New York City construction workers are at risk of exposure to a number of toxic substances, including mercury, lead, asbestos, silica dust, benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents from paint and sealants, caustic chemicals, and industrial adhesives. These substances can cause neurological disorders, respiratory illnesses, burns, and organ damage that may substantially impair and shorten a worker’s life. 

If you believe you are suffering an impairment due to exposure to toxic substances, contact us at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green, & Bagley, P.C. to speak with a toxic exposure attorney about your right to recover damages from the employers and contractors who failed to provide adequate safety measures to protect you. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for employees who work in construction in Westchester and Rockland Counties and throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. 

Common Injuries from Exposure to Toxic Substances  

Construction workers should not assume that the immediate effects of exposure to a toxic substance—such as burns or irritation—are the extent of their injury. Heavy metals, fine dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to serious health conditions such as: 

  • Respiratory Diseases – Inhalation of asbestos, silica dust, or toxic fumes can lead to chronic lung conditions like asbestosis, silicosis, or occupational asthma. 
  • Neurological Disorders – Prolonged exposure to lead, mercury, or solvents can cause memory loss, cognitive decline, and nerve damage, increasing the risk of conditions like Parkinson’s disease. 
  • Organ Damage – Heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney, liver, or cardiovascular diseases. 
  • Skin Conditions & Burns – Contact with corrosive chemicals or hazardous materials can result in chemical burns, rashes, and chronic dermatitis. 

Construction workers who suspect that they have been exposed to toxic substances should promptly consult with a construction site accident attorney to secure their right and opportunity to recover compensation for their injuries. 

Causes of Toxic Exposure Accidents  

Construction workers are often harmed when employers and contractors fail to secure toxins properly. Those employers and contractors can be liable for the injured worker’s losses and damages when they: 

  • Fail to provide proper warnings about toxins or burn risks 
  • Dispose of toxic waste in an unsafe or illicit manner 
  • Ignore regulations for the storage and transport of toxic substances 
  • Fail to give construction workers adequate toxic substance training or protective gear 
  • Force workers to perform tasks in poorly ventilated areas 

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is the primary regulation for transporting and handling toxic substances. Your attorney should be thoroughly familiar with that Standard as well as the chemical material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that describe the precautions employers should take when toxic substances are used at a construction site. 

What Should You Do After A Toxic Exposure or Chemical Burn Accident? 

Construction workers who experience exposure to toxins should do the following: 

  • Leave the exposure area and get fresh air in a well-ventilated area as quickly as possible 
  • Remove and safely dispose of contaminated clothing 
  • Flush exposed skin or eyes with clean, running water for at least 15 minutes 
  • Contact a poison control center for advice on exposure to specific substances 
  • Get prompt medical attention, particularly if a worker is experiencing shortness of breath or pain or cannot remain conscious. 

Whether the toxic exposure was sudden and severe or gradual over months or years, construction workers should immediately consult an experienced toxic exposure attorney at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green, & Bagley. We can hold negligent employers and contractors accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term health effects. 

Call Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. to Schedule a Free Consultation 

Exposure to toxins and chemical burns are serious matters that can affect your life for many years. A toxic exposure lawyer will help you push back against employers and contractors who cut corners and harmed your health and well-being with dangerous toxins. 

If you have been exposed to a toxic substance at a New York construction site or sustained injuries from other common construction accidents, please call the Manhattan offices of Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured construction workers throughout the NYC metropolitan area. Since we work on a continge