Long-term impact of dangerous chemicals and workers' comp basics in Georgia

May 30, 2013 (Press-News.org) Long-term impact of dangerous chemicals and workers' comp basics in Georgia

Article provided by Law Office of D. Lee Biola, LLC
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Lead, asbestos and arsenic are three examples of chemicals that can lead to serious, even fatal, injuries to workers. These chemicals often do damage when the worker is exposed to small amounts over a long period of time. OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency designed to protect employees from workplace hazards, has set limits to many of these dangerous chemicals. Even with these regulations in place some employers continue to put workers in danger.

The New York Times recently reported on one worker who was the victim of dangerous chemical exposure while on the job. The worker held a position that resulted in exposure to a chemical used to adhere foam cushions to chairs and couches for brands like Ralph Lauren and Thomasville. Exposure to the chemical led to nerve damage, leaving the woman with a limp and severe bouts of searing pain up both legs as well as her spinal column.

The worker's injuries resulted from prolonged exposure to this chemical, which was known to cause neurological damage and infertility. Even as additional workers fell ill, employers continued to expose workers to dangerous levels of the chemical. Managers neglected to properly ventilate work areas, shutting off fans and neglecting to provide respirators.

Employees, like the one discussed in this New York Times article, who are injured in connection with work are generally eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits.

Application to workers' comp claims in Georgia

Those injured in the workplace are often entitled to benefits through the state-mandated workers' compensation program. The details of the program vary with each state. Georgia state law requires that any business within Georgia with three or more workers obtain workers' compensation insurance.

Workers' compensation benefits are intended to cover the cost of medical care, replacement income and compensation for permanent injuries. The program is designed to serve as a substitute for lawsuits between employees and employers, allowing employees to receive compensation to cover these costs promptly.

These benefits are structured to cover long-term injuries like the one above and designed to cover most types of employees, ranging from general employees to contractors and volunteers. Examples of injuries that qualify can include neural damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, back problems and lung cancers from asbestos exposure.

Those injured on the job should contact an experienced Georgia workers' compensation benefits lawyer to discuss their situation and better ensure their best interests and legal rights are protected during the entire claims process.