Chemical Burns: Not All Burns Come from Fire
Posted February 9th, 2016 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Personal Injury.
The term burn almost inevitability conjures up pictures of billows of smoke and fire. Consider chemical burns. Not all burns come from fire. Nevertheless, the pain and scarring associated with chemical burns can be devastating.
What are Chemical Burns?
More than likely, you understand the meaning of chemical burns. Someone can sustain a chemical burn when an irritant enters and damages his or her eyes. Serious injuries can occur when skin comes in contact with certain acids and bases. Chemical burns may also affect inner organs if a substance has been inhaled or swallowed.
Although it is rare, there is the possibility of death from a chemical burn. It is important to seek immediate first aid and follow up medical treatment. In addition to pain and scarring, there is a great risk of infection related to chemical burns.
What Kinds of Things Cause Chemical Burns at Home?
The list of products that have been known to cause chemical burns is extensive. Some are intended for industrial use, while many are everyday household items. Some examples of products used in the home include:
- Drain cleaners
- Battery acid
- Oven cleaners
- Certain dishwasher detergents
- Toilet Bowl cleaners
The United States Department of Health and Human Services maintains documentation concerning the ill effects of various household items. Take a look at the list to see if a product you are using or have used could be causing you harm.
Chemical Burns at Work
A percentage of work accidents involve chemical burns. Although the worker may not know the name of the substance they are working with, employers are required to maintain data on them. This information is assembled in a document known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
When an individual sustains a chemical burn in a work-related accident, the treating doctors will likely request a copy of the MSDS. This enables them to determine the proper course of medical intervention.
A workers’ compensation claim will likely develop from a chemical burn. The attorneys for the injured worker will also request the MSDS documentation. According to a communication submitted by the United States Department of Health, Occupational Safety Administration, some lawsuits against manufacturers are brought on because of a “failure to warn”. The MSDS serves as the warning document in some cases.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has suffered from a chemical burn, we would like to discuss the circumstances of the accident. At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we have handled many accident related injuries. Contact us to discuss your legal alternatives.
