefits you are entitled to. Vanasse Law LLC offers compassionate personalized service. Our office is conveniently located just off Route 30 in Lancaster. Our initial consultations are always free and we only receive a fee if we are successful in obtaining benefits for you. Give us a call at 717-397-1010 or contact us online.