Northern California Chemical Accident Attorneys
Chemical Accident
Construction workers all over the state are often exposed to deadly chemicals that can have devastating effects on their long-term health and quality of life. It is an employer’s duty to safeguard their employees from exposure to harmful chemicals and to train the proper use of chemicals in the workplace. Employers that do not take this duty of care seriously, are not only in violation of safety regulations, but are also completely disregarding the safety of their employees and may be liable for monetary compensation if serious injury or illness results.
Suffering a serious illness or injury because of a chemical accident can quickly change a victim’s life. Often, a construction employee’s prime working and earning years are unexpectedly cut short because of an illness. Relationships may suffer because of the emotional strain an injury places on a victim and their loved ones. While no amount of monetary compensation will undo the pain an injury has caused, a settlement can ensure that your medical expenses, lost wages from missed time at work, and the pain and suffering you have experienced, are provided for. The northern California construction accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger have the resources needed to reach a successful outcome in a personal injury claim. Our goal in every case is to recover the maximum compensation our clients are entitled to.
Asbestos Chemical Exposure
Asbestos is bundled mineral fibers that occur naturally in the environment. Asbestos bundles can be separated into thin fibers that are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals, which is why they have been so widely used in the construction industry. Construction workers can inhale asbestos dust, particles, or fibers on a daily basis, particularly if they work with cement, insulation or plastics. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers may get trapped in the lungs, and over time accumulate, causing scarring and inflammation of the lungs. Workers may eventually develop serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, breathing problems, permanent lung damage, and throat, kidney, esophagus and gallbladder cancer.
Northern California Benzene Chemical Exposure
Benzene is a highly flammable, colorless, clear liquid that can be formed naturally and synthetically. In the construction industry, benzene is used as a solvent in paints, and used to produce resins, rubbers, plastics and nylons. Benzene poisoning complications can be compounded by the victim’s age and previous medical history, and the amount and length of benzene exposure. Symptoms of exposure to elevated levels of benzene can include drowsiness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, tremors, headaches and unconsciousness. Long-term exposure to benzene can cause anemia, weakened immune system, leukemia, heightened risk of infection, and death.
Lead Dust Chemical Exposure
Lead is a soft metal found in the earth’s crust and can be found in paint, plumbing, pipes, soil and batteries. Construction workers who weld, torch, scrape, grind or sandblast metal objects are at high risk for developing lead poisoning. Because lead builds up over time from small amounts of exposure there may not always be obvious signs of lead poisoning. Over an extended period of time, lead poisoning can lead to problems with the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, hematological system (blood, blood-forming organs and blood diseases) and the kidneys.
Other Types of Chemicals
There are many other types of chemicals that a construction worker can be exposed to, including:
- Mineral oil
- Bleaches
- Acids
- Alkalis
- Formaldehyde
- Hexavalent chromium
- Carbon monoxide
- Cadium.
Protecting Clients’ Legal Rights
At the Estey Bomberger law firm, our skilled northern California personal injury lawyers have an extensive background in chemical accident personal injury law. With your help, we can send a message to construction employers who are not protecting their employees from chemical exposure that their behavior must be corrected and they must compensate you fairly for the harm they caused you. Call (800) 890-6722 today to discuss your case today. One of our knowledgeable northern California chemical accident lawyers will take your call and inform you of your legal rights, options and obligations. All consultations are free, and we do not charge any fees unless and until we successfully recover money for you.