Legal Question in Workers Comp in New Jersey
Exposure to chemical causing chemist to change careers
My husband, a Ph.D. chemist, was exposed to a dangerous chemical at work because he believes the equipment at his job was not able to handle a chemical of this potency. As a result of his exposure, he is now super-sensitive to anything that has been exposed; he is no longer able to enter the work building, he can no longer drive our car that he used to take to work, he's had to throw away most of his wardrobe, etc. (his boss allowed him to work from home since this happened, but has taken no steps to clean the work facility or report the problem to OSHA). He is changing careers-- becoming a teacher-- because he cannot be around this chemical now, and a great number of companies use this in his field. By becoming a teacher, he will take a pay cut of at least $30,000 a year for the remainder of his career (which could be for another 25 years). His health seems OK, unless he's exposed to even the smallest trace of this chemical, in which case he suffers muscles aches, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Question: Can he sue for future lost wages for having to change careers? What about his impaired health-- which, when he's not around the chemical, is fine. Thank you very much for your response.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Exposure to chemical causing chemist to change careers
What you describe is astonishing. What in the world was he exposed to?
You absolutely need to sit down with an attorney and get some advice. This has changed your husband's life and your life, it has been absolutely devastating and costly, as you describe it.
If you would like, give me a call; I am in northern New Jersey. The telephone consultation will be free. I would be happy to help you out.
My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.
Disclaimer: Your question and any response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and this law firm. You can not rely on the statements made by an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.
Re: Exposure to chemical causing chemist to change careers
this is a very serious issue. Generraly you cannot sue your employer, and therefore you are entitled to benefits based upon a chart of injuries. Howeve, because there may be many reasons for the exposure, there may be othe viable defendants. You relly cannot discuss this over the internet and need to seek legal help ASAP
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