When people come into contact with dangerous chemicals, radiation or poison, they can suffer from toxic exposure. In many cases, it is obvious that a person might be at risk; for instance, if a person works with chemicals every day at work. But, in some cases, people may be at risk without even knowing it. Products in the home such as cleaning supplies and even makeup can contain dangerous toxins.
Injuries from toxic exposure can generally be avoided with safe practices and adequate safety warnings. When a company fails to include adequate warnings on product labels or fails to provide workers with the proper safety gear, it can be held liable for negligence.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury as a result of toxic exposure, you might be eligible for compensation. To find out if you have a claim, contact Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. for a free review of your case.
Types of Toxic Exposure
Any contact with a hazardous substance can lead to toxic exposure. In order to file a claim, some type of negligence must be involved. The following are examples of instances that might justify a claim:
- Occupational – when an employer doesn’t take prevention precautions, workers can suffer injuries from the chemicals and substances used in a wide variety of industrial jobs. These can include any job that requires the worker to handle toxins such as asbestos or benzene.
- Environmental – if your home contains substances like lead paint, you live near a landfill or disposal site, or your water supply has been poisoned by a chemical such as benzene, long term exposure can lead to serious illness.
- Pharmaceutical – when the chemical in a drug causes adverse effects like fetal malformations or any other type of serious injury, a personal injury lawyer can hold the manufacturer accountable.
Symptoms of Toxic Exposure
Symptoms of toxic exposure depend on the level of exposure and the type of poison involved. Symptoms can come on suddenly (acute) or can take years to manifest into serious illnesses such as cancer. Acute symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, poor balance, vomiting and decreased mental acuity. Symptoms of illnesses that take years to develop are vast and can include joint pain, nerve disorders, weakness and fatigue.
Toxic injuries can include the following:
- Mesothelioma or asbestosis from asbestos exposure
- Lead poisoning from products such as denture creams
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from benzene exposure
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) from medications such as immunosuppressive drugs
Contact a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or your family members are experiencing any unusual symptoms that may signal toxic exposure, you should seek medical attention right away. If you are diagnosed with an illness caused by toxic exposure, you can find out if you qualify for compensation by contacting an experienced attorney to find out if negligence occurred.
To schedule a free case review with a San Diego personal injury lawyer, please contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. today.