Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Workplace: What Are My Options?
Corbin Sutter
Workers’ Compensation
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas and is more commonly known as the silent killer. When you are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, it can lead to severe health complications and even death. While most exposures you hear of are in the home, there are times where the exposure could happen at your place of employment. So, what are your options when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning in your Englewood, Venice, or North Port workplace?
Your Rights
When you are in the workplace, it is the employer's responsibility to keep you safe. They must ensure that you are not exposed to dangerous chemicals, materials, and high levels of carbon monoxide, among other potential dangers.
According to OSHA, you should not be exposed to more than 50 parts of carbon monoxide per million parts of air during an eight-hour timeframe. If you are exposed to higher levels while at work, it can lead to pain and suffering and injuries, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Health Effects
When you are exposed to carbon monoxide, it enters the bloodstream and can cause severe health complications. The following are a few of those health effects, but the extent of the exposure should also be considered. You may experience brain damage, heart damage, and even death.
If you are exposed to carbon monoxide while pregnant at the workplace, it can result in a stillborn birth, or your newborn child could experience congenital disabilities.
Damages You Can Recover
Depending on the overall extent of the injuries sustained due to carbon monoxide poisoning, there are several damages you may be able to recover.
• Medical Expenses: when it comes to your medical expenses, it can include your current and future medical expenses, ER visits, hospital stays, medical devices you may have to use, and continued doctor's appointments.
• Lost Income: if you have to take a leave of absence from the workplace as the result of your injuries, then you may be entitled to compensation for any lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: the pain and suffering you experience may also be eligible for compensation. This includes the physical pain and suffering you experienced as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Loss of Consortium: In certain cases, the injured party's spouse may also be entitled to damages, including the loss of companionship that resulted from the carbon monoxide poisoning of their spouse in the workplace.
Information Regarding Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation in Florida is designed to provide funds to the injured party. It is also in place to prevent lawsuits. However, before you agree to receive workers' compensation payments for carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney regarding your case.
A workers' compensation attorney can help determine if the carbon monoxide poisoning resulted from noncompliance with OSHA laws. You may be entitled to even more compensation, including future lost wages and additional medical bills.