Boston Attorney for Injuries Caused by Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals
Exposure to hazardous chemicals can result in severe health complications ranging from skin irritation to respiratory problems and organ damage. Injuries caused by exposure often manifest through burns, rashes, or respiratory distress. These injuries have the potential to significantly impact victims’ physical well-being and their quality of life.
If you sustained a chemical exposure injury as the result of another party’s negligent behavior in Boston, then you might be able to sue for damages you incurred. Further, if your injury occurred on the job, then you may recover Workers’ Compensation benefits. Our team of legal professionals is ready to evaluate your case and identify the appropriate course of action.
Seek support and guidance from our attorneys for injuries caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.
Examples of Accidents that May Lead to Dangerous Chemical Exposure in Boston
There are many types of accidents that may cause victims to be exposed to dangerous chemicals. If you were injured as the result of any of the following, then our attorneys for injuries caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals can help determine fault and build your case:
Accidents During Transportation
Chemical exposure accidents often occur while chemicals are being transported. For example, these accidents may happen because of spills or leaks from tanker trucks, railway cars, or cargo vessels. In many cases, accidents during transportation stem from equipment failure, human error, and improper handling procedures.
Industrial Accidents
Within industrial settings, workers are vulnerable to chemical exposure accidents while handling, storing, or using hazardous substances. These incidents may happen as a result of equipment malfunction, inadequate safety protocols, or lack of proper training.
Industrial accidents involving chemical exposure typically lead to severe injuries. In some cases, such accidents may even produce fatalities.
Environmental Contamination
Environmental contamination events, such as leaks from storage tanks or pipeline ruptures, can result in widespread exposure to dangerous chemicals for nearby residents and wildlife. These incidents often occur as the result of aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and other forms of regulatory violations. Environmental contamination accidents not only endanger human health but also pose long-term ecological consequences. These accidents often necessitate extensive cleanup efforts and remediation measures.
Accidental Releases in Laboratories
Laboratory accidents represent another common scenario where individuals may suffer exposure to hazardous chemicals. Mishaps such as spills, improper mixing of substances, or equipment malfunctions can lead to sudden and unexpected chemical releases. These incidents are particularly concerning because they can affect researchers, students, and laboratory staff.
Defective Consumer Products
Everyday products containing harmful chemicals can pose risks to consumers if the products are not designed, manufactured, or marketed properly. Accidents involving cleaning agents, pesticides, or personal care products can occur in households or public spaces, leading to skin irritation, respiratory issues, or other health problems.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites the potential for exposure to dangerous chemicals commonly used in building materials such as paints, solvents, or adhesives. Accidents in construction settings can occur during activities like painting, welding, or demolition, where workers may come into contact with toxic substances. These accidents may happen because of inadequate ventilation, insufficient personal protective equipment, or improper handling of chemicals, putting workers at risk of serious health consequences.
Agricultural Accidents
In the agricultural sector, workers frequently encounter hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides during farming activities. Accidents involving chemical exposure can happen while mixing or applying these substances.
Factors contributing to agricultural incidents include equipment failure, lack of training, or failure to follow safety guidelines, underscoring the need for rigorous safety measures to protect workers in agricultural settings.
Accidents at Medical Facilities
In healthcare settings, patients and healthcare professionals alike may encounter chemical exposure incidents during medical procedures or treatments. Accidents can happen during administration of medications, use of disinfectants, or handling of laboratory specimens containing hazardous substances. Medical mishaps leading to chemical exposure can cause adverse reactions, allergic responses, and various other types of medical emergencies.
Recovering Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Chemical Exposure Injuries in Boston
As previously mentioned, you may be able to recover Workers’ Compensation benefits if you suffered a chemical exposure injury while performing your job duties. Employers in Massachusetts must provide Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage for their employees. This coverage offers potential payment for medical expenses and lost wages related to claimants’ workplace illnesses or injuries.
Unfortunately, if you suffered an exposure injury while working as an independent contractor, then you may not be entitled to these benefits. Still, there may be other avenues for pursuing financial compensation. The team at our law firm can explain which options are available to you.
Common Examples of Chemical Exposure Injuries in Boston
There are a multitude of different injuries that may result from exposure to dangerous chemicals. The following are some of the common categories of chemical exposure injuries incurred by victims in Boston:
Skin Injuries
Skin injuries resulting from chemical exposure can vary in severity, ranging from mild irritation and redness to severe burns or blistering. Contact with corrosive substances or strong acids and alkalis can cause chemical burns, which may penetrate multiple layers of skin and lead to tissue damage. Additionally, certain chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or dermatitis upon contact, causing itching, swelling, or rash development, further compromising skin health and integrity.
Respiratory Complications
Exposure to airborne chemicals or inhalation of toxic fumes can result in respiratory complications, affecting the lungs and airways. Inhalation injuries may manifest as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, indicating irritation or inflammation of the respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure to respiratory hazards like asbestos fibers, ammonia, or chlorine gas can also lead to chronic conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or pulmonary fibrosis, impairing lung function and overall respiratory health.
Neurological Disorders
Certain chemicals have the potential to adversely affect the nervous system, causing neurological disorders and cognitive impairments. Exposure to neurotoxic substances like lead, mercury, or pesticides can result in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, or memory loss. Chronic exposure to these chemicals may lead to more severe neurological conditions like peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, or cognitive decline, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life and functional abilities.
Time Limit to Sue for a Chemical Exposure Injury in Boston
The deadline to sue for a chemical exposure injury in Massachusetts is set forth by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Typically, you will have to file your lawsuit within three years of the date your injury was discovered or should have been discovered. After your free case review, our legal team can help determine how the statute of limitations may be applied to your case.
Call Our Attorneys for Help if You Suffered a Chemical Exposure Injury in Boston
Get assistance from our lawyers for injuries caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.
