Toxic exposure is a severe problem that could lead to serious ailments that require extensive medical care. Workers in specific industries are more prone to contracting dangerous substances despite enforcing essential safety standards.
Fortunately, workers’ compensation can cover conditions caused by toxic exposure. However, the process could include varying steps, starting with filing a workers’ compensation claim. Then, a thorough review and verification procedure would happen, depending on the circumstances.
At some point, a claims examiner (CE) will establish and verify the toxic exposure based on the following factors:
- Documentation: Evidence is crucial to establish exposure to hazardous substances or waste. The CE will ask for documentation to prove the substance’s presence in the workplace. It could also show a reasonable explanation for the worker’s exposure to it.
- Presence and contact: The CE’s evaluation includes different aspects of the exposure, including proximity and the substance’s involvement in the worker’s tasks. They also need to determine if the toxin is present in the work facility only or throughout the entire building. Pinpointing these elements is critical to the CE’s evaluation.
Additionally, the CE would need to learn more about the substance. This information could affect the worker’s eligibility to file a claim.
What happens during the evaluation?
During this step, the CE first confirms the toxic substance’s presence and seeks evidence supporting its connection to the worker’s condition.
Aside from medical records, the CE could also look at the facility’s records to see if any incidents, such as spills or accidents, could have contributed to the exposure. They will then collate the evidence and determine what to do next.
Proving a workers’ compensation claim can be tedious but necessary. Chances of denial will always exist. Still, workers could improve their odds by taking appropriate measures, such as receiving medical care as soon as symptoms arise and preparing documents in advance.