Chemical Exposure
Workers exposed to chemicals and toxins can develop chronic, life-shortening illnesses. When they do, they may be entitled to benefits beyond those typically provided by toxic mold workers’ compensation.
North Carolina law lists the occupational diseases for which benefits are available. Suppose you have a disease not included on the list. In that case, by working with our Durham NC chemical exposure lawyers you still may receive compensation if you can prove that your job exposed you to hazardous chemicals that put you at higher risk than others for developing the disease and that the chemical exposure caused or contributed to your disease.
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Connecting toxic chemical exposure and illness may require evidence from medical doctors and other scientists. The need for science is especially strong when new industry brings new dangers to North Carolina. For example, North Carolina now allows hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) as a way to drill for natural gas, despite findings from the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that fracking exposes workers to dangerous levels of benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer. (Read more about the dangers of fracking). In other states where fracking is allowed, drilling companies have to reveal the toxic chemicals they use, but not in North Carolina, where the legislature has declared that companies may keep that information secret – leaving workers at a terrible disadvantage.
Our Durham NC chemical exposure lawyers have years of experience working with medical and scientific experts to ensure sick workers receive the treatment and benefits they need and deserve. Our workman’s compensation lawyers will respect your rights even when the legislature doesn’t. Contact us for a chemical exposure case consultation.