When individuals suffer injuries at work, they often find that filing for workers' compensation benefits offers their best option for gaining compensation during their recovery period. In certain instances, though, this may not be the case.Individuals who suffer toxic fume injuries at work may be entitled to further compensation if they can prove that their employers engaged in acts of gross negligence. When individuals file a claim for workers' compensation, they often must sign waivers that release their employers from liability.Releasing an employer from liability means that the employee has no chance of winning a personal injury lawsuit against the employer. Individuals who refrain from filing for workers' compensation, though, may still sue their employers on the grounds of gross negligence.Gross negligence refers to an employer's intentional infliction of harm upon an employee. This may occur in a number of ways. Most commonly, it occurs when an employer knowingly places an employee in dangerous conditions without providing the individual with reasonable safety equipment.This is often the case with toxic fume injuries. While many work related injuries occur because of co-worker carelessness, toxic fume injuries often occur because employers do not provide proper ventilation or safety masks.Individuals who have suffered toxic fume injuries at work may be entitled to financial compensation if they can prove their employers' guilt. The first step in this process is filing a lawsuit. Individuals wishing to pursue this route are advised to discuss their cases with experienced workers' compensation lawyers.While hiring a lawyer does not guarantee an automatic win, having experienced legal counsel in your corner can help you build a stronger case.If you or someone you love suffered a toxic fume injury at work, discuss your legal rights and options with the Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today.