Chemical burns can leave permanent scars and produce long-term trauma for the victim. Whether the injury is the result of a defective product or a burn caused by someone’s negligence, you might need an experienced lawyer to make sure you are properly compensated for your medical costs and suffering.
What is a chemical burn?
A chemical burn is defined as an “irritation and destruction of human tissue caused by exposure to a chemical, usually by direct contact with the chemical or its fumes.”
Chemical burns can happen almost anywhere: at work or school, as a result of accident or assault, or even at home. These types of burns, which are also known as caustic burns, can cause a reaction on the skin or, if the chemicals are ingested, on internal organs.
What can cause a chemical burn?
Acids and bases are the primary cause of most chemical burns. For example, two of the most common types of chemicals that can cause burns are:
- hydrochloric acid, which is used in the production of batteries, photoflash bulbs and fireworks, to name just a few; or
- sodium hydroxide, which is used in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents, and as a drain cleaner.
Some of the most common products that cause chemical burns are:
- car battery acid
- bleach
- ammonia
- denture cleaners
- teeth-whitening products
- pool chlorination products.
Who is responsible?
Liability for a chemical burn can depend on several factors. In some cases, an individual or business could be responsible for a chemical burn, according to negligence law.
A negligence claim involves proving specific elements in a personal injury case, including that:
- The defendant owed a “duty of care” to the plaintiff. (“Duty of care” is defined as a legal obligation imposed on an individual that requires adherence to a standard of reasonable care while performing any acts that could foreseeably harm others.)
- The defendant breached this duty of care.
- The defendant’s breach of duty was the cause of the plaintiff’s injury.
- And the plaintiff suffered damages as result of this breach of duty.
What can you do?
If you were the victim of a chemical burn injury because of someone else’s negligence, you need an attorney experienced in such cases. Elliot Olsen has decades of experience representing people who suffered chemical burns because of the negligence of others. Contact him today for a free consultation.
