All jobs have dangers. Dangers and the risk of injury or occupational disease exist in all occupations. What is important is too recognize potential risk and take steps to minimize them. Responsible employers want a safe work environment for their employees, but because of indifference, ignorance or for economic reasons, workers are needlessly exposed to preventable injuries and illnesses. It is crucial each employee to learn as much as they can about the potential risk and harm of their particular occupation, and to encourage management or union officials to take steps to eliminate or reduce potential hazards. Whether your work in agriculture, construction, mining, law enforcement, public safety, health care, manufacturing, sales, environmental quality, legal or any other vocation or profession, you should take steps to learn the potential risk and what you can do to minimize injuries. Sales people can be robbed or be exposed to toxic chemical, agriculture workers can be exposed to dangerous chemicals and machinery, and construction workers can be exposed to a variety of dangerous substances and conditions. Healthcare workers can be exposed to biological hazards or dangerous chemicals. Even office workers can be exposed to unsafe products or poor air quality. When taking a job ask what are the known potential hazards of the job? Inquire as to what prevention tactics are employed? It is likewise prudent to check with a government agency such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Do not forget that there can be unknown hazards as well. If you are experiencing an unknown illness, condition, or have been injured on a job, it is prudent to contact an experienced personal injury attorney and investigate the possible factors that may contribute to the occupational injury or illness.

Before you initiate any legal action or consult an attorney, consider the following factual, legal and evidentiary issues to lay a foundation for your claim and to help establish the context to protect your rights:

• What is the nature of the job?

• How long has the worker been on the job?

• What is the illness or injury believed caused on the job?

• Has a doctor diagnosed the illness and cause?

• Does the job require unique reporting requirements for hazards?

• Does the job require special health exams for possible hazards?

• Is the illness or injury unique to the particular job?

• Is the illness or injury common to similar workers?

• Was the employee exposed to toxic, flammable or biological hazards?

• Has the condition been reported to the employer?

• Has a government agency investigated the matter?

• Does the illness or injury involve a third party or product?

• Did the illness or injury result from defective safety equipment?

• Does the injury involve an act of violence?

• Did the injury occur during travel?

It is important that an experienced legal team evaluate a job claims. Complex legal, factual, and evidentiary issues may be involved. If you, a loved one, or friends are injured on the job, you should take immediate steps to protect their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, and do not sign anything. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to your claim. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.