Perhaps you have worked at the same lab for years without incident. You and your coworkers are very careful around chemicals because you know that an accident can cause serious injury, such as a chemical burn. Ironically, that is exactly what happened to you. Now you face with rapidly rising medical bills and you have no idea when or if you will be able to return to work.
Your next step should be to contact an experienced personal injury attorney, who will want to find out who was responsible for your burn injury.
Many complications possible
Federal surveys indicate that 486,000 people a year are treated for burn injuries. Almost everyone has been scalded at some point by steam, hot objects or hot liquids, and many of these injuries are first-degree burns that only affect the first layer of skin. However, burns that go deeper can cause many problems, such as infection, hypothermia and even limited movement of bones and joints.
Chemical burns can happen anywhere
Chemical burns can occur at home, at school or in the workplace, wherever people handle chemical materials. Some of the culprits are ordinary products, like ammonia, car battery acid or bleach. The chemical burn you received in the lab could have been caused by a dangerous mixture of chemicals, as the result of a mislabeled container or because of the use of a chemical too close to a burner. Symptoms include redness or irritation in the affected area, blackened skin, numbness or pain. If chemicals come in contact with the eyes, a change in vision or even loss of sight could result.
Seeking legal help
In suffering a severe injury, such as a devastating chemical burn, remember that you do not have to deal with the situation alone. You have rights and legal options, and you can turn to an experienced attorney who will find out who is responsible for your injury and see that you receive the help you deserve, including the maximum compensation available.