School teachers do important work in preparing the next generation, but they often must do this work under challenging conditions that pose a threat to their health and safety. In addition to being exposed to the potential for physical harm from unruly students, school violence and stress, teachers in older school buildings may also be exposed the health threat of toxic mold and other environmental pollutants.
Teachers who spend years of their lives in aging buildings that are full of environmental hazards may be exposed to toxins in the environment and thy take those toxins into their bodies every time they breathe the air, swallow or touch surfaces that have traces of the toxin and then touch their skin or eyes.
Exposure to toxic mold and other environmental hazards in school buildings takes time before an illness manifests, but some of the symptoms of toxic exposure include:
- Severe headaches
- Sensitivity to light
- Flu-like symptoms
- Skin rashes
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Stiffness and joint pain
- Chronic cough, sinus infection
- Eye-irritation
- Wheezing
- Fatigue, weakness
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that there are about 50 to 100 common indoor mold types that can potentially cause health problems.
When teachers become ill and unable to work because of their daily exposure to environmental hazards such as toxic mold, the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation program provides a partial wage replacement disability payment, and medical expenses related to the occupational illness.
To claim workers’ compensation benefits, you must let your supervisor know right away when you have been injured or suffered an occupational injury during your regular work tasks. You are required to notify them of the date and place where the injury occurred. In the case of an occupational disease, you can notify them of when you were diagnosed with the illness. If you do not notify your employer immediately about your injury or illness you put your workers’ compensation clam in jeopardy and it could result in either a delay or a denial of benefits.
After you notify your employer of your injury, seek medical attention, and file your workers’ compensation claim, your employer can approve or deny your claim. If your claim is denied, you will have the chance to appeal their decision in a hearing in front of a Workers’ Compensation judge. If your claim is denied, it is important that you speak to an experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney about your case. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer will have legal representation at the hearing. If you do not, this leaves you at a distinct disadvantage.
Working with a knowledgeable Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer gives you access to their years of experience gained by helping countless clients before you to obtain the compensation they deserve when they have been injured or contracted an occupational illness while doing their job.
When you have been diagnosed with an occupational disease and then you file a workers’ compensation claim, you may have some questions about how to proceed. You are welcome to speak to one of our experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates. We fight for fair compensation when you have been injured at work. Please call 888.PITT.LAW or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your case and get your questions answered today. We proudly serve clients throughout Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.
