Posted on behalf of Henness & Haight on Jun 27, 2017 in Workers' Compensation News
Long-term exposure to high temperatures can leave you susceptible to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses, especially if you are an outdoor worker.
Heat stroke can have a severe physical effect on your body and increases the chances of a dangerous workplace accident.
If such an injury occurs while you are performing the requirements of your job, it may be possible to obtain workers’ compensation. Henness & Haight’s Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorneys can help you determine if you are entitled to file a claim. If you are, we will guide you through the process.
Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when your body overheats to 104 degrees, often causing severe damage to your internal organs and brain or resulting in death.
Workers should be able identify the signs of heat stroke and heat-related illnesses to prevent serious injury. These symptoms include:
Outdoor workers in Nevada should watch closely for these symptoms. If you display any of these symptoms, relocate to a cool and shaded area, drink small amounts of water and immediately contact emergency services.
Heat stroke is a common condition suffered by workers who spend long hours outdoors in Nevada’s high temperatures.
If you suffer a heat stroke while at work or performing work-related duties, you may be eligible for compensation through a workers’ compensation claim.
However, an employer or insurer may argue that your condition was caused by a preexisting condition or was unrelated to your scope of employment and deny your claim.
Henness & Haight’s Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to fight for your claim to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
We will help you obtain copies of medical records taken during your initial visit to the medical professional who treated you for heat stroke.
We will also collect weather data records from the date of your injury, as well as witness testimonies from your co-workers to give a first-hand account of the conditions you faced.
Employers in Nevada are required by state and federal laws to protect their workers from exposure to dangerous hazards, including high outdoor temperatures.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide the following workplace safety measures to prevent heat stroke:
Workers in Nevada may have to take extra steps to protect themselves from the state’s high summer temperatures.
You should wear loose-fitting clothing that allows circulation. Your clothing should also be lightweight and light colored to prevent sun absorption.
Workers are also recommended to drink plenty of fluids. However, you should refrain from fluids that contain alcohol or caffeine.
It might also be helpful to use a buddy system that requires you to closely monitor a co-worker for signs or symptoms of heat stroke.
Furthermore, you should spend as much time as possible in a cool and shaded area, or wear a hat or visor that blocks the sun.
Heat stroke is an all-too-common danger that outdoor workers in Nevada constantly face. It is important that you stay safe and follow proper safety measures to prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
However, if you are injured in a work-related accident caused by heat stroke, contact our Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorneys for a free, no obligation consultation.
We will assist you with your claim to ensure it is properly filed and accurately lists the compensation you are entitled for medical bills and lost wages.
Our work is provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us any upfront fees. We only require payment if we successfully represent your claim.
Complete our Free Case Evaluation form to schedule a legal consultation.