According to a report published at NJ.com, a New Jersey music teacher was awarded $1.8 million after a judge determined that her adult-onset asthma and other lung conditions had been caused by mold in a classroom.
The teacher, Mary Jean Alsina, first filed the lawsuit in 2013, alleging that she had developed serious lung problems after working in a specific classroom at the middle school. She indicated that the room had a musty smell to it, she could see stains, and there was water dripping from the ceiling. Alsina further claims that the school retaliated against her for complaining about the conditions, reducing her teaching schedule to just one day a week and taking away most of her duties in the music department. Furthermore, the school district improperly denied Alsina’s workers’ compensation claim when she sought to have her medical treatment covered.
The award of $1.8 million includes compensation for Alsina’s medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
A Hazardous Workplace Environment can Entitle Workers to Compensation
Workers who develop occupational diseases that are related to their working environment are often entitled to benefits through New Jersey’s Workers’ Compensation Program. Unfortunately, the more serious the claim, the more incentive insurers and employers have to deny the claim, which means that sometimes the people who need benefits the most have the hardest time getting them.
Fortunately, there are many ways that a skilled New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer can help you if you have been injured or become ill due to a dangerous work environment. These include the following:
- Determining whether you have a valid workers’ compensation claim
- Filling out and submitting paperwork to your employer or the insurance company
- Filing an appeal should your claim be denied
- Representing you in any administrative hearings that may become necessary
- Filing a lawsuit on your behalf and representing you in court
If you have developed an occupational illness that is preventing you from working, you are likely facing significant medical bills and a loss of income. For this reason, it is critical that you get the benefits that you are owed as soon as possible. You should call a lawyer as soon as you realize that you may be filing a claim.
Call a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been injured because by your work environment or in any type of preventable accident, you may be legally entitled to compensation under New Jersey law. To schedule a free consultation with New Jersey personal injury lawyer John L. Schettino, call our office today at 201-498-9768.