When you suffer chemical burns due to an accident, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. Not everyone is familiar with how damaging chemical burns can be, especially if you have a lengthy exposure to the chemicals or have burns to a large part of your body. Unfortunately, chemical burns are all too common in industrial settings and with manual labor. Those handling chemicals may have more limited access to safety equipment than they would in a lab. However, anyone who comes into close contact with chemicals may experience chemical burns. If you’ve been burned in an accident, it’s time to talk with a lawyer who can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
What Are Chemical Burns?
Chemical burns are damage to your skin or other tissue in your body due to exposure to chemicals, often very harsh, strong, or corrosive ones. Often, people get chemical burns because someone accidentally spilled a chemical on them. It’s also possible to get burned by touching some chemicals, swallowing a chemical accidentally, or simply being in close proximity to a strong chemical. You can get chemical burns to the surface of your skin, eyes, lungs, or other organs because you were exposed to chemicals.
Which Kinds of Chemicals Can Cause Burns?
Because so many chemicals can cause burns, especially with prolonged exposure, it’s difficult to list them all. Some common examples are bleach, lye, drain cleaner, battery acid, industrial solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, and even wet cement.
Risks for Chemical Burns
Some people are at a higher risk for chemical burns because they spend a lot of time working with or near toxic chemicals. For example, people in the following types of jobs often deal with chemicals:
- Oil and gas workers
- Industrial plant workers
- Construction workers
- Factory workers
- Plumbers
- Mechanics
- Farmers
- Laboratory technicians
- Drivers
Moreover, some of these workers are more likely to be independent contractors or own their own businesses, meaning workers’ compensation may not cover their injuries if they suffer chemical burns.
In addition, children are also at higher risk for chemical burns because they may touch or swallow chemicals around the house or out in the world, not realizing the chemicals are hazardous.
Do You Have Chemical Burns from an Accident?
First, if you think you have chemical burns from an accident, seek medical attention immediately. These burns can cause permanent damage to your skin or other organs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms of chemical burns on your skin include:
- “Blisters or scabs.
- Cracked, dry skin.
- Pain.
- Peeling skin.
- Redness.
- Skin discoloration.
- Swelling.”
Chemical burns to your eyes or internal organs can cause various symptoms, such as stinging or burning in your eyes, as well as nausea and vomiting. Please consult a medical professional if you experience symptoms of a chemical burn.
Next, you should seek legal representation to help you recover compensation for your burns. Chemical burn victims can require significant medical treatment, including burn care, skin grafts, eye treatment, surgery, and assistance with breathing or eating. You may also face significant medical expenses, as well as time off work to recover. A lawyer familiar with chemical burn accidents can evaluate your options for seeking compensation and advise you on your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
My supervisor said that workers’ comp won’t cover my chemical burn. Can you help?
Please reach out to Allen & Nunnally if you’re dealing with a chemical burn but are told that workers’ comp won’t cover it. We take a fresh look at every potential client’s case to determine how we can help. It may be that workers’ comp will not cover your injury, but you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim instead.
My daughter had to go to the emergency room because of a chemical burn from a cleaning product left out at her daycare. Does she have a case?
When a child gets chemical burns because dangerous substances were left within her reach, it’s a very scary situation for her parents. We would welcome the chance to review the facts in more detail. It’s possible that she could have a personal injury claim, but we would need to ask you more questions about the situation first. Please reach out to our team if you find yourself in a similar situation.
We’re First to Fight for Chemical Burn Injury Victims
Do you need advice about legal rights after suffering chemical burns? At Allen & Nunnally, we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients’ cases. Injured Texans, including those with chemical burns, trust us to fight for the compensation they deserve. We have a steadfast commitment to client service that you can depend on. To schedule a consultation with one of our Houston-based attorneys, call (713) 955-2217, use our convenient Contact Form, or email us at info@allen-nunnally.com.