Chemical Burns

Trusted New Jersey Chemical Burn Injury Attorneys

Protecting the rights of those injured by burns from dangerous products

Certain chemicals can cause severe burn injuries that can result in permanent skin damage and disfiguring scars. When inhaled, some chemicals can cause damage that impairs lung function. If you or a family member has been injured by chemical burns from a defective or improperly labeled product, you may have legal options.

The injury attorneys at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP, represent victims of chemical burns in New Jersey. Our lawyers have more than a decade of experience aggressively protecting the rights of people who have been injured by dangerous products. Our NJ accident lawyers are proud of our record of holding chemical companies accountable for producing products that are defective or contain inadequate warnings.

About chemical burns

Chemical burns can happen anywhere, in the workplace and at home. Bleach, metal cleaners, concrete mix, hair dye and other common products all contain strong acids that can be extremely toxic to the human body if ingested or inhaled.

Sometimes, especially with children, injuries occur because a product was used for a purpose for which it was not intended. However, some products contain improper or inadequate warnings, or lack the proper protective safeguards.

How do chemical burns occur?

Unlike typical burn injuries, which require heat to do damage, chemical burns happen when the skin or tissues come into contact with an acidic or corrosive substance. Some of the most common chemicals and substances in the home that can cause chemical burns include:

  • Hydrochloric acid, which includes pool cleaners, dyes, and metal cleaning products.
  • Hydrofluoric acid, which includes refrigerant, tile cleaners, and rust removers
  • Sodium and potassium hydroxide, which includes oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and denture cleaners
  • Sulfuric acid, which includes drain cleaners, battery fluid, fertilizer, and toilet cleaners

These products can cause extreme harm if they are improperly labeled or lack adequate warning about using and storing the product, as well as the risks involved in using the product.

What are the causes of NJ chemical burns?

Chemical burns can happen anywhere – at home, at school, or at work – chemicals and acids are stored. Typically, the severity of a burn depends on the type of chemical involved and the amount of time it remains on a person’s skin or tissues. Skin contact can cause anything from slight irritation to blackened skin. Ingesting dangerous chemicals can lead to internal damage or developing cancer later in life.

Chemical burns can result from a variety of accidents and negligence, including:

The product liability attorneys at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP can help investigate the cause of your injuries and hold all responsible parties accountable. We will dedicate ourselves to pursuing legal action and seek compensation on your behalf.

What are the symptoms of chemical burns?

Some chemical burn injuries show up immediately. Some may not show right away, so it is urgent to get medical attention if you or your child have been in contact with dangerous chemicals. Common symptoms of chemical burn injuries include:

  • Blackened or dead skin
  • Blistering
  • Changes in vision
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Numbness
  • Pain and burning at the contact site
  • Redness and irritation

Severe chemical burns may require immediate burn care and surgery. When chemicals are inhaled or ingested, symptoms may also include respiratory issues, headache, light-headedness, seizure, or even cardiac arrest.

What should I do if I suffer a chemical burn?

The first step in treating a chemical burn is stopping the damage. The Mayo Clinic recommends, after calling for medical help, to immediately flush the area with water to dilute the chemical. However, if the chemical is dry, like lime powder, use a glove or towel to gently brush it off before flushing. Flush for at least ten minutes, repeating up to a few hours if necessary.

If you experience chemical exposure to your eyes, you should receive medical attention immediately. Take out your contact lenses as soon as possible, and flush your eyes with water as much as you can, continuing every half-hour for at least an hour until you can see a doctor. This is paramount to reduce loss of vision.

Who is liable for my New Jersey chemical burn injury?

If your or your loved one’s injury was the result of a defective product, our product liability attorneys work to hold the right parties accountable. Potential liable parties can include the product manufacturer, the product designer, the product wholesaler, and the product seller.

To establish liability and negligence, your case must prove the three following elements:

  • The product manufacturer had a duty of care to provide a safe product to you as a consumer
  • That the manufacturer breached that duty of care
  • That the breach of care led to your injuries

We work to establish negligence, and then we seek compensation from the at-fault parties:

  • Medical expenses, past and future
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • In cases of wrongful death, funeral and burial expenses

In some burn injury claims, the court may also award punitive damages.

Product liability cases are extremely complex and require a law firm that has the experience to establish negligence. Our New Jersey product liability lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of individuals and families injured by dangerous products.

New Jersey chemical burn injury lawyers protecting your rights

If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury from dangerous chemicals, the product liability lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP  can help. From offices in Edison, Red Bank and Toms River, we advise and represent clients in personal injury and wrongful death litigation matters throughout New Jersey. Call our office at 732-777-0100 or contact us online to request a free consultation.