Exposure to mold is a health hazard and your employee should be held accountable for your health problems.
Picture the following scenario: you are working at an assembly line factory. The building is old and you noticed mold on the ceiling tiles and air vents since the start of your employment. A few years have passed and the problem only got worse. Your health has taken a turn for the worse too lately. You are feeling fatigued, your eyes are watery all the time and you have phlegm in your throat and lungs.
If you are in this situation, then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Then you should reach out to a St. Louis workers compensation attorney and start preparing your case. Exposure to mold is a health hazard and your employee should be held accountable for your health problems.
Mold Can Be Toxic and Cause a Variety of Health Problems
Not all types of mold are toxic. Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Stachybotrys are the ones responsible for various health problems, such as fatigue, congestion, cough, respiratory problems, and allergies. According to the CDC, exposure to mold can also increase the chances of developing hypersensitivity pneumonitis in people susceptible to this condition.
Whether we like it or not, there is always a little bit of mold everywhere. More often than not, exposure doesn’t cause any health issues if the problem is kept under control and the space is cleaned properly and on a regular basis. But, if the mold grows because of poor building management and now you have to suffer because of it, then you are entitled to workers comp benefits.
How to File for Workers Compensation
First seek medical attention for your health problems. You will need extensive documentation to build a strong case, so make sure to get all the medical reports in order. You will need the following:
- A diagnosis that concludes your sickness is a result of mold exposure
- A thorough medical report that explains how mold exposure has impacted your health
- An inspection report that indicates the presence of mold in the workplace
- Proof that your employer didn’t take the necessary actions to correct the problems
Once you have all the necessary documentation, you should notify your employer about your intention. Don’t wait around too long as the statue of limitation in Missouri is two years. Don’t assume that you have enough time to file a claim. These cases can be rather complex and a lot of unpredictable factors can arise.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you or a loved one have developed serious health problems due to mold exposure in the workplace, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today. Our St. Louis workers compensation lawyers will explain the workers comp process to you and can get involved at any part of the process: initial application, resubmitting claims to insurance companies, or appealing a case to an administrative law judge or a higher court.