Claiming Compensation for a Chemical Burn

It is estimated that between 20% and 25% of all serious burns which require hospital attention are work related.  There are laws which require a workplace to be a safe place.  The Dangerous Substances Regulations 2002 state that, ‘Where a substance is or is liable to be present in the workplace, the employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to his employees which arise from that substance.’

Furthermore, the Health and Safety At Work Act states that every employer must ensure ‘as far is reasonably practicable’ that non-employees are not exposed to the risks arising from dangerous substances on their premises.  Many chemical burn injuries occur in hair salons, where badly trained staff are left to use bleach and other toxic chemicals without adequate supervision on customers.

Can I claim financial compensation for a chemical burn injury?

Most workplaces will have dangerous chemical substances present, for example, drain cleaner or bleach.  You employer has a duty to ensure any chemicals are used properly and his employees are protected from such chemicals.

If you work in an industry where dangerous chemicals or substances are used then your employer has a greater duty of care towards you.  This means he needs to ensure staff have adequate training, that chemicals are stowed away properly and used correctly, so that minimal risk is caused.  Risk assessments should be performed at regular intervals.

If you suffer a chemical burn injury in the workplace, then it is probable your employer has failed in his duty of protecting you against injury.  Therefore, if the accident was his fault, you may be able to claim damages from him for any expenses incurred and for the pain and suffering caused.

If you are a non-employee, for instance a customer in a hair salon, and have been injured, then you may have a claim against the owner of the premises.

What kind of injuries can be sustained from chemical burns?

Some of the worst injuries can involve chemical burns.  They can result in permanent physical disability, or cause horrific scars which require plastic surgery or skin grafts.  This can in turn cause psychological damage, leading to depression and anxiety.

You may not be able to return to the same job, and in the worst cases you may not be able to work at all.  If this is the case you can claim compensation for loss of earnings and loss of future earnings.

Can I claim financial compensation for chemical burn injuries?

If the accident was due to the negligence of a third party, then you have a right to compensation.  Contact us FREE at LEGAL REQUEST and our chemical injury specialists will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.