Workers’ Rights After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on the Job in McAllen

When you’re on the job in McAllen, Texas, you should have a safe working environment. However, sometimes negligence can lead to accidents. Certain jobs such as welding, firefighting, forklift operating, and more are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. When carbon monoxide poisoning accidents happen to workers, it can cause serious injury, and victims should be compensated for their losses.

If you or a loved one has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning at work, you should contact our Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw. The personal injury attorneys in McAllen at our firm know what it takes to build a strong case and hold the negligent party responsible for their actions.

At work, it’s important to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide, also known as “the silent killer,” is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that’s poisonous to humans when ingested in high concentrations. It’s especially dangerous when it builds up indoors.

At low levels carbon monoxide poisoning can be easily mistaken for other illnesses, which is why it’s critical to know the symptoms so you can be aware of the dangers. Below is a list of the common symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Talk to a McAllen, Texas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer about the symptoms you experienced after your carbon monoxide poisoning accident at work.

When you’re at work, your employment grants you certain rights. The Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) delineates the following rights for workers:

1. Receive training and information concerning carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning.
   • This information must be in a vocabulary and language that the worker understands and covers topics such as workplace hazards, preventative measures, and an overview of applicable OSHA standards.
2. Safe working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.
3. Review records of work-related injuries and accidents.
4. Report an illness or injury and receive copies of your medical record.
5. Request an inspection by OSHA and talk to the OSHA inspector.
6. Be protected from exposure to toxins.

To learn more about workers’ rights after carbon monoxide poisoning on the job in McAllen, talk to a personal injury attorney in McAllen.

After a carbon monoxide poisoning at work in McAllen, Texas, you have the right to receive compensation. There are two types of damages you may be entitled to: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a tangible value such as medical bills, whereas non-economic damages are things like pain and suffering that do not have an easily calculable dollar amount.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, a McAllen, Texas carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer could help you fight to win compensation for the following damages:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Funerary costs

When you’re injured at work, you can apply for workers’ comp or file a lawsuit. Workers’ comp is your quickest route to compensation, but you can only recover damages for medical bills and loss of income. A lawsuit, on the other hand, opens up the possibility of winning non-economic damages.

Knowing what’s right for you depends on a number of factors including the extent of your injuries, who was liable, and the length of your recovery time. An attorney can review your case and advise you on your best course of action.

Carbon monoxide poisoning at work should not happen. When it does, it’s usually the result of someone’s negligence, and a lawyer can help you hold them accountable. The Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw will do everything in their power to get you justice.

For a free consultation, call us today at 956-664-7255.