Atlanta Chemical Burn Injury Attorneys
When most people think of burn injuries in Atlanta, they generally imagine wounds caused by flames, scalding liquids, or contact with hot surfaces. While thermal burns like these are indeed painful and can cause a host of medical issues, it’s also important to recognize the dangers of chemical burns and the medical complications they can cause. A chemical burn, also called a caustic burn, results when a harmful substance contacts a person’s skin or eyes. Some chemical burns affect the respiratory system when inhaled. If you or a loved one recently experienced any type of chemical burn injury, contact the Atlanta and Columbus burn injury lawyers at Butler Prather LLP today to discuss your options for legal recourse.
How Do Chemical Burns Happen?
You may assume that if you do not work in a hazardous environment your chances of suffering a chemical burn are virtually nonexistent, but the reality is that there are many things in your home that could cause a serious chemical burn. Pay close attention to all the cleaning products you purchase and follow their instructions carefully. Additionally, keep in mind that some consumer products may include harmful chemicals. Some of the most common causes of chemical burns include:
- Exposure to irritating household chemicals like ammonia or bleach.
- Contact with any type of battery acid, such as a leaking car battery or even conventional batteries for small handheld electronics.
- Consequences of a serious car accident in Atlanta.
- Some tooth whitening products and denture cleaning products are harmful to the skin and eyes.
- Exposure to pool treatment chemicals like chlorine.
- Touching wet concrete with bare skin.
- Swallowing alkaline materials. This type of chemical burn will harm the stomach and digestive system and require surgical intervention.
Chemical burns can affect the skin and eyes and may damage the stomach or respiratory system. Some chemicals release toxic fumes that can cause internal burns in the nasal passages and lungs. Others may cause toxic reactions similar to poisoning and result in seizures, cardiac arrest, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness.
Chemical Burn Treatment and Recovery in Atlanta, GA
If you or a loved one suffers any type of chemical burn that does not appear to be treatable with over-the-counter first aid supplies, seek immediate medical assistance or go to the emergency room. A chemical burn can easily cause external injuries and leave the victim vulnerable to infections and secondary medical conditions. Severe chemical burns may require surgical intervention, skin grafting procedures, and long-term ongoing care. Many people who suffer chemical burns must undergo occupational therapy to restore lost motor functions and recover their ability to work.
Some chemical burns may result in long-term disfigurement and disability, including limited range of motion, limited motor function, brain damage from inhaling corrosive chemicals, respiratory damage, cardiovascular damage, depression, and complications from infection. When chemical burns occur due to dangerous or defective consumer products or the negligent actions of others, injured victims and their families should know their legal options.
Filing a Lawsuit for Your Atlanta Chemical Burn Claim
When a chemical burn results from negligence, the injured party can seek compensation for his or her medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage through a personal injury lawsuit. The plaintiff’s success hinges on his or her attorney’s ability to prove the defendant was negligent, and that the negligence directly resulted in the plaintiff’s damages.
Contact Our Atlanta Chemical Burn Lawyers Today
The Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Butler Prather LLP have helped Georgia clients since 1988 and want to put that experience to work for your case. A chemical burn is a painful injury that can result in long-term disability, expensive medical treatment, and lost income. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation about your Atlanta, GA chemical burn claim. We’ll review the details of your situation and let you know how our firm can help. Call us today at (404) 321-1700.