Greenville Workplace Lung Injuries Lawyer
Depending on the type of work you do, you may encounter the possibility of a lung injury while on the job. Although lungs are vital internal organs, damage to them may not be immediately seen or felt. However, sometimes work environments even contain once-legal chemicals or toxins such as asbestos that can cause lung damage.
There are a variety of legal resources that can help you in the aftermath of a work-related lung injury. If you suffer a lung injury at work in North Carolina, consider contacting a Greenville workplace lung injuries lawyer. Organized workers’ compensation attorneys are available to help you sort through the facts of your individual injury case and could make a tailored recommendation for what to do in your situation.
How Do Lung Injuries Occur at Work?
Most workplace injuries can stem from a variety of factors, and lung injuries are no different. A Greenville worker could sustain a lung injury through either physical trauma to the torso or through chemical exposure that causes internal lung damage.
Physical damage to the lungs can occur in a variety of occupations, but especially those that involve manual labor and the usage of heavy machinery. Sustaining an impact from a heavy object or piece of equipment can cause lung bruising or other damage to internal organs.
Lung injuries stemming from chemical exposure are often more difficult to detect. Asbestos is often a prime culprit in workers’ compensation claims for lung injuries on the job. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged exposure to asbestos can increase the risk for various lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Understanding Asbestos Regulations
Given the possible health risks of asbestos, North Carolina established a hazard management program that governs the use, disposure, and maximum exposure limits of asbestos. According to North Carolina General Statutes §130A-22, the state can levy various administrative penalties against individuals or companies that violate asbestos regulations.
Since asbestos regulation can be complex, involving a variety of laws and agencies, any individual injured due to asbestos exposure may wish to consult with an attorney to ensure maximum protection of their rights. A Greenville workplace lung injuries lawyer could help workers navigate these potentially complicated and interlocking statutes.
Pursuing Compensation for a Workplace Lung Injury
Whether someone suffers a lung injury due to a physical cause or a chemical one, that individual may be eligible for workers’ compensation. If their employer knew there was a risk of such an injury and failed to take adequate precautions, they may also be held liable for negligence in a separate suit.
Examples of potentially negligent actions by an employer include failing to train workers adequately in the use of heavy machinery, or in failing to adequately inspect job sites for the possibility of chemical contamination. Any legal claim arising out of a workplace lung injury must be filed within a three-year time limit, according to N.C.G.S. §1-52, which sets forth the statute of limitations for personal injury.
Speak with a Greenville Workplace Lung Injuries Attorney
If you work in North Carolina and suffer a lung injury at work—or suspect you may have a lung injury due to something that occurred at work—please contact a Greenville workplace lung injuries attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys are available to assist you in sorting out the facts of your workers’ compensation case and recommend a prudent course of action going forward.
Lung injuries, even minor ones, can have a serious impact on your life, but a qualified attorney could work to ensure that any financial impact is minimized and that you receive all possible compensation you deserve. Call one of our Greenville workplace lung injuries lawyers to schedule a consultation.
