Jersey City Long-Term Exposure Claim Lawyers

Many injuries occur in a single moment, such as a fall or a machine accident. However, not every case is that straightforward. Some injuries develop slowly, over years of repeated contact with harmful substances. These types of cases are known as long-term exposure claims, and they can often be more complex than traditional workers’ compensation matters. If you believe you’ve developed cancer or another disease as a result of long-term exposure, contact the seasoned Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free consultation today.

What Are the Most Common Types of Long-Term Exposure Claims?

A long-term exposure claim arises when a worker becomes sick or suffers a permanent injury because of extended contact with a hazardous substance in the workplace. Unlike an accident that can be traced back to one specific day, these injuries build over time. Symptoms may take years to appear, and by the time they do, the condition may already be advanced. The most common types of long-term exposure claims involve the following:

• Asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer
• Chemical exposure, including solvents, cleaning agents, and pesticides
• Respiratory diseases caused by prolonged inhalation of dust, fumes, or smoke, such as silicosis
• Hearing loss from years of working in loud environments
• Skin conditions from constant contact with harsh substances
• COVID-19 and long-term COVID

How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Long-Term Exposure Claim?

Under New Jersey law, workers’ compensation is designed to provide medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses directly related to their job. For a long-term exposure claim to be valid, the worker must be able to demonstrate a connection between the workplace and the illness. To establish a valid claim, you’ll need to show the following:

• You were an employee at the time of the exposure. Independent contractors are usually not covered.
• The harmful substance or condition was present in your workplace and you were exposed to it as part of your job duties.
• You have a recognized illness or condition that can be linked to the exposure
• Medical records, expert testimony, or workplace safety reports support the conclusion that the illness is work-related rather than caused by outside factors.

How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?

Filing deadlines are critical in workers’ compensation cases. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim is generally two years. However, in long-term exposure cases, the clock does not always start on the date of the first exposure. Instead, it usually begins when the worker either becomes aware of the condition or reasonably should have known that the illness was related to their employment.

For example, if a worker develops mesothelioma decades after working around asbestos, the two-year filing period would typically start when the diagnosis is made, not from the original exposure date. Still, it’s always best to act sooner, rather than later. Once you notice these symptoms manifest, see a doctor and retain legal representation.

Contact Our NJ Long-Term Exposure Claim Lawyers

If you’re seeking compensation for a disease you’ve developed as a result of long-term exposure to a toxic substance, our lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today.