Lawyers for Chemical Spills and Chemical Exposure
Boston Lawyer for Chemical Spill
The effects of hazardous chemical inhalation pose a threat to all individuals within our nation. Recently, this summer New Bedford was the location of a mass casualty incident response. 119 people were sent to local area hospitals as a result of exposure to an unknown substance at the ABC trash collection agency. Fire and Police Personal responded to a 911 call from the ABC plant. When they arrived at the scene they found that people working at the plant had been overcome by some sort of chemical vapor.
Two plant workers exposed to this unknown substance were listed in critical condition. The incident occurred in the location were the garbage trucks unload their trash into the hopper. According to authorities the majority of injuries involved similar symptoms, inhalation injuries, and irritation of the mouth, nose, and eyes. Roughly 60 teams of HAZMAT responders were brought to the ABC Plant throughout the day in an effort to pinpoint the dangerous substance.
As a result of the incident police were forced to block regular traffic circulating the area. Ambulances, fire trucks, rescue trucks, and HAZMAT vehicles arrived throughout the day to aid the injured and attempt to identify the unknown substance. Although there were no fatalities in this incident, two plant workers were placed under critical condition at local area hospitals. Neither the cause nor identity of the lethal chemical substance has been identified.
There are numerous types of incidents involving chemical exposure that could potentially pose a threat to a large portion of the population. Common types of incidents include nuclear reactor accidents, industrial accidents, oil and gas drilling, oil and gas spills, scientific research and lab work, biochemical research, garbage exposure, Garbage disposal plants, landscaping, painting, general research, transportation services, farming, and exposure to X rays.
These common types of chemical exposures all have the capability for persons developing severe personal injuries within individuals exposed to the substances. It is of utmost importance that if you or a loved one works or lives in an area associated with dangerous chemicals you routinely check in with medical personal to assess your health.
If you are working or living near an area that is potentially exposed to dangerous chemicals it is essential that you understand the symptoms associated with them. Generally, the symptoms vary depending on which chemicals are inhaled and for how long they were inhaled. Common symptoms include irritation of the skin, irritation of the eyes, nose, ears, cough, and shortness of breath, difficult breathing, and coughing up blood. Yet the inhalation of different gases leads to different symptoms requiring various treatments. Chlorine, phosgene, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonia, may suddenly be released during industrial accidents and may severely irritate the lungs. Respirators and inhalers are commonly used to alleviate these symptoms. Gases such as chlorine and ammonia easily dissolve and immediately irritate the mouth, nose, and throat.
Radioactive gases, which may be released in a nuclear reactor accident, may cause different forms of cancer years after the initial exposure. Further, the inhalation of certain gases could trigger an allergic response in certain individuals leading to inflammation, irritating skin, and even death.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should immediately seek medical assistance. One common mistake is waiting to see if the symptoms dissipate. This only leads to them worsening and potentially becoming incurable. At Parker Scheer, we understand the different forms of chemical exposure.
We seek to give individuals expert advice on how to deal with the various treatments and expenses associated with their exposure to chemicals. If you or a loved one has been exposed to chemicals, due another parties negligence then call a Parker Scheer attorney today.
For more information about your rights in connection with a chemical spill or chemical exposure injury, contact us or call our Boston office toll free seven days a week at 866-414-0400. There is never a charge to discuss a potential case.
