Chemical burns can be severe.
Although mild chemical burns may heal quickly, more severe burns can actually cause permanent tissue damage and even death. Because of how serious chemical burns can be, it’s important to seek medical treatment ASAP if you have been burned on the job.
After getting the immediate medical care you need, contact a legal professional, too. Chemical burns can be some of the most serious, and you may be entitled to compensation if you suffered from a chemical burn while working offshore.
A New Orleans maritime injury attorney can help you get the representation you deserve for fair compensation. If you are considering suing for a chemical burn while working offshore, here’s some information to know about chemical burns and how they relate to maritime law.
Types Of Burns
All burns are defined by the cause of the burn and the severity.
A chemical burn is one that comes about from coming in contact with a harsh or corrosive substance. Bleach, battery acids, and disinfectants are just a few chemicals that can cause chemical burns. Offshore workers are exposed to these substances frequently.
Here are some burn types classified by severity:
- First-degree burns. The burn only penetrates the outer layer of the skin, making it the mildest form of burn. Red skin, pain, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
- Second-degree burn. The burn penetrates the top two layers of skin, going a layer deeper than first-degree burns. Symptoms of second-degree burns include swelling, pain, red skin, splotchy skin, and blisters.
- Third-degree burns. Third-degree burns are the most serious because they penetrate the deep layers of the skin and sometimes damage tissue under the skin. The skin may appear to have charred blackness and white, waxy areas. The skin may also have a leathery appearance. In severe cases, numbness may accompany the burn if nerves were damaged.
If you’ve suffered any of these types of burns while working offshore, it’s vital to get in touch with an experienced Louisiana maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Chemical Burn Complications
Chemical burns are often very serious.
In minor cases, you may only experience moderate discomfort right after the initial burn. However, second- and third-degree burns always require medical attention as soon as possible.
Without proper care, second- and third-degree burns can lead to long-lasting complications, including, but not limited to:
- tissue damage,
- infections,
- loss of fluids,
- inability to pump blood,
- hypothermia, and
- breathing problems
What To Do After Suffering From A Chemical Burn Offshore
If you suffered from a chemical burn while working offshore, there are a few steps you need to take.
- First, seek medical attention. Because of the severity and complications related to serious burns, you cannot put off getting the medical treatment you need. It can make a huge difference in your quality of life, as well as your chances of getting compensation afterward. When you get medical attention, try to see your personal physician or another physician not employed by the company.
- Once you have received your immediate medical care, report the accident to your advisor.
- Then, seek legal advice. A dedicated maritime injury attorney with experience in Louisiana and Gulf Coast cases can work with you to increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve from the burn.
Contact The Maritime Injury Law Firm Today
If you have suffered from a chemical burn while working offshore, you can sue, but it’s important that you act fast. Make sure to seek medical care first and foremost to help protect your body and recover from the accident as soon as possible.
Seeking professional legal advice is just as important after an offshore chemical burn. The Maritime Injury Law Firm can provide our maritime law experience to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact The Maritime Injury Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation.
