Understanding Environmental Injuries

When you suffer harm because of your surroundings, it’s known as an environmental injury. If you develop an illness because you’ve been exposed to a toxic substance, for example, this could be deemed an environmental injury. Alternatively, if you develop repetitive strain injury due to a poorly equipped working environment, this could be termed a workplace environmental injury.

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Where Can Environmental Injuries Occur?

Environmental injuries can occur anywhere. However, people usually experience environmental injuries due to their workplace or their home. This is because people spend the majority of their time in these places, which means they’re more affected by the environments in either of these locations.

If you work full-time and you’re inadvertently exposed to a toxic substance, for example, this could mean that you’re exposed to the dangerous substance for around 40 hours per week. Often, it’s the length of time you’re exposed to a harmful substance that increases your risk of developing an injury or illness. When you spend most of your time at home or work, it follows that these are the most likely places for environmental injuries to occur.

What are the Consequences of an Environmental Injury?

The impact of an environmental injury depends on the nature of your specific illness or injury. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma, which can negatively impact the quality of your life, as well as shorten your lifespan.

However, not all environmental injuries are as serious. While a repetitive strain injury may cause pain and discomfort, for example, they often be treated with medication, physiotherapy and by modifying your working environment.

Can You Claim Compensation?

If you’ve contracted an environmental illness or injury, then it’s likely you’ll be able to make a claim for compensation. Although there are certain criteria you’ll need to meet, Bowling Green Kentucky personal injury lawyers will be able to confirm whether or not you’re eligible to make a claim. By getting advice that relates to your specific situation, you can decide whether or not you want to move forward with a claim for financial compensation.

If you’re worried that you’ve left it too late to make a compensation claim, there’s no need to panic. Although you usually have to claim compensation swiftly after experiencing an injury or illness, environmental harm isn’t always apparent straight away. To ensure you can still claim the compensation you deserve, the time limits for taking legal action apply from when you’re diagnosed with an environmental injury, rather than when the damage occurred.

Do People Still Experience Environmental Injuries?

Sadly, people do still contract environmental illnesses. We don’t always realize how dangerous some substances can be, which means people can be put at risk without even knowing it. Although the substance might be banned at a later date, this might be too late to stop everyone from experiencing harm as a result of their exposure.

Alternatively, companies may not enforce strict health and safety protocols or provide workers with appropriate protective equipment. In such cases, the unnecessary exposure to a known toxin could lead to someone contracting an environmental illness.

Although the vast majority of companies take their duties seriously, a considerable number of people do still experience environmental injuries in the U.S. While taking legal action can’t rectify the harm you’ve suffered, it can help you to obtain the financial compensation you deserve.