Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is an organic compound that is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, paraffin wax, and other chemical products. It is also known as 2-butanone, methyl acetone, or ethyl methyl ketone.
Uses of MEK
Some of the uses of MEK are:
- As a solvent in processes involving gums, resins, cellulose acetate, and cellulose nitrate.
- As a plastic welding agent for polystyrene and other plastics.
- As a component of dry-erase marker pens, lubricants, greases, anti-freeze, coatings, cooling liquids, and chemical intermediates.
- As an extraction medium for fats and oils.
- As a flavoring agent in food.
- As a cleaning agent for electronic components and surgical instruments.
Injuries and Issues
MEK can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. It can also affect the nervous system and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
Some of the injuries and issues that can result from exposure to MEK are:
- Dermatitis or skin rash from contact with MEK or products containing MEK.
- Eye burns or damage from contact with MEK or its vapors, leading to permanent vision impairment or blindness.
- Respiratory problems from inhaling MEK or its vapors. This can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or pulmonary edema.
- Neurological problems from inhaling high concentrations of MEK or its vapors, which can cause confusion, slurred speech, coordination problems, memory loss, or coma.
- Developmental problems in fetuses or infants from exposure to MEK during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This can cause decreased fetal weight, malformations, or congenital disabilities.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
If you have been injured or harmed by exposure to MEK or products containing MEK, you may be entitled to:
- Compensation for your medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Other damages.
A personal injury lawyer can help you by:
- Evaluating your case and determining your legal rights and options.
- Gathering evidence and documentation to support your claim.
- Negotiating with the responsible parties or their insurance companies for a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court if a lawsuit is necessary.
A personal injury lawyer can also advise you on the statute of limitations for filing a claim in your state, which may vary depending on the type and source of exposure to MEK.
What Are the Risks of Being Exposed to Methyl Ethyl Ketone?
MEK is a hazardous chemical that can cause various health problems if a person is exposed to it through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact. The risks of being exposed to MEK depend on the amount, duration, and frequency of exposure, as well as the individual’s health status and susceptibility.
Risks of MEK Exposure
Some of the risks of being exposed to MEK are:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, which can cause redness, burning, itching, dryness, cracking, or rash.
- Damage to the eyes or vision, which can cause severe burns, corneal ulcers, scarring, cataracts, or blindness.
- Damage to the respiratory system. This can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, bronchitis, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema
- Damage to the nervous system. This can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, coordination problems, memory loss, or coma
- Damage to the liver or kidneys. This can cause abnormal liver function tests, jaundice, hepatitis, kidney failure, or urinary problems.
- Damage to the reproductive system or development. This can cause decreased fertility, menstrual problems, miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects, or developmental delays.
- Increased risk of cancer. Some studies have suggested that MEK may be carcinogenic in animals or humans, but the evidence is not conclusive.
Class Action Lawsuit for MEK Exposure
There is no evidence of a class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturers or suppliers of MEK for causing injuries or illnesses to people who were exposed to it. However, some individual lawsuits have been filed by workers who developed cancer or other diseases due to their occupational exposure to MEK or other solvents containing MEK.
For example:
- In 2018, a West Virginia law firm obtained a $9.5 million settlement for a worker who developed cancer as a result of his chronic exposure to MEK and other toxic chemicals in a plant where he used solvents to clean up paints and coatings. The worker sued the manufacturers of the solvents and his employer for product liability and deliberate intention.
- In 2017, a California jury awarded $7 million to a former paint company employee who developed leukemia after working with MEK and other solvents for 18 years. The employee sued the manufacturer of the solvents for failing to warn him of the health risks and provide adequate safety measures.
If you have been injured or harmed by exposure to MEK or products containing MEK, you may be entitled to:
- Compensation for your medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Other damages.
You should consult a personal injury lawyer who has experience in handling toxic exposure cases and can help you determine your legal rights and options.
Who Can Be Held Liable for MEK Injuries?
Liability for MEK injuries depends on the circumstances of the exposure and the parties involved. Generally, there are three possible sources of liability for MEK injuries:
- The manufacturers or suppliers of MEK or products containing MEK: These parties may be liable for product liability if they failed to design, test, label, or warn about the potential hazards of their products. Parties will also be held liable if they sell defective or contaminated products that cause harm to the users or consumers.
- The employers or contractors who used MEK or products containing MEK in their workplaces: These parties may be liable for negligence or deliberate intention if they failed to provide a safe work environment, adequate training, protective equipment, ventilation, or medical monitoring for their employees. These parties will also be held liable for workers who were exposed to MEK or products containing MEK.
- The owners or operators of the premises where MEK or products containing MEK were stored, used, or disposed of: These parties may be liable for premises liability if they failed to maintain, inspect, secure, or clean up their property and allowed MEK or products containing MEK to leak, spill, or contaminate the soil, water, air, or buildings.
If you have been injured or harmed by exposure to MEK or products containing MEK, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries from one or more of these parties. However, you will need to prove that they were responsible for your exposure and that your exposure caused your injuries. You will also need to show the extent of your damages, such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.
To pursue a claim for compensation for your MEK injuries, you should consult a personal injury lawyer who can help you gather evidence, identify the liable parties, negotiate a settlement, or file a lawsuit if necessary. You should act quickly because there may be a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to file a claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help With Methyl Ethyl Ketone Lawsuit?
Yes, you need a lawyer to help with a methyl ethyl ketone lawsuit. A lawyer can help you protect your rights, evaluate your case, and obtain the best possible outcome for your situation. A lawyer can also advise you on whether you can join a class action lawsuit or file an individual lawsuit against the parties responsible for your exposure and injuries.
If you are interested in filing a methyl ethyl ketone lawsuit, you should contact a class action lawyer through LegalMatch. LegalMatch is a free online service that matches you with qualified lawyers in your area who have experience in handling methyl ethyl ketone lawsuits and other toxic exposure cases.
You can post your case details on LegalMatch and receive responses from lawyers who are ready to take your case. You can then review the lawyers’ profiles, ratings, and fees and choose the best lawyer for your needs. LegalMatch is fast, easy, and confidential. Use LegalMatch to get started with your case today.
