Chemical Burn Workplace Injury Lawyer

The dangers of chemical burns at work go well beyond any injuries you might suffer to your skin or other soft tissues. Inhaling or ingesting a toxic substance can wreak havoc on your lungs, eyes, stomach, and other essential bodily systems. Depending on your level of exposure and the severity of your injuries, a chemical burn sustained at your job could permanently impact your ability to work or participate in activities you enjoy.

If you have suffered a chemical burn at work, get help from Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., right away. As a committed workers’ compensation attorney with more than a quarter-century of experience, Jodie Anne Phillips Polich served on the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board before opening her private practice in 2003. She has advocated for injured workers in the Portland area ever since. Her time serving on the Workers’ Compensation Board gave her the extensive experience she uses to help people recover maximum compensation for work-related injuries.

Contact Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., or call 503-654-1388 today to speak with a chemical burn workplace injury lawyer at no cost to you.

What Are Chemical Burns and What Causes Them?

Chemical burns can result when someone comes into contact with a hazardous or toxic substance. While most burn injuries are caused by intense heat, chemical burns result from a strong chemical reaction to whatever substance was inhaled, ingested, or touched.

A strong acid or alkaloid can cause skin irritation, a rash, or large pieces of skin and other soft tissues to burn away. If a toxic chemical is inhaled or ingested, it can cause severe damage to the eyes, respiratory system, digestive system, and other internal organs.

Common Industries Where Chemical Burns Occur in Portland

Some workers who are particularly at risk of chemical burns include:

• Construction workers – Construction workers are frequently exposed to cleaning agents, solvents, and other substances that can cause chemical burns.
• Chemical plant workers – Employees at industrial chemical plants may spend significant time around harmful substances and can suffer a chemical burn if plant managers do not take safety seriously. Eye and lung injuries can also occur if workers are indirectly exposed to chemical fumes.
• Pharmaceutical workers – The chemicals used in developing or making many medications can be toxic in their raw form. Workers who handle these chemicals have a heightened risk of sustaining a chemical burn.
• Mechanics – Many chemicals found in cars or used to maintain them can be highly dangerous, especially in large doses. Mechanics may also suffer injuries to their eyes or lungs due to the fumes from these chemicals.
• Mine workers – Mining often involves using harsh chemicals to separate minerals from raw ore or power the equipment used in mining work. These chemicals can be extremely dangerous to workers, especially if workers are directly exposed to them.
• Janitorial workers – Bleach and other cleaners used by janitorial workers are often highly acidic or basic, leading to harsh chemical burns if these chemicals splash onto workers.
• Pool cleaners – Chlorine fumes can be extremely harmful if they are inhaled. The cleaners used to sterilize pools can cause severe burns if workers come into contact with them.
• Hairdressers – The hair care industry is loosely regulated, and many of the products found in hair salons can be toxic or cause chemical burns. While these products can cause gradual damage to users over time, hairdressers are at heightened risk of chemical burns because they are more regularly exposed to these toxic substances.
• Nail technicians – Personal care products used by nail technicians can be highly acidic or basic, leading to severe chemical burns if workers touch or inhale these products.

While workers in these fields are more likely to suffer chemical burns, they are not the only ones affected by these injuries. Dangerous chemicals may be present even in seemingly “safe” work environments.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 41 workers across the country died after a single instance of inhaling a toxic chemical in one recent year alone. Additional  BLS research shows that 3,540 workers nationwide suffered nonfatal chemical burns in another recent year.

What Effects Can a Chemical Burn Cause?

The effects of a chemical burn can be extremely serious, and they often include:

Compensation After a Workplace Chemical Burn in Portland

If you suffer a chemical burn at work in Portland, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Assuming your workers’ comp claim is approved, these benefits will cover all reasonable and medically necessary treatments for your injuries until you either fully recover or reach the point where further treatment will not benefit you.

Workers’ compensation benefits may also cover a portion of your missed wages while you are healing and unable to work. If you miss more than three days of work, you can receive disability benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wages before your injury. If you can return to work in a diminished capacity, you are entitled to two-thirds of the difference between your post-injury and pre-injury wages. Bear in mind that while your medical benefits are not capped, wage-replacement benefits are capped by state law.

To obtain workers’ compensation benefits for a chemical burn, you will need to submit a claim to your employer’s workers’ comp provider. Most employers in Oregon are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. Claims work on a no-fault basis. As long as you were injured while engaged in a work-related activity, you should be eligible for workers’ comp benefits.

You can start the workers’ comp claim process by either submitting Form 801 to your employer or having your doctor fill out Form 827, at which point they can submit the paperwork to your employer’s workers’ comp provider. Once the workers’ comp provider has received your claim, they have 60 days to either approve or deny it. If the claim is approved, you should start receiving benefits shortly. Otherwise, you will need to file an appeal.

Contact Our Portland Workplace Chemical Burn Lawyer Today

A work-related chemical burn can have a catastrophic impact on your life, and a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer can help you pursue financial relief for your injuries.

Contact Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., or call 503-654-1388 today for a free consultation with a Portland workplace chemical burn attorney.