Exposure to lead in the workplace is a serious issue that can result in long-term health problems for workers throughout Alabama. It may come as a surprise to learn that workers across many different industries face a risk of lead poisoning from contact with lead-based materials.
Understanding the dangers of lead poisoning, its symptoms, and how to file for workers’ compensation are essential for protecting your health and securing your financial future. This article will explain which workers are most at risk, how to file a claim, and the benefits available to you if you’re exposed to lead at work.
If you need help filing a workers’ comp claim or want advice on how much your claim might be worth, reach out to the experienced Birmingham work injury attorneys at Nomberg Law Firm for a free consultation.
What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning can happen if lead, a toxic metal, accumulates in the body, often over many months or even years. In addition to lead-based products, lead exposure typically comes from sources like old paint (especially in homes built before 1978), contaminated soil, water from lead pipes, and certain household items or toys.
Even exposure to small amounts of lead can cause serious health issues, especially for children, as it can interfere with brain and nervous system development. However, adults can also suffer harmful effects, particularly to their hearts, kidneys, brains, and reproductive systems.
How do I know if I have lead poisoning?
If you suspect lead poisoning, it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms. This can be tricky since they often develop slowly and can resemble other health conditions, but these are some common signs to watch for:
- Hearing loss
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Irritability or changes in mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Joint and muscle pain
- High blood pressure
- Numbness or tingling (especially in feet and legs)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Reproductive problems like infertility, low sperm count, and miscarriage
Since these symptoms can mimic other health issues, a blood test is required to definitively confirm lead poisoning. If you’ve experienced potential lead exposure and notice any of these symptoms, be sure to seek medical care for testing and a diagnosis.
What To Do & Not Do When Filing an Alabama Workers’ Comp Claim
Learn what to do to avoid costly mistakes that could prevent you from maximizing your workers’ compensation claim.
Can lead poisoning go away on its own?
No, lead poisoning typically does not go away on its own. Once lead enters the body, it can accumulate in the bloodstream, tissues, and bones, where it can remain for years. While the body can naturally eliminate some lead over time, this process is quite slow and may not be enough to reduce lead levels to a safe range, especially in cases of significant exposure.
To manage lead poisoning, you must first eliminate the source of the lead exposure. For some workers, this may require finding a new line of work, especially if protective measures like masks haven’t been enough to prevent lead poisoning.
In cases of high lead levels, medical intervention may be necessary to help remove lead from the body more quickly. One option is chelation therapy. During this treatment, medication is taken that binds to the lead in the body so it can be excreted through the urine. Without proper treatment and intervention, lead can continue to cause harm, making it crucial to address any lead exposure as soon as possible.
Which workers are most likely to suffer from lead poisoning?
Lead exposure in adults commonly comes from the workplace, with about 94% of elevated blood lead levels in adults caused by job-related exposure, according to a recent study. Workers in certain industries are at a higher risk of lead exposure due to the nature of their work, including:
- Construction workers, particularly those involved in renovation, demolition, or painting projects in older buildings where lead-based paint may still be present
- Welders and cutters who work with materials coated with lead paint or that contain lead alloys
- Ceramic workers who work with older pottery that may contain lead-based glazes
- Metal workers and foundry workers, especially those involved in smelting, refining, or casting lead-containing materials
- Manufacturing workers in industries that produce, repair, or recycle lead-acid batteries, lead-based bullets and ammunition, leaded glass, brass, or bronze products
- Plumbers, pipefitters, and heating repair technicians working with radiators or older plumbing systems that may contain lead pipes or fixtures
- Recycling workers, especially those handling electronic waste, batteries, or scrap metal containing lead
For these workers and others who may be exposed to lead, implementing protective measures, such as proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), wearable technology, training, and regular health monitoring, is essential to minimizing long-term risks.
The Consequences of Inadequate Training in the Workplace
Learn why worker training benefits both employers and workers alike.
What workers’ comp benefits can I get for lead poisoning in Alabama?
If you suffer from an occupational disease like lead poisoning after a workplace exposure in Alabama, you may be eligible for several benefits through workers’ compensation. They include:
- Medical benefits. Workers’ compensation covers necessary medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital care, medications, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation therapies related to lead poisoning.
- Wage replacement. If you’re unable to work due to lead poisoning, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits, which replace a portion of your wages (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage) while you recover. If your condition causes a permanent impairment that prevents you from ever returning to work, you may also be eligible for permanent disability benefits.
- Vocational rehabilitation. If lead poisoning prevents you from returning to your previous job but you’re capable of working in another capacity, vocational rehabilitation services can help you retrain for a different position or provide assistance with job placement.
- Death benefits. If lead poisoning ultimately results in your death, workers’ compensation offers death benefits to dependents, covering funeral expenses and providing ongoing financial support to eligible family members.
It’s important to note that while most employers in Alabama with 5 or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their workers, some workers, like independent contractors, are exempt from workers’ comp. If you’re unsure if you qualify for benefits, reach out to a local Alabama workers’ compensation attorney who can help you understand your rights and legal options.
How do I file a workers’ comp claim for lead poisoning in Alabama?
If you’ve been exposed to lead at work and have developed lead poisoning, you’ll need to take the following steps within the required timeframes to qualify for workers’ comp benefits:
- Seek medical care. Get medical attention from an employer-approved doctor as soon as possible, even if your symptoms seem minor. This ensures your condition is documented and can be linked to your job for workers’ comp purposes.
- Report your injury. Notify your supervisor in writing within 5 days of your lead poisoning symptoms or diagnosis. If you miss this window, report it as soon as possible. Claims filed after 90 days will be denied unless you were unable to report due to serious physical or mental limitations.
- Verify your employer files a claim. Your employer must file a First Report of Injury form on your behalf to start your workers’ comp claim after you report the injury. Follow up with your employer or their insurance company to ensure this form has been submitted.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied because your employer says your lead poisoning is unrelated to work, or if you need help negotiating a fair settlement, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for assistance. They can help gather evidence, calculate the true value of your claim, and negotiate on your behalf to get you the full benefits you deserve.
Suffering from work-related lead poisoning in Alabama? We can help!
If you believe you’ve been exposed to lead at work and are suffering from lead poisoning, Nomberg Law Firm is here to help. Since 1967, our knowledgeable Birmingham workers’ compensation attorneys have been committed to helping Alabama workers recover the compensation they deserve for their workplace injuries, illnesses, and diseases.
As a family-owned firm, we pride ourselves on providing personalized attention and tailoring our services to each client’s unique situation—something larger firms often struggle to offer.
Ready to learn how we can help you maximize your workers’ comp claim?
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
References
Shaffer, R. M., & Gilbert, S. G. (2018). Reducing occupational lead exposures: Strengthened standards for a healthy workforce. NeuroToxicology, 69, 181–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2017.10.009