Louisville Attorneys for Burn Injuries from Chemical Exposure
Although you may not realize it, you are probably exposed to chemicals regularly. Dangerous chemicals can be found near pools, in office buildings, the workplace, in schools, and even in your home. Unfortunately, exposure to certain chemicals can cause significant and life-altering burn injuries. Scarring or disfigurement because of chemical burns is not uncommon.
If someone else is responsible for carelessly causing an accident that results in a chemical burn, should you be forced to pay for potentially expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation? We don’t think so. The Louisville burn injury lawyers of Sampson Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve following a chemical burn accident.
Since 1997, the team at Sampson Law Firm has been committed to protecting the rights of injured clients and aggressively pursuing compensation on their behalf. If an accident left you with a chemical burn, call our burn injury lawyers today at (502) 584-5050 to set up a free case evaluation.
What Is a Chemical Burn?
Most people think of burns as wounds caused by fire or heat. However, chemical exposure can also cause significant burn injuries. Chemical burns are injuries caused by strong acids or corrosive substances that result in tissue damage.
Like thermal burns, chemical burns are categorized by the degree of tissue damage the burn causes. There are generally three different types of chemical burns:
- First-degree burn – A first-degree chemical burn impacts the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Generally, the skin will turn red and may be painful, but the extent of the damage is superficial.
- Second-degree burn – A second-degree burn penetrates the epidermis and extends into the next layer called the dermis. Second-degree chemical burns can be painful and cause blisters to form.
- Third-degree burn – Third-degree chemical burns can be extremely serious. These burns can penetrate the soft tissue beneath the skin, including muscles and nerves. The area may only be painful because of second or first-degree burns on the surrounding skin since third-degree burns can destroy nerves.
Common Causes of Chemical Exposure
Chemicals capable of causing burn injuries can be found almost anywhere. Some of the most common causes of chemical exposure and chemical burns include:
- Workplace exposure
- Car and truck accidents
- Exposure to unsecured swimming pool chemicals
- Exposure to industrial solvents and chemicals
- Exposure to chemicals at construction sites
- Chemicals released in fires or explosions
Substances that Can Cause Chemical Burns
Chemical burns are caused by corrosive substances like strong acids or bases. Substances that can cause minor to moderate chemical burns may be stored in our kitchen cupboards. More potent substances that can cause significant chemical burns are often used in manufacturing, construction, chemical plants, the oil and gas industry, the automotive sector, and professional cleaning services.
Substances that can cause chemical burns include:
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Battery acid
- Pool chemicals
- Drain cleaner
- Concrete mix
- Sulfuric acid
- Industrial solvents
- Gasoline
- Paint thinner
- Lye
Chemical exposure requires immediate treatment. First, put on gloves when you discover the exposure if the chemical is dry or powdery. Then brush as much of the substance off your skin, body, and clothing as possible. Whether the chemical substance is dry or a liquid, you will also need to remove all contaminated clothing and jewelry. If a shower or wash station is available, rinse off. Ideally, you want to flush the area with water for upwards of 20 minutes. Loosely bandage the burn and seek prompt medical attention.
Symptoms of a Chemical Burn
Not all chemicals interact with the skin immediately. Sometimes, it may not be apparent that your skin has encountered a dangerous chemical or solvent. In other cases, you may not realize the full extent of the burn damage until later. If you’ve come into contact with a chemical or potentially dangerous substance, watch for these symptoms:
- Redness
- Irritation or inflammation
- Burning sensation
- Blisters
- Discolored skin or skin that begins to blacken
Some signs of chemical exposure have nothing to do with a skin reaction. If you’ve been exposed to enough of a chemical to cause a burn, you may have also inhaled fumes from the substance. Watch for signs of:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Muscle twitching
- Irregular heartbeat
Chemical Burn Complications
Unfortunately, chemical burns can result in life-long medical complications. Severe burns may require skin grafts and lead to significant scarring. Chemical burns, like other burns, are also susceptible to infection. Some of the most common concerns stemming from chemical burns are:
- Tissue damage
- Tissue death or necrosis
- Infection
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of mobility
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Amputation of fingers or toes
The physical impact of a significant chemical burn can also lead to mental health conditions. It can be challenging to cope with physical issues like scarring and disfigurement. Those with chemical burns may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their injury. These feelings can become overwhelming and lead to anxiety or depression.
Compensation for Chemical Exposure
If carelessness on the part of another caused your chemical burn, you might be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover compensation from an insurer or through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. An experienced burn injury attorney can give you direction as to which path offers you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Although every case is unique, you may be able to seek compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
A knowledgeable burn injury attorney will also be able to calculate the value of your claim and fight to get you the money you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Burn Injury Attorney Today
At Sampson Law Firm, we know the road to recovery after a chemical burn can be long and painful. Our legal team wants to provide you with compassionate support and aggressive legal representation during this challenging time.
If someone else’s actions caused your chemical burn injury, they deserve to be held accountable. Get in touch with a Louisville burn injury attorney at Sampson Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Call (502) 584-5050 and let us advocate for you.