Summer is fast approaching, and that means that the daily average highs will soon be in the low to mid-90s. This is dangerous territory for everyone, but especially for individuals who spend their days working outside.
If You Work Outside, You May Be At Risk for Heat Stroke and Other Heat-Related Illnesses
If your job requires you to spend hours each day exposed to the sun, you may be at risk of suffering from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. While your employer should provide you with adequate opportunities to get out of the sun and cool off, this, unfortunately, tends to be the exception rather than the norm.
As a result, as someone who works outside, it is important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. If you start experiencing symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly, and you should not feel pressured to stay on the job. Signs that you may need medical attention include:
- Flushed skin
- Skin that is hot to the touch
- Rapid breathing
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Severe thirst
- Cramps (spasms or pain, usually in the abdomen)
- Stopping sweating
What to Do if You Experience Heat Stroke or Another Heat-Related Illness on the Job
When experiencing symptoms of overexposure to heat, it is important to call 911 promptly. Driving can be dangerous due to the symptoms listed above. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, steps you can take include:
- Moving to a shaded or cool indoor place
- Removing layers of clothing
- Applying a cold damp rag or cloth to the back of the neck (or as much of the body as possible)
- Sipping cold water (although it is important not to drink too much too fast)
The financial costs of obtaining medical treatment for heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses can be substantial. Heatstroke can also cause permanent damage to internal organs and have other lasting effects. For these reasons, after receiving a diagnosis and initial treatment, it is important that you discuss your legal rights with a Denver injury lawyer as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of your employment and the circumstances that led to your condition, you may have a worker’s compensation claim, a personal injury claim or both, and an experienced lawyer will be able to help you recover maximum compensation for your injury-related losses. While workers’ compensation benefits are limited to medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, if you have a personal injury claim, your lawyer will be able to help you seek compensation for your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other financial and non-financial losses
Speak With a Denver Work Injury Lawyer in Confidence
For more information about seeking financial compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses, please contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with one of our experienced work injury lawyers in confidence, call 303-333-8000 or tell us how to reach you online now.
