Chicago Toxic Exposure Lawyer

It’s no secret the construction industry in Chicago is booming. Look around and you’re bound to see a job site. Construction is everywhere in the Windy City, whether it’s a commercial building, a home, or a skyscraper.

With such a high demand for skilled labor, many workers in Illinois choose to pursue the building trades because of the stable pay and rewarding work. However, although construction is a fundamental industry, it’s also one of the most dangerous lines of work.

Tools, large machinery, and toxic chemicals quickly turn construction sites into hazardous places where injuries abound. Exposure to toxic substances is one of the most harmful construction site injuries.

Hale & Monico represents work injury lawsuits throughout Chicago. If you sustained toxic exposure injuries on a construction site, there’s plenty we can do to help. Our office specializes in workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits against negligent third parties. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you heal.

Common Types of Toxic Exposure Injuries

Chicago construction sites are bound by strict federal regulations imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Federal labor laws exist to ensure workers are safe, even when they handle toxic chemicals.

OSHA’s many safety regulations help limit overexposure to toxic substances. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to control some factors contributing to toxic exposure, and many laborers and tradespeople continue to be exposed to unsafe chemicals at work.

Toxic Mold

Mold is a highly toxic fungus that lives in wet and humid environments. Generally, mold is prevalent in older structures or structures that have sustained water damage, like flooding and leaking.

Mold spores are difficult to detect, and workers can breathe them in dangerous concentrations. Chronic mold exposure can cause lung diseases, chronic cough, skin irritation, and in some cases, severe infections in the brain.

Solvent Chemicals

Many construction sites rely on solvent chemicals. Some common products known to be solvents include:

Oil-based paints
Thinners
Varnishes
Cleaning products
Resins and lacquers
Adhesives

Many solvents are potent neurotoxins, and breathing these fumes can result in neurological side effects, including dizziness, confusion, and fainting.

Skin contact can be just as dangerous, with chemical burns often requiring surgical treatment and causing scarring and disfigurement.

Dust and Debris

One of the most dangerous byproducts in many construction sites is dust, which can enter workers’ lungs and cause detrimental health effects.

In many cases, dust is composed of toxic particles from construction materials. When workers breathe these in, health problems can arise, such as asthma, bronchitis, heart conditions, and rhinitis.

Lead and Asbestos

Although lead and asbestos are no longer used in new building projects due to their toxic nature, many old buildings in Chicago contain significant traces of these substances.

Projects that involve renovations and demolitions are particularly hazardous, especially when employers fail to provide adequate safety gear like gloves and masks.

Lawsuits Against Toxic Exposures

In Illinois, workplace injuries — including those from toxic exposure — are handled under workers’ compensation claims.

Most employers in the construction industry are protected against negligence lawsuits due to provisions in labor law. Workers’ compensation insurance was established as a no-fault system that allows workers to receive financial benefits after an injury, regardless of who caused it, rather than going through a lengthy legal process.

Consequently, lawsuits for toxic exposure are generally reserved against third parties, such as:

Property owners
Service providers
Equipment rental companies
Product manufacturers
Chemical companies

In some cases of toxic exposure, it can be challenging to pinpoint who is responsible for causing damages and injuries. It’s vital to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can review your claim and determine who is liable.

Every case of toxic exposure negligence presents unique circumstances and will vary based on the injury, substance, and party at fault.

Evidence to Support a Toxic Exposure Lawsuit

Many times, proving causation in an exposure claim is challenging.

Often, the illnesses that result from exposure take many years to develop. Your attorney must prove that any injury or disease did not stem from another source by finding evidence to support the claim against the party being sued.

Typical evidence in a toxic exposure lawsuit includes:

Medical evaluations
Blood tests and other analyses
Photos and videos
Expert testimony
Company records
Chemical studies

Sometimes, the best way to prevail in a toxic exposure lawsuit is to back physical evidence with testimony from scientific community members, such as medical professionals.

Toxic Exposure Attorneys in Chicago

The dedicated team at Hale & Monico represents toxic exposure claims throughout Chicago. If you or a loved one was injured on a construction site, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a negligent third party.