What are my rights regarding the long term effects of my working conditions and my subsequent medical issues?
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What are my rights regarding the long term effects of my working conditions and my subsequent medical issues?
I worked for an oil company for 32 years (retired) mainly on offshore platforms. Due to the many stairways involved with the offshore platforms, my knees are in very bad shape. Never had an injury, just from the long time use of the stairs. My former employer never provided any training nor warnings that long time use of the stairs could effect your knees. I was just wondering if there was any merit to a lawsuit?
Asked on May 17, 2015 under Personal Injury, Alabama
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
No, there would be no merit in a lawsuit. An employer is not liable for the effects of having walked up and down stairs over a course of 32 years. The possible effect of repeatedly walking up and down many steps over decades is not a hidden hazard, or one that an employer has to warn you about--the possible effects are obvious--and is not unusually dangerous. Just as an employer would not have to warn employees who are delivery drivers to not speed and to look both ways before crossing. Your employer does not have a duty to warn you about stairs, and so is not liable for not having done so.
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