San Antonio Chemical Burn Injury Lawyer
Talk to our San Antonio chemical burn attorney after you suffer a burn injury
Chemical burns, whether from workplace accidents, defective products, or other circumstances, can cause severe pain, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. At the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, we recognize the effects these injuries have on individuals and families, and our San Antonio chemical burn injury lawyer is dedicated to providing legal guidance throughout the recovery process. We understand the complexities involved in chemical burn cases and will work to hold those responsible for negligence or misconduct accountable for your injuries. Our experienced team is committed to advocating for our clients' rights, and pursuing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured by a chemical burn, we are here to offer compassionate representation and fight for the justice you deserve.
HAVE YOU SUFFERED A CHEMICAL BURN INJURY IN TEXAS? CALL SAN ANTONIO ATTORNEY PAT MALONEY TODAY!
Frequently Asked Questions
How are chemical burns different?
Chemical burns are different from other types of burn injuries like those caused by heat, electricity, or radiation. Chemical burns happen when corrosive and caustic substances like acids, bases, or solvents touch the skin or mucous membranes, causing tissue damage. They don't always look severe at first, but they can get worse over time. Signs include redness, blisters, swelling, and tissue death. Thermal burns, on the other hand, come from contact with fire, hot liquids, or hot objects, and can also cause similar symptoms but might also involve charring of the skin.
Chemical burn injuries are distinguished from other types of burn injuries because the dangerous chemical that causes the burn injury can also seep into the victim’s body, causing damage to internal organs and bodily systems. Emergency doctors must diagnose all damage from a chemical burn, including damage to the injured person’s internal organs.
What are the symptoms of a chemical burn?
Symptoms of a chemical burn can vary depending on factors such as the type of chemical involved, the area of exposure, and the duration of exposure. Here are some common symptoms associated with chemical burns:
- Redness and irritation
- Pain or discomfort
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Skin damage
- Necrosis
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Blurry vision
Doctors diagnose chemical burns through a physical examination. They may use other tests to determine the extent of the damage, including:
- Endoscopy
- Blood test
- Eye exam
- Imaging
These tests can help identify any damage inside the body from swallowing or ingesting a chemical.
What is the treatment for chemical burns?
Per the Cleveland Clinic, “Chemical burns require immediate treatment.” For a serious chemical burn:
- Using gloves to protect your hands, remove any clothing contaminated with the chemical.
- Brush away any remaining dry traces of the chemical – brush, do not wipe, as wiping could spread the burn further.
- Rinse with water for at least half an hour. Remember, however, some compounds should not be mixed with water, including “carbolic acid or phenol, sulfuric acid, dry powders and metal compounds.”
- If you ingested a chemical, drink water to dilute it in your stomach. Do not take anything to make yourself vomit, as the chemical could damage the esophagus as it travels back up.
- Get to a hospital. Your healthcare team will continue to rinse the burn, evaluate the severity of the injury, and apply antibiotics as needed.
The Cleveland Clinic goes on to say, “If you have a severe burn, you may need surgery to remove the burned portion of your skin. Some people need a skin graft. A surgeon takes healthy skin from elsewhere on your body and attaches it to the burned area. Surgery can also repair perforations in your gastrointestinal tract.”
Who is at risk for chemical burns in San Antonio?
A wide variety of people are at risk for chemical burns due to their occupational or environmental exposures. These include:
- Industrial workers: Employees working in oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, chemical production, agriculture, and laboratories are at risk of exposure to corrosive chemicals and substances that can cause chemical burns. These workers handle hazardous materials, solvents, acids, and alkalis as part of their job responsibilities.
- Laboratory personnel: Professionals working in laboratories, including scientists, researchers, and technicians, often handle corrosive chemicals during experiments and testing procedures. Improper handling or accidents can lead to chemical burns.
- Cleaning and maintenance workers: Individuals employed in cleaning services or maintenance roles may be exposed to strong cleaning agents, degreasers, and other chemicals used for sanitation or maintenance purposes. Improper handling or accidental spills can result in chemical burns.
- Healthcare workers: Healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and laboratory technicians, may encounter corrosive substances such as disinfectants and medical solutions in clinical settings. Accidental spills or exposure during medical procedures can lead to chemical burns.
- Household users: Individuals using household cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals at home may be at risk of chemical burns if these substances are not handled or stored properly. Children are particularly vulnerable to accidental exposure to household chemicals.
- First responders: Firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other first responders may encounter hazardous materials and chemicals at the scene of accidents, spills, or emergencies.
- Construction workers: Construction workers may be exposed to chemicals used in building materials, adhesives, solvents, and sealants during construction or renovation projects. Improper handling or accidental spills can lead to chemical burns.
Anyone who handles or comes into contact with corrosive chemicals or substances is at risk of chemical burns. Individuals in high-risk occupations or environments must receive proper training in handling hazardous materials, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and follow safety protocols to minimize the risk of chemical burns and other workplace injuries. Our San Antonio chemical burn injury lawyer works to identify all liable parties and hold them responsible for your injuries and losses.
Who is liable for my chemical burn injury in San Antonio?
Determining liability for a chemical burn injury depends on various factors, including the circumstances surrounding the incident and the parties involved. Here are some potential parties who may be liable for a chemical burn injury:
- Employers: If the chemical burn occurred in the workplace, an employer may be held liable for the injury. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for their employees, which includes proper training in handling hazardous materials, implementing safety protocols, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Manufacturers and suppliers: If the chemical burn resulted from a defective or hazardous product, such as a corrosive chemical, cleaning solution, or industrial solvent, the manufacturer or supplier of the product may be liable for the injury. Product liability laws hold manufacturers and suppliers accountable for ensuring that their products are safe for their intended use and include adequate warnings and instructions for proper handling.
- Property owners: If the chemical burn occurred on someone else's property, such as a business premises or residential property, the property owner may be held liable for the injury if they failed to maintain a safe environment or address any hazardous conditions that contributed to the incident.
- Contractors and subcontractors: In cases involving construction sites or other projects, contractors and subcontractors responsible for handling or using hazardous materials may be held liable for injuries resulting from negligence or failure to follow safety protocols.
- Third parties: In some cases, liability for a chemical burn injury can extend to third parties, such as maintenance companies, cleaning services, or other contractors hired to perform work involving hazardous materials on behalf of another party.
At the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, we launch an investigation into your accident to determine all liable parties. Our San Antonio chemical burn injury lawyers are here to help.
Do you have a San Antonio chemical burn lawyer near me?
Yes. The Law Offices of Pat Maloney is located in downtown San Antonio, at 239 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205. We are the owners of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
Compassionate San Antonio chemical burn attorney working for you
If you or a loved one has suffered a chemical burn injury, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Our experienced chemical burn injury attorney is here to advocate for your rights. With compassion, dedication, and a track record of success, our team fights tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence or misconduct. Don't wait any longer to seek the justice you deserve. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our skilled lawyer.