Chemical spills place everyone in the general vicinity in great danger. Chemicals, especially those that are flammable and corrosive, have the potential to cause significant long-term internal and external injuries. Injuries to the lungs, skin, and throat are common among chemical spill victims, primarily because chemicals such as lead, bleach, chlorine, gasoline, and ammonia are dangerous in both liquid and gaseous forms.
If you were injured in a chemical spill accident, you may be focused more on your health at this time. Focusing on your health is the right thing to do in such a situation, but you must consider your expenses as well. Medical bills, both current and future, could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and without compensation, you may be stuck with the bill.
Discuss your case today with a Charleston water or chemical spills lawyer if you think you may have a case.
What is a Chemical Spill?
Chemical spills occur when toxic substances are released from an industrial accident. Spills are often caused by train derailments, tanker rollovers, and truck accidents. Often, accidents are the result of an irresponsible party failing to dispose of toxic chemicals properly. Employers who expose their employees to toxic substances on a regular basis are required to provide them with adequate safety gear and training. If they do not provide their employees with safety gear and training, they could be held liable if a chemical spill occurs.
If an employee causes a chemical spill and harms themselves, their employer is responsible for offering them workers’ compensation benefits. Such benefits provide injured employees with a portion of their usual monthly income until they recover and are able to return to work. If an employee accepts worker’s compensation benefits from their employer, they would not be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them in the future.
Third-Party Lawsuits
Sometimes, an employer would not be responsible for a chemical spill. Chemical packaging and transporting companies are responsible for ensuring the substances they package and transport are properly secured and ready for handling. If a chemical spill is the result of an open storage unit, the company responsible for shipping or producing the substance could be held liable.
It is the responsibility of a chemical manufacturer to ensure their products are safe to use once they hit the market. If the manufacturer does not do this, they could be held liable by the person their product harmed.
Holding a Party Legally Responsible
Most lawsuits never see court and are instead settled outside of it. During proceedings, a plaintiff may need the help of a Charleston water or chemical spills lawyer, who could provide them with the guidance and help they need to win a case.
Occasionally, a defendant offers a settlement. A settlement is a sum of money paid to a plaintiff to prevent them from continuing litigation. If the plaintiff accepts the money, they must drop all litigation proceedings. Lawyers may advise their clients, but they cannot make a decision to accept or reject a settlement on behalf of their client.
Hire a Charleston Water or Chemical Spills Lawyer
If you were injured in a chemical spill, you may be able to obtain compensation for your ordeal. No one should be forced to pay for an injury they are not responsible for, especially if it is the result of employer carelessness. Chemical burns and other injuries could result in permanent injury or death, so they should never be taken lightly. Instead of dealing with an injury on your own, reach out to a Charleston water or chemical spills lawyer for legal representation.
