Each year thousands of workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and substances on the job. At times, the risks associated with those chemicals are unknown. However, toxic exposure can often be avoided by following proper safety protocols.
If you or a loved one was exposed to a toxic substance and suffered an injury or illness, contact an NYC work injury lawyer at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. We have the experience to investigate your case and help you obtain compensation.
Call us at 212-490-5700 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
What Is Considered Toxic Exposure?
Toxic exposure is being directly or indirectly in contact with a substance – natural or man-made – that leads to changes in body structure or function. Toxic exposure may take place once or over a long period. It can lead to illness or even death.
What Are Toxic Substances?
A toxic substance, often called a chemical hazard, can pose significant health risks to workers, such as irritation, sensitization, and even carcinogenicity (cancer). Physical hazards can include flammability, corrosion, and explosibility.
Toxic substances may be airborne, liquid, or solid. They often enter the body through breathing or direct handling.
Toxic Chemical Exposure at Work
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 13,000 toxic chemical and substance exposures to workers in 2020. This number was much lower than previous years, likely because of the drastically lower overall employment rate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Common toxic chemicals and substances include:
- Combustible dust
- Acetic acid
- Acetone
- Ammonia
- Arsenic
- Asbestos
- Asphalt fumes
- Benzene
- Cadmium
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Chromium
- Cobalt
- Copper fumes
- Ethyl alcohol
- Fungi
- Iron oxide fumes
- Lead
- Manganese fumes
- Methyl acetate
- Nickel
- Petroleum distillates
- Phosphoric acid
- Silica
- Silver
- Tin
- Toluene
- Trimethylbenzene
- Vanadium
- Xylene
- Zinc oxide fumes
How Does Toxic Exposure Happen?
Exposure to dangerous chemicals is typically seen in construction accidents, chemical spills, paints, fuels, dust and debris, and other vapors and solvents. There are safe ways to handle chemicals, but people can get hurt when employers don’t properly train people, or safety protocols are not followed.
OSHA has chemical-related safety protocols based on individual substances. Regulations regarding handling certain chemicals and toxic substances are based on activity level and ceiling limit – how much substance a human can be exposed to without harm.
The more severe a reaction that is likely, the stricter protocols will be. Similarly, if a person must only be exposed for a short period, safety regulations will be more intense.
OSHA has specific web pages discussing Chemical Related Safety and Health Topics for many individual toxic substances.
Work Injuries
Who’s Liable for a Toxic Chemical Exposure?
Multiple parties may be responsible if you are exposed to toxic chemicals in NYC and are harmed. If your employer is to blame, you should file a workers’ compensation claim. However, you will only get money for medical bills, a portion of your lost wages, and disability through workers’ comp. You cannot get damages for non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
If you file a third-party personal injury claim against another party who is also responsible for your injuries, you can recover significantly more. We can help you get money for pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of earning potential, future medical bills, disfigurement, and more.
Some of the parties who may have contributed to your toxic chemical injury or illness include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Property owners and managers
- Engineers
- Manufacturing companies
- Mechanics
- Truck drivers
It’s important to include all the people or companies who may be responsible for your damages in your personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t, you may forfeit the right to recover all the compensation you deserve.
Toxic Chemical Exposure Injuries
Toxic chemical exposures can cause both injuries and ongoing illness. Some of the common afflictions we have seen include:
- Respiratory distress and illness
- Pneumonia
- Nerve damage
- Brain damage
- Cancer
- Infertility
- Organ damage and failure
- Hearing or vision loss
- Chemical burns
- Paralysis
- Birth defects
Exposure to some substances can even result in death. If your loved one died due to toxic chemical exposure on the job, you need to reach out to a wrongful death attorney right away.
Contact a Lawyer for Help
Toxic chemical exposure cases can be complex. They often require experts like chemical engineers and medical personnel to offer opinions about your situation. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. has a who can guide you through a claim.
Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your situation and determine what you can expect. Then, we will make sure you get the most compensation possible.
Call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. at 212-490-5700 or use our online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. There’s no fee unless we win.
CLIENT REVIEWS
09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
Harendra Gautam, HKD CLIENT
08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
patricia Carnevale, HKD CLIENT
06/22/2021
I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.
5
Deniece Buffaloe, HKD CLIENT
04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
thabossladi87, HKD CLIENT
03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
5
Stephanie Campos, HKD CLIENT
02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
5
lisa kessler, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
5
Emily Weinstein, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
5
Jason Bauer, HKD CLIENT
01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
5
VIRGINIA BOOTHE GORDON, HKD CLIENT
01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
5
Richard Leff, HKD CLIENT
01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
5
Larry Schatz, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I have known Judd Kleeger for over a decade now. By far the smartest hardest working attorney I have ever dealt with. His advice has been spot on time and time again. Highly recommend him.
5
Michael nessim, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.
5
Lisa Dawn Angerame, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
5
Emily Halperin, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
5
Didi Hutt, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
5
Alan Levine, HKD CLIENT
01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
5
Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
Marisol Pitre, HKD CLIENT
12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
5
peggy lamarre, HKD CLIENT
12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
Kjanecaron, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
5
Martin Munitz, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
5
Dan Greenberg, HKD CLIENT
12/04/2020
Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.
5
Ben S, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
5
Linda Winikoff, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive
5
Peter Visconti, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
Robert Dallas, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
Jeffrey Jagid, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
5
Kelvin Morel, HKD CLIENT
01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
David Irwin, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT