Chemical Burns
A chemical burn occurs when skin or mucous membranes are exposed to a corrosive or caustic substance, causing tissue damage and sometimes permanent disfigurement or disability. Exposure to such substances can also cause severe eye damage and even blindness. The severity of a chemical burn injury can depend upon the amount of exposure, the type of chemical agent and the duration of contact with the skin or mucous membranes.
Chemical burns may be minor, such as when the shallow skin layer is exposed to a mild irritant and heals without medical assistance. In the most severe cases, however, victims of chemical burns can suffer permanent scars and disfigurement and may require hospitalizations and skin grafts to treat the injury. In these situations, it is likely that victims of chemical burns will need to consult a medical professional and a personal injury attorney to determine an effective treatment plan and seek damages for their suffering.
The most common household cause of chemical burns are household cleaning products such as bleach, lye, oven cleaners and drain cleaners. These products can quickly cause severe tissue damage if not handled properly. Automotive products such as battery acid, radiator fluid and windshield fluid may also cause severe chemical burns if not handled properly by users.
Industrial chemicals such as solvents, petroleum-based products, acids and alkalines are not only very corrosive, but can also cause nitrogen-based or aluminum-based chemicals to smolder or burn slowly when in contact with tissue or mucous membranes. Exposure to substances like these can cause severe injury, disfigurement and in some cases, permanent disability.
In most cases, chemical burns are treated as serious burns and will involve either minor treatment with ointments, bandages, topical solutions, or more extensive therapies such as hospitalization, medications and skin grafts. Generally, skin affected by chemical burns will not heal with just an ointment or topical solution and may require more extensive medical care.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a chemical burn injury, it is important to seek the counsel of a qualified medical professional and a personal injury lawyer. Medical professionals can provide the necessary treatment to recover the injured tissue and a qualified lawyer can make sure your legal rights are protected and you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
Chemical burns can be very serious, requiring hospitalization and skin grafts and even permanent scarring and disfigurement in extreme cases. It is important to make sure you understand the risks involved with proper handling of caustic and corrosive substances. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury caused by chemical exposure, make sure to get the help of both medical and legal professionals to make sure that your rights and treatments are properly taken care of.
