It sounds a bit out of date that workers should become sick when exposed to lead as this metal has been widely known to damage health. However, the Center for Disease Control, the CDC has revealed that there are still people becoming sick due to exposure to lead while in the course of undertaking a job. As most incidences of sickness related to lead exposure are work related so the victims should be entitled to worker’s compensation to cover them for the financial hardship caused by the inability to go to work. No WC claims are guaranteed so it is best to consult a WC attorney before proceeding with a claim. Lead Exposure and Its Symptoms There are many permanent effects of sustained exposure to lead products. These could include neurological problems such as ADHD, long term depression, dexterity problems, a decrease in reaction time, lost or poor vision, loss in concentration, fatigue, lowering of IQ, and an overall increase in weakness. You may be able to recover sufficiently so that you are able to return to work but the chances are that you are more likely to need ongoing care for the remainder of your life. The sorts of jobs that bring about lead exposure include artists who work for long periods with paint and related materials and lead content tends to be higher in paint products sourced outside the country. Car mechanics, battery factory employees, paint removers of old paint, firing range workers and gunsmiths, people employed in electrical and plastic products manufacturing, lead miners, refiners and smelters, recyclers and sometimes shipbuilders could be exposed to lead too. Calculating a Lead Exposure WC Claim As long as you have the proof that your lead exposure happened at work which caused you to get sick, you should be eligible to file a worker’s compensation claim to cover for the financial hardship caused by lead exposure. This should include loss of income either short or long term depending how severe your lead exposure is, medical treatment and home care if you are likely to be confined to your home either temporarily or for the remainder of your life. The calculation for loss of earnings is based on roughly two thirds of your weekly earnings. You may get additional payments for permanent partial disability and partial disability. Along with these there is medical treatment. Your doctor can describe the medical treatment you are receiving and how long it is likely to last. Even if you require care for a long time, this should be included in your WC claim. Your doctor will provide a description of your lead exposure and if you are ever likely to return to work. This is important, as you can choose to take a lump sum or take workers’ compensation payments every week based on calculations made by your employer’s WC insurer. Why You Need a WC Attorney to Help Calculate a WC claim for Lead Exposure WC insurers do not always offer the full amount of your WC claim due to lead exposure so it is important you talk to a WC attorney who will work on your behalf to get the WC settlement you deserve. Additional Resources Lead Exposure and Workers' Compensation Have Your Case Evaluated For Free Exposure To Harmful Substances
