Chemical burns, which are caused by contact with acids or strong bases such as alkaloids, are a present danger for many construction workers. Each year, over one million people require medical attention for burn injuries, many of which occur at the workplace.
Chemical burns, which are one of the most dangerous types of burn, can occur nearly anywhere. They are most common in industrial, manufacturing, or construction facilities, as workers in these places may have to handle dangerous chemicals on a daily basis.
Chemical burns can happen when inexperienced workers are asked to handle dangerous chemicals. They can also occur after a leakage or explosion, or when improper containers are used to hold dangerous chemicals. Burns can even happen when dangerous chemicals are mislabeled or improperly stored.
Chemical burns are always serious, requiring immediate attention. They will continue to eat away at the skin and underlying tissue until properly neutralized. If you or someone around you has been burned by chemicals, it is crucial that you get them to a hospital or burn care center as quickly as possible.
Even when treated quickly, chemical burns can have long-lasting effects. They can lead to permanent scarring, nerve and tissue damage, disability, and disfigurement. Chemical burns may also require ongoing treatment, which can include skin grafts, treatment for infections, and physical therapy.
As you can imagine, these procedures put a burden on the victim of chemical burns. Not only is there significant pain, suffering, and possibly depression, but they also have to deal with medical bills that pile up, missed time at work, and the prospect of ongoing care or therapy.
The burden of these emotional and economic costs only increases if the accident was not their fault. In these cases, New York law affords the victim of chemical burns to seek to recover damages from the negligent company, whose unsafe materials or procedures contributed to the injury.
If you or a loved one has suffered a chemical burn in a New York construction accident, it is important that you contact a Manhattan construction accident attorney as soon as possible. Call us today at 866-639-5567 for a free consultation, where you can learn about your legal rights in your case.
