Most people who work at manufacturing companies or laboratories know they are at risk of being exposed to chemicals. However, chemical exposure incidents can happen in any work environment. Chemical exposure is particularly unnerving because victims may not even be aware they've been exposed until months later. Additionally, many victims of hazardous chemical exposure believe their symptoms are due to other causes. At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, our skilled chemical exposure attorneys are dedicated to helping people dealing with injuries through no fault of their own. If you've been harmed by chemical exposure, we can help you file a claim and receive the workers' compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure occurs through numerous means, including:

‍Food: Eating food containing harmful chemicals is one of the easiest forms of chemical exposure. Additionally, some foods, such as fish and cattle, can become contaminated and leave you with a chemical exposure injury.

‍Air: A person can breathe in hazardous chemical vapors or take in unhealthy air containing hazardous chemicals or dust.

‍Soil or Dust: You can be exposed to hazardous chemicals in soil, sediment, and dust through direct skin contact or by breathing it in. It's important to note that children are especially susceptible to this form of chemical exposure because they instinctively perform many hand-to-mouth motions. This can lead to the wrong items to have contact with their mouths.

‍Water: When a person drinks contaminated water, they can experience symptoms of chemical exposure. Exposure can also occur through accidental ingestion of water in the shower or while swimming. These same activities can introduce chemicals into the body through direct skin contact.

Examples of Chemical Exposure Injuries

Chemical exposure leads to a wide variety of injuries and can even be fatal. If you've been exposed to chemicals, or even if you only suspect you might have been exposed, consult your doctor immediately and follow their treatment to protect yourself from further injury. Here are some of the most common types of chemical exposure injuries:

• Asbestosis
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Chemical burns
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Lung or throat damage
• Mesothelioma
• Parkinson's disease as a result of Paraquat exposure
• Shortness of breath

If you believe you may have been exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins, getting professional medical care is of the utmost importance. Injuries from chemical exposure can be very serious, so do not hesitate to get immediate medical attention as soon as you are aware of the exposure.

Contact a Missouri Chemical Exposure Attorney

If you or someone you love is suffering from a hazardous chemical incident at work, get help from an experienced chemical exposure attorney from Morris, Webster & Carlton. Let us review your case, explain your rights and options, and begin working towards obtaining the workers' compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, we can help you collect financial reimbursement through a variety of options, including temporary and permanent disability, medical benefits, and wage replacement. Contact us online now or call 417-890-4600 to reach our Springfield office or 417-781-5690 for our Joplin office.