Chemical Injury Claims

About Chemical Burns, Exposure and Injuries

Chemical burns are the result of hazardous substances coming into contact with the skin or eyes and are often caused by products such as bleach, ammonia, fertilizers, concrete mix, and cleaning products for swimming pools, toilets, and drains. If the exposure is minimal, the effects can be mild causing minor irritation to the surface of the skin, which can be easily treated and will leave no long-term damage. More prolonged contact however can penetrate much deeper and can leave permanent scarring and the need for skin grafts.

Burn injuries are categorised in one of three ways:

• First degree burns are the mildest form of burn injury. They only affect the very surface of the skin and usually recover without the need for medical treatment unless a large area of the skin is affected.
• Second-degree burns are more serious than first degree burns as the damage affects both the first and second layers of the skin. The damage can potentially cause pigment changes to the skin, often requiring a skin graft in the most serious of cases.
• Third-degree burns are the most serious burn injuries, penetrating all layers of the skin and causing extensive nerve damage and other complications. All burns of this severity will require surgery to try and minimise scarring and avoid contracture or tightening of the skin.

Burn injuries can be particularly devastating and traumatic especially if they lead to permanent scarring. It is important that you get the right treatment and support to help you cope with what has happened so take swift, immediate advice from qualified legal professionals to ensure you achieve the best financial and care package possible.

About compensation claims for chemical burns

If you have been injured at work in the past three years, after coming into contact with any hazardous substances then it is possible that you are able to pursue a compensation claim.

At PSR Solicitors, we can offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to determine the circumstances surrounding your accident and to establish fault.

We can then give you an idea of your likelihood of success and how much you can expect to receive in compensation. The final amount will consider how serious your injuries are, the extent to which they impact on your life and any long-term or permanent affects such as scarring.

Your final pay-out is designed to recognise the harm and suffering that you have experienced through no fault of your own and will cover:

• Private medical treatment including any surgery or skin grafts that you may require.
• Counselling services to protect your mental well-being. The emotional toll of suffering a chemical injury should not be underestimated and appropriate therapies can help you come to terms with your accident and help you to move forward with your life.
• Any loss of earnings while your undergo treatment and recovery.
• Additional expenses that you have incurred as a result of your injury.

Your rights at work

Your employer is required by law to protect you against the risk of harm while carrying out your job and their obligations are detailed in the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974:

• To provide a safe working environment
• To carry out thorough risk assessments
• To limit any risks
• To provide safe equipment and protective clothing
• To deliver adequate training
• To provide information about any potential hazards including hazardous substances

We can help you to understand all areas of employment law, including your rights as an employee following a compensation claim to ensure your job security and welfare at work in the future.