Jacksonville Chemical Burn Lawyer

Chemical burns occur when a person’s skin or a mucous membrane comes into contact with a harsh chemical, usually a strong acid or base. Although chemical burns are usually easy to avoid, they remain surprisingly common. This is partly because so many products, from industrial solvents to household cleaning supplies, are made with potentially dangerous chemicals.

Recognizing Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can occur when a toxic chemical or its fumes are touched, swallowed, or inhaled. Some symptoms develop right away, while others may not be noticed for some times. Potential symptoms include:

• Irritation, pain, or numbness at the point of contact
• Blisters or blackened skin at the point of contact
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Coughing or shortness of breath
• Headache
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures

Treating Chemical Burns

Immediate treatment is required for chemical burns. If it is not received, the symptoms can become much more severe. They may even lead to lasting disability, coma, or death. Unfortunately, these treatments are often expensive and can be uncomfortable. Common chemical burn treatments include:

• Pain management
• IV drugs to stabilize heart rate and prevent infection
• Breathing tubes, if necessary
• Antidotes to the chemical
• Dressing to sterilize and protect the wounds

Causes of Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can be the result of a poorly packaged household product or a product that does not come with proper safety instructions. However, they are much more common at workplaces. People who have to work with toxic chemicals are at high risk of chemical burns especially if they do not have adequate safety equipment and training.

Contact a Jacksonville Chemical Burn Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty product or unsafe environment, you may be able to win compensation. To learn more, contact Jacksonville chemical burn lawyer Don Guthrie at 904-493-6455.