Chemical Injury Compensation Claims Solicitors

How are chemical burns categorised?

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 to hazardous substances 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 lead to permanent scarring injuries.

Chemical 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 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, often requiring grafts 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.

Chemical burns 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.

What is the claims process for a chemical injury?

If you're seeking compensation for a chemical injury, it's important to understand the process. Initially, we must determine who is responsible for the accident, and make the claim against them.

1. Then, we'll gather evidence to support your case. This may include photos and your account of the incident, as well as any necessary medical records from your local GP.
2. After evaluating your injuries, we may arrange additional medical care if necessary and await your recovery.
3. Once we have all the evidence, we will work out the compensation amount. This will include medical costs, travel expenses, loss of income, and other related damages.
4. Our goal is to reach the best settlement you deserve, and we will handle all communication and negotiation on your behalf. If we can't agree on an offer, we will take it to court.
5. Once the offer has been accepted, or the court has made a decision, we'll work out the compensation payment and ensure you receive it promptly and securely.

If you feel like you are eligible for compensation, then get in contact with our chemical injury solicitors today. At PSR Solicitors we are dedicated to pursuing and getting the compensation you are entitled to.

What regulations apply to chemical injuries?

Chemical substances that may cause harm are common in many industries and workplaces. Employers are not always expected to avoid all sources of danger in the workplace, but regulations have been put in place in order to establish their responsibilities, define their duty of care, and outline what counts as negligent behaviour in this area. These provide guidelines to manage and control the exposure to dangerous chemicals.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH)

The COSHH regulations outline the requirements of all employers to avoid chemical exposure of workers where possible, and provide protective equipment in the cases where this is not feasible. It details the processes an employer must follow to:

• Determine and properly inform workers of the risks of chemical injuries
• Have effective safety measures in place to minimise the risks
• Provide protective equipment for workers who cannot avoid exposure
• Monitor the health of workers
• Transport and store chemicals safely

The standard to which all of these protocols should be carried out is described in the legislation.

A breach of COSHH leading to a serious injury can have severe consequences for employers. If a COSHH breach leads to an accident, this will need to be properly documented and reported, and considered a criminal offence. Employers who fail to uphold COSHH standard can face unlimited fines, and imprisonment. If you have suffered a chemical injury at work because of a failure to follow COSHH regulations, you are likely eligible for a chemical injury claim for compensation.

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

REACH aims at regulating businesses who manufacture or import hazardous chemical compounds into the UK. It affects the safety measures that surround manufacturers and transporters of chemicals, and goods that contain hazardous chemicals, and creates a system of accountability for the upkeep of risk mitigation.

Our expertise

By instructing one of our specialist personal injury solicitors, you will have the best chance of receiving the maximum amount of compensation from your claim.

Many law firms no longer use qualified solicitors to handle personal injury claims with thousands in compensation being lost every day as a result. We know that you deserve much better. Your financial security and access to the very best in medical care is dependent on you securing the maximum amount of compensation available and we are determined that you receive every single penny that you are owed.

We have a proven track record of successfully negotiating with insurance companies and avoiding the potential pitfalls and obstacles that they can present to try and avoid paying out on a claim.

We are also able to coordinate your medical care, arrange for interim payments to cover your costs until your claim is settled, advise on benefits and personal injury trusts, which can help you manage your final award. We work to a continuously high standard and have achieved the Law Society’s accreditation for personal injury services and the Lexcel Practise Management Standard for excellent legal provision.

We are friendly, approachable and professional and will handle your case with sensitivity and understanding throughout.

For further information regarding the potential value of your Accident at Work Compensation, please take a look at our Accident Injury Claims Calculator.

How do I know if I have a valid Chemical Injury Claim?

If you have suffered a chemical burn or injury while at work, you may be eligible for a compensation claim. It is important to establish your employer, manager, or workplace safety officer has behaved negligently in order to prove that you should be awarded compensation for your injury.

This is not always as simple as it may seem, however there are a number of factors that could point to your employer's negligence relating to your injury.

For example, you may have received inadequate work training, which can be a crucial point for many workplaces which deal with dangerous chemicals. Under the COSHH regulations, you should also be provided Personal Protective Equipment that is appropriate for the hazards you may face; failure to provide adequate PPE may also leave an employer liable for a compensation claim in case of a chemical accident. Breaching COSHH regulations could lead to significant fines, and even imprisonment.

While some employers may take reasonable precautions to avoid an unsafe working environment, they are subject to strict laws and regulations. Any breach of these could represent a breach of thei duty of care towards you, and make you eligible for a Chemical Injury Claim.

How much compensation can I get for a chemical injury at work?

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 chemical poisoning 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 effects such as scarring.

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

• Private medical treatment including any surgery 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 you undergo treatment and recovery.
• Additional expenses that you have incurred as a result of your injury.

Our specialist chemical accident lawyers can calculate the amount you are willing to receive for your claim, and help you get started in the process with clear and tailored legal advice. Contact PSR Solicitors today to assess your claim.