On the Job Injury Lawyer – Queens, NY

Over the years, researchers have determined that when you are exposed to asbestos, whether it is at work, home, or simply through second-hand exposure, that exposure can be deadly. It is an employer’s job to protect their employees and contractors when it comes to asbestos exposure. This does not necessarily mean that the building you work in does not have asbestos in it. In fact, simply working in a building that has some form of asbestos does not mean you are at risk. However, it is when the asbestos is exposed, so that you can inhale its fibers, you can be at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. Thus, when your employer does not properly protect you from asbestos at your job or on a job-site and you inhale it, this could result in a life-threatening disease. If you were exposed to asbestos on the job and are suffering from an asbestos-related injury, contact Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. in order to schedule a consultation. Once we understand your circumstances, we will be able to advise you of all of your legal options accordingly. 

You use your knees in your everyday life and at work. If you sustain a knee injury, it will become very difficult to bend, stand and even sit down. Unfortunately, it’s possible to suffer knee injuries just about anywhere, including the workplace. While most knee injuries occur in strenuous jobs, like construction, they can also occur in sedentary jobs. If you believe you injured your knee at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced Queens, New York on the job injury lawyer will be able to clarify your situation and help you to fully explore your legal options. 

Causes of Knee Injuries at Work

Falls are one of the most common ways employees suffer knee injuries at work. Whether it’s a big or small fall, you can suffer serious knee damage. Here are some examples of the type of damage that your knee can suffer during a fall:

– Dislocated Knee: It’s possible to dislocate your knee during a fall. When this happens, you knock it out of its normal position. These knee injuries typically occur during blunt force trauma.

– Chrondromalacia Patallae: If you bend your knee after taking a fall, you could develop this injury. The cartilage can tear and you can experience acute pain at the front of your knee. In addition to pain, you may experience a grinding or clicking noise when you bend or straighten your knee.

-Fractured Kneecap: A fall can also fracture the patella at the front of the knee. You may also injure the surrounding tendons and ligaments.

If you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the exact nature of your injury should and the nature of your fall should not matter in re: receiving the benefits you are entitled to. If you are not eligible for such benefits, a Queens, NY on the job injury lawyer may be able to help you file an alternative legal claim.

Treatments for Knee Injuries

There are many types of treatments available for knee injuries these days. The type of treatment you will receive will depend on several factors, such as the type of injury you sustained. For example, if your knee injury was fairly minor, your doctor may suggest to get plenty of rest and keep the knee elevated. Alternating ice and heat may also reduce pain and swelling.

If your knee injury more severe, physical therapy may be necessary. A physical therapist will have you do several exercises to make your knees stronger again.

Surgery may be needed for the most severe knee fractures, but it’s generally a last resort. Allowing a Queens, NY on the job injury lawyer to help you secure any compensation you may be entitled to will help to ensure that your medical costs (now and into the future) remain manageable.

Getting Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Knee Injuries

If you suffered a knee injury at work, it’s important to file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. The compensation should be able to cover your medical bills and lost wages. 

However, if your knee injury requires extensive treatment, your claim may get more complicated. Severe injuries often require tens of thousands of dollars in treatment costs and many insurance companies don’t want to pay that. That’s why it’s very important to hire an experienced Queens, NY on the job injury lawyer to handle your case. The legal team at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. can make sure your legal rights are protected and improve your chances of getting a fair settlement.

 Asbestos exposure: Construction Workers

Some of the highest-risk jobs that you can have when it comes to asbestos exposure involve working on the construction industry. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and are found in many items and tools that construction workers use on a regular basis, including floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipes, insulation, and many other construction materials. While it is generally illegal for companies to use asbestos in their materials, a construction worker can be unknowingly exposed by renovating buildings, demoing buildings, and even conducting small repairs. It is therefore important to connect with a Queens, New York on the job injury lawyer as soon as you learn you have been exposed and/or harmed by this substance. Acting quickly can not only be beneficial medically, it can help you to protect your fellow workers from getting sick as well. 

What kind of claim can a construction worker submit for asbestos-related illnesses?

When a construction worker is dealing with an asbestos-related illness that occurred because they were exposed on the job, they can file a legal claim with the assistance of a Queens on the job injury lawyer. In a personal injury case, there are three things that they must prove:

• The defendant (perhaps the building owner or construction company) had the duty to protect the construction worker from the asbestos.
• The defendant did not hold up their end of the deal and did not protect the construction worker.
• Because of this breach of duty in care, the construction worker was harmed.

Examples of Breaches in Duty

A few examples of breaches in duty are:

• Not monitoring the air quality properly.
• Not providing construction workers with their own personal devices to monitor exposure.
• Not using the appropriate ventilation systems to eliminate or reduce the asbestos.

Are there regulations regarding employee safety?

Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has strict rules and regulations regarding the safety of employees, and this means that the employer is required to monitor the air quality in environments where there is likely to be asbestos. While asbestos is common and airborne (many people breathe in certain amounts of asbestos particles every day but not in dangerous quantities), the employer should successfully monitor a site to determine when it becomes dangerous. There are often many ways that a Queens on the job injury lawyer can hold negligent employers accountable for their behavior.

If you are a construction worker and you are suffering from an illness because your employer allowed you to be exposed to asbestos, please connect with a Queens on the job injury lawyer as soon as you can. Your legal options may become more limited over time, so it is important to act now.