Sick Building Syndrome

A Sick Building Syndrome Attorney in New York Who Will Fight For Your Justice

Sick building syndrome (SBS) refers to health problems experienced by the occupants of a particular building, due to either airborne contaminants, toxins and germs or something in the structure itself or in its furnishings, which causes illness to those who spend a good deal of time inside. Sick building syndrome can affect anyone, including office workers, garment factory workers, bank employees, retail staff or hotel workers.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

SBS is a workplace sickness that is often difficult to detect. SBS patients should be aware that it can be a difficult job-related illness to prove. Every experienced workers compensation lawyer knows that when an entire company staff comes down with the same symptoms or workers only feel sick at work, with diligent case preparation and legal know-how, SBS is a fairly straightforward job illness case.

Only Feel Sick at Work? New York Sick Building Illnesses Are Common and Deserve Restitution

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, SBS can be confused with Building Related Illness (BRI), as they can cause similar symptoms, including:

What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

Causes of sick building syndrome include bacteria, molds, pollen, viruses and chemical contaminants such as exhaust, adhesives, pesticides, cleaning agents and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The EPA reports that some VOCs can cause cancer and other chronic and acute health problems. And though radon and asbestos have been found in buildings, because they are associated with long-term diseases, they are not considered to be a cause of sick building syndrome, which causes more immediate medical conditions.

Can Sick Building Syndrome Be Cured?

Sick building syndrome can be prevented by identifying and removing the source of contamination through proper ventilation, sanitation, and the use of a baghouse filter. Treatment includes removing an affected person from a contaminated building environment and treating their symptoms with medications (e.g., antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers), allergy treatment, and oxygen therapy.

While treatment can be costly, our attorneys can help you get fully compensated for medical bills, prescription medications, and rehabilitation.

How Long Does Sick Building Syndrome Last?

Sick building syndrome symptoms often subside quickly once an affected person is removed from a contaminated environment. However, the length of time it takes for symptoms to fully resolve depends on the severity and duration of exposure and your overall health. Mild cases may clear up within days or weeks, while more severe cases can take months.

Airborne Molds, Bacteria, Viruses and VOCs at Work Can Make You Sick-Call Us For Help!

In 1984 the World Health Organization reported that as much as one-third of all new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the cause of complaints about indoor air quality (IAQ), which can often be attributed to inadequate ventilation or a building being occupied by businesses that are different from its original intended use. If a manufacturing plant is operating inside of a former office building, for instance, there may not be proper air vents, fans and circulation in place to keep the air safe for employees to breathe.

Don’t endure constant fatigue, dry cough or other possible sick building symptoms. Call workers comp attorneys Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP toll-free at (800) 692-3717 or contact us online for a free evaluation. We go to bat for clients so they can get their lives back. We serve communities in New York, from Staten Island to Westchester County to Queens County to Nassau County.