Catastrophic Injuries and Medical Conditions Caused by a Chemical Spill

Hazardous chemical spills can result in catastrophic injuries and chemical illness, with an injured person suffering long-term or life-threatening medical conditions. When these types of spills are caused by the negligence of someone else, it could result in compensation for actual costs (medical, wages) and other forms of compensation that address noneconomic damages.

Injury attorneys in Aurora, Colorado can assess damages that may be recoverable and help injured victims pursue the claim.

Types of Chemical Spills and Potential Health Problems

One type of hazardous chemical spill is a benzene spill, a liquid chemical that can be found in:

 

• oil;
• gasoline;
• vehicle emissions; and
• manufacturing of certain rubber and plastic products.

 

A scenario in which a spill is likely to occur with benzene would occur with oil or gas handling. The short-term effects of exposure to benzene include unconsciousness, stomach pain, fast heart rate, headaches and dizziness. But long-term it could reduce red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Other chemical illnesses that can develop from exposure to benzene include the following:

 

• dysfunctional immune system (increasing susceptibility to infection);
• significant bleeding; and
• cancer (leukemia).
• Another hazardous chemical spill, or simply just exposure to it, that could cause health problems is mercury. When it occurs indoors, it can make cleanup very difficult since beads of mercury are quickly formed and can cling to certain materials (wood, fabric) and become trapped in cracks.

 

Exposure to a mercury spill can lead to chemical injuries such as damage the kidneys, heart and nervous system.

A few weeks’ time of exposure to mercury can cause:

• chest pain;
• fever;
• hypertension; and
• other symptoms.

Long-term exposure could cause memory loss, tremors and insomnia.

Corrosive properties in an alkali or acid spill can cause significant skin damage. Nitric acids can cause acute respiratory distress. This is a life-threatening medical condition that may require ventilation, steroids and other forms of intensive treatment.

A chemical spill of halogen is very serious, too. Ingestion can cause poisoning, and tissue damage can happen when the skin has been exposed. If exposure is chronic, it could cause osteosclerosis, a condition that can lead to ligament and bone calcification (hardening). Damage to the skin, mucous membranes and eyes could be permanent.

Whatever the chemical, victims may speak with an injury attorney in Aurora, Colorado about recovery of damages.

Injury Attorney in Aurora, CO Can Discuss Compensation for Chemical Illness Caused by Hazardous Chemical Spills

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to chemical illness caused by spills or exposure is the long-term effects. If an injured person decides to seek compensation, it will be critical to address future damages as well as current ones, such as medical expenses, lost earnings or even permanent disability. An injury attorney in Aurora, Colorado can help evaluate the long-term damages that may be recoverable in a claim.

In addition, there may be noneconomic damages available that address pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish and other psychological effects of a chemical spill. Again, an injury attorney in Aurora, Colorado can help an injured victim better understand his or her rights. A lawyer can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident and explain the legal options that may be available to those injured by a hazardous chemical spill or exposure.