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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Answers to Common Questions about Injuries Caused by Contaminated Buildings

The common perception is that workers’ compensation claims arise when someone is involved in a work-related accident. Often, however, one of the most debilitating conditions may stem from environmental conditions—from substances present in the building, rather than from a specific incident. The term “sick building syndrome” has evolved to describe these types of injuries.

Q: What is sick building syndrome?

A: According to the National Institutes of Health, sick building syndrome, or SBS, refers to a situation where many of the occupants of a specific building experience the same adverse health challenges. For example, persons working in the same building may experience headaches, nausea and other specific maladies, or there may be increased absenteeism among workers at a specific location. In many instances, the actual source of the health problems may be difficult or impossible to ascertain.

Q: What are some of the telltale signs of SBS?

A: SBS can manifest in a wide array of symptoms, including:

  • Skin problems—lesions or dry, itchy skin
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Dry cough
  • Fatigue

Q: What are some known causes of SBS?

A: The World Health Organization issued a report finding that sick building syndrome is often cause by mold and bacteria, but the existence of chemical contaminants, and by pollen and viruses.

Q: Can you seek workers’ compensation benefits for Sick Building Syndrome?

A: Yes. In New York, to recover disability benefits as a result of a work-related condition, you must show only two things—that you were working, and that you suffered injury or illness in the course of your employment. If you can show that many of your co-workers experienced similar health problems, and incidences of similar illness were less in nearby work environments, that may be circumstantial evidence to support a workers’ compensation claim.

Effective Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Queens, New York

At Pyrros, Serres & Rupwani, we bring more than 50 years of combined workers’ compensation experience to injured workers throughout the borough of Queens and New York City metropolitan area. We built our successful practice on a commitment to personal service and attention. As a result, many of our new cases come to us as referrals from our colleagues in the legal profession or from other clients.

We handle all types of work-related injury claims, including cases involving:

Back and Neck Injury | Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Fractures | Shoulder, Arm, Hand and Finger Injury | Hip, Leg, Foot and Toe Injury| Burns | Paralysis |Occupational Illness | Spinal Cord Injury | Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement | Amputation or Loss of Limb | Hearing or Vision Loss | Accidental Death

For more information about the services we provide, see our practice area overview page.

Pyrros, Serres & Rupwani

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys—Queens, New York