Exposure to harmful chemicals at work can lead to dire consequences. Typical injuries include fibromyalgia, memory loss, muscle fatigue and even death. Workers' compensation suits related to exposure to harmful chemicals often occur because the employer doesn't do enough to prevent the exposure or to treat the employee after exposure. Workers' compensation lawsuits occur when there is a dispute about the employer's liability for the injury, when the employer intentionally harms the employee, or when there is a third party involved in the workers' compensation case.

The Connecticut workers' compensation law is codified in the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Act. Within that Act, Connecticut General Statute § 31-275 states that workers' compensation arises out of and in the course of one's employment. An employee is eligible for workers' compensation if (1) an accidental injury happened to an employee or if (2) the employee incurred an occupational disease that originatedunder the scope of his employment in the business or affairs of his employer. The injury must occur on the employer's premises, or elsewhere while engaging in an activity related to the scope of employment by the direction, express or implied, of the employer. The goal of Workers' Compensation is to pay for medical expenses related to the injury as well as compensate for lost wages and permanent disability.

According to Dengler v. Special Attention Health Services, the burden of proof for exposure to harmful chemicals is on the injured party. The claimant must demonstrate that (1) harmful toxic exposure likely occurred at his workplace, (2) that the exposure constituted a physical injury under the Workers' Compensation Act, (3) that the injury caused symptoms which rendered him totally disabled and (4) which caused him to sustain a permanent impairment.

Understanding the workers' compensation law can be difficult. The first step in determining whether a workers' compensation suit makes sense is to look at the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission website which has useful information on what exactly workers' compensation is all about. After this, contacting the right lawyer can make all the difference in winning a workers' compensation lawsuit.If you or someone you know has been a victim of a work-related accident, contact the Law Offices of Paul Levin for a consultation. Our firm has handled numerous cases involving negligent and reckless employers, and we will work tirelessly to achieve justice for our clients. Call my office at 860-560-7226 or my private number after hours at 860-834-3333. If you prefer email, I can be reached at plevin1111@aol.com.