When you’re employed by a company, there’s a reasonable expectation that they will look out for your best interests. At the least, they have an obligation to provide a working environment that is free from dangers. This includes taking steps to prevent workplace accidents and also making every effort to avoid workplace illnesses. Granted, even the most diligent company can’t catch every potential danger that exists in the workplace. They might employ materials that are dangerous but not know because science hasn’t caught up yet.
Take asbestos for example. Many school buildings and offices used it for years without realizing the effect it was having on the health of everyone who was exposed to it. An honorable employer will stand up and take responsibility for the damage they’ve caused, compensating employees to take care of medical expenses.
When many former workers at a Texas Instruments plant started getting the same types of cancer, red flags were raised. As it turns out, harmful levels of radiation at the plant were linked to the sickness. A compensation program was set up through the government, and some have been able to receive their benefits, but many have been left to fend for themselves for various reasons. Delays have been rampant and lots of former workers are having trouble proving that they worked at the plant so many years ago.
Some of the former employees feel they were rejected because their type of cancer just wasn’t the “right one.”
Many workers in the state of New York become ill as a result of workplace conditions. While in most situations a government compensation program will not be created, the ill worker may be able to secure workers’ compensation benefits from his or her employer. If you are having difficulty receiving workers’ compensation benefits or your claim has been denied, a New York attorney may be able to help you get the compensation you need.
Source: Taunton Daily Gazette, “Rep. Kennedy addresses compensation delays for former TI workers with cancer,” Rory Schuler, July 13, 2014
