When a toxic substance leads to a workplace injury

One of the less common ways that workers are hurt on the job is when they are exposed to a toxic substance in the workplace. Toxic substances can include everything from asbestos to solvents to potential carcinogens.

A recent case against the company BP illustrates how serious toxic substance injuries can be for workers and employers. Ten contract workers who complained of being injured after the release of unidentified toxic substances at BP’s Texas City plant have been awarded $100 million in punitive damages and an additional $326,000 in compensatory damages.

According to court records, the workers alleged that BP failed to maintain a safe workplace environment because they poorly maintained their facility. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined BP a record $87.43 million for failure to “correct potential hazards faced by employees”. As a result of the toxic exposure accident, BP paid OSHA a $21 million settlement.

This is an unusually severe case involving the exposure of workers to toxic substances, but it reveals the very serious dangers that workers face on the job. It can sometimes be difficult to link a serious injury to toxic chemicals or substances used on the job because it can take years for symptoms to develop and worsen to the point of concern.

Because of the time lag between when a worker is exposed to a toxic substance and when they develop symptoms of an illness, it can be tough to hold an employer accountable – but it can be done. If you have any of the following symptoms and suspect that you might have been exposed to an unsafe substance while at work, then there is help available.

Possible symptoms of exposure to toxic workplace substances:

· Mesothelioma

· Cancer

· Serious burns

· Vision problems or blindness

· Respiratory illness or breathing problems

· Hearing loss or deafness

If you are suffering because your employer did not do everything they should have done to protect your health and safety, please don’t suffer in silence. All workers in New York have rights, and our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you secure justice for your suffering.

Get help for a workplace injury NOW

The lawyers at Markhoff & Mittman want to hear from you. We have a long, proud history of helping the families of injured workers. Please contact their office today to discuss your case and take a step towards guarding your rights and your future.

Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.

14 Mamaroneck Avenue

Suite 400

White Plains, NY 10601

Toll Free: (866) 205-2415

Phone: (914) 946-1452

Fax: (914) 946-0810

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