Chemical burns happen when a substance, usually a strong acid or alkali, comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, causing tissue damage. These burns can be excruciating and cause serious injury or even wrongful death in severe cases.
Here are some common types of chemical burn injuries and examples of substances that can cause them:
- Acid burns: Strong acids, such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or nitric acid, can cause severe burns that may penetrate deep into the skin, leading to tissue damage and scarring.
- Alkali burns: Alkali burns are caused by strong alkaline substances, such as sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide. Alkali burns can be even more dangerous than acid burns because they tend to penetrate deeper into skin tissue and can continue to damage the skin even after the substance has been removed.
- Solvent burns: Solvent burns tend to be caused by gasoline, paint thinner, or turpentine. These substances can dissolve the protective oils on the skin, making it more vulnerable to chemical damage.
- Irritant burns: Irritant burns are caused by substances that irritate the skin, such as bleach or ammonia. These burns may not be as severe as acid or alkali burns, but they can still cause pain, redness, and blistering.
Any substance can potentially cause a chemical burn if it is strong enough or if it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes for a prolonged period of time. If you suspect you have been exposed to a chemical that may cause burns, act quickly and seek medical attention right away.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Chemical Burn Injury?
Determining liability for a chemical burn injury depends on the circumstances surrounding the burn and the parties involved. Generally, anyone who was negligent or breached their duty of care and caused the chemical burn injury can be held liable.
Here are some of the potential parties who could be held liable for a chemical burn injury:
- Manufacturers and suppliers: If the chemical that caused the injury was a product that was manufactured or supplied by a company, the manufacturer or supplier might be held liable if the product was defectively designed, manufactured, or labeled. The manufacturer may also be held liable if they fail to provide adequate warnings or instructions for the safe use of the product.
- Employers: If the chemical burn injury occurred in the workplace, the employer might be held liable if they failed to provide sufficient training, safety equipment, or protective measures to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Property owners: If the chemical burn injury happened on someone else’s property, such as a business or a rental property, the property owner might be held liable if they were aware of the hazardous conditions and failed to take appropriate measures to address them.
- Individuals: If the chemical burn injury was caused by someone who acted negligently or intentionally, such as throwing a corrosive substance on someone, that person might be held liable for the injury.
Establishing liability for a chemical burn injury can be complex and require the assistance of a qualified personal injury attorney. An attorney can help investigate the incident, identify potentially liable parties, and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Remedies are Available in a Chemical Burn Injury Claim?
A chemical burn injury can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. Victims of devastating chemical burn injuries may face long-term pain, scarring, disfigurement, costly medical treatments, and lost income. Fortunately, remedies are available in a chemical burn injury claim to help victims recover damages and regain their quality of life.
Monetary Damages
One of the most common remedies sought in a chemical burn injury claim is monetary damages. Victims of chemical burns may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Medical expenses can include the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and other medical treatments related to the injury.
- Lost income: If the injury prevents the victim from working or earning income, they may be entitled to compensation for their lost wages or earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Chemical burn injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Chemical burns can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional effects of these burns.
Personal Injury Settlements
In some cases, victims of chemical burn injuries may be able to reach a personal injury settlement with the responsible party or parties.
A personal injury settlement is an agreement between the victim and the responsible party or parties to resolve the claim without going to trial. Settlements can provide a quicker and more efficient resolution to a claim, but they often result in lower compensation than a trial verdict.
Average Settlement Value
The average settlement value for a burn injury is almost impossible to estimate, as it depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of the damages, and the parties involved. However, according to some sources, the average settlement value for a burn injury can range from several thousand dollars to millions, depending on the injury.
Every chemical burn injury case is unique. There is no guaranteed settlement amount or verdict. The best way to determine the potential value of a chemical burn injury claim is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can evaluate your case, identify the potential damages, and help negotiate a fair settlement or advocate for your rights in court.
Should I Contact an Injury Attorney about My Chemical Burn Injury?
If you have suffered a chemical burn injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away to ensure your safety and well-being. After seeking medical attention, you may also want to consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Here are some reasons why you may want to contact a personal injury attorney about your chemical burn injury:
- Legal expertise: Personal injury attorneys have specialized knowledge and expertise in handling cases involving chemical burn injuries. They can help you navigate the legal system, understand your rights, and identify potentially liable parties.
- Evidence preservation: Chemical burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, and preserving any evidence related to the injury is important. An experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that all relevant evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, are properly preserved and documented.
- Maximizing compensation: If you have suffered a chemical burn injury, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An attorney can help you evaluate the value of your claim and negotiate a fair settlement or advocate for your rights in court.
- Contingency fee: Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay any upfront fees. Instead, the attorney will receive a percentage of your settlement or verdict if your case is successful.
If you have suffered a chemical burn injury, seek medical attention and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can provide legal expertise, help preserve evidence, and work to maximize your compensation. Contact a reputable personal injury attorney today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
Jose Rivera
Managing Editor
Original Author
Jose Rivera
Managing Editor
Editor
Last Updated: Apr 19, 2023