We understand the devastating impact of respiratory injuries and are prepared to fight for the maximum benefits you deserve.
If you’ve suffered smoke inhalation or a fire-related lung injury on the job in Missouri, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, these claims can be challenging, particularly when employers or insurance companies dispute the severity of your injury or how it occurred.
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Common Causes of Workplace Smoke Inhalation & Fire-Related Lung Injuries
Some of the most common scenarios we see include:
- Warehouse or factory fires where workers are exposed to heavy smoke or chemical fumes
- Explosions on construction sites or in industrial settings
- Electrical fires due to faulty wiring or equipment
- Fires in nursing homes or hospitals, exposing healthcare workers to smoke
- Agricultural burn injuries involving field burning or equipment malfunctions
- Wildfire-related exposure for outdoor laborers, utility workers, or first responders
Even brief exposure to toxic smoke can lead to serious and long-term respiratory complications, especially if proper protective equipment was not provided.
Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation or Lung Damage
Smoke inhalation doesn’t always cause immediate visible injury. In many cases, symptoms develop hours or days after the initial exposure, making diagnosis and claims more challenging. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Hoarseness or wheezing
- Headaches or dizziness
- Chronic fatigue or disorientation
- Development or worsening of asthma or COPD
In severe cases, victims may suffer permanent lung damage, burns to the airway, or even death due to oxygen deprivation or toxic chemical exposure.
Does Missouri Workers’ Comp cover Smoke Inhalation Injuries?
Yes. Missouri workers’ compensation law covers injuries that occur in the course and scope of employment, including those caused by fires, explosions, or toxic exposure. If you suffered a respiratory injury on the job, you may be eligible for:
- Medical treatment (hospital bills, medications, oxygen therapy, etc.)
- Lost wages for the time you cannot work
- Temporary or permanent disability payments
- Ongoing treatment or pulmonary rehabilitation
- Vocational rehabilitation, if you cannot return to your previous job
However, insurers may deny or reduce claims if they argue your condition was pre-existing, caused by smoking, or unrelated to your job. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced workers’ comp attorney on your side.
What to Do After a Workplace Smoke or Fire Injury
If you’ve suffered smoke inhalation or a lung-related injury at work, take these steps immediately:
- Report the incident to your supervisor or employer right away.
- Seek emergency medical treatment—respiratory injuries can worsen quickly.
- Follow up with specialists, including pulmonologists, if symptoms persist.
- Document everything, including incident reports, medical visits, and symptoms.
- Contact a Missouri workers’ comp attorney to protect your rights.
Why Injured Workers Trust James M. Hoffmann
At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we don’t hand your case off to a junior associate. You’ll work directly with James M. Hoffmann, a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney who’s recovered over $100 million for injured workers throughout Missouri. We handle:
- Denied claims
- Employer retaliation
- Second medical opinions
- Maximizing permanent disability payouts
We aggressively advocate for clients with lung injuries, respiratory damage, and other serious workplace injuries—because we know what’s at stake.