How can workers pursue claims for injury by chemical spills in a factory? I was recently injured in work in an accident which wasn’t my fault and am eager to claim compensation. I suffered extensive burns to both my forearms after a co-workers spilled powder on me. My injuries are still extremely painful and required immediate medical attention.
Claims for injury by chemical spill in a factory may be pursued if claimants can prove that someone other than themselves was as at least partly responsible for their accident. Although it was a co-worker who spilled the chemical on your forearms, he or she will probably not be the person held liable for your accident. As your employer owes a ‘duty of care’ to you and your co-workers, they are the party who you will most likely have to make your chemical spill in a factory injury claim against.
Having a chemical powder spilled on your arm is undoubtedly a painful experience, and it is understandable that you are eager to find out if you are eligible to claim for injured by factory chemical spill compensation. Before attempting to take any action yourself, you should speak with a personal injury claims lawyer, who will be able to assist you in pursuing your compensation claim after being fully briefed on your accident.
One of your first questions for your lawyer will undoubtedly be “how much are claims for injury by chemical spills in a factory worth?” In order to answer this question, your lawyer will take a number of variables into account, including the nature and severity of the injury, its permanency and the affect it is likely to have on your ability to pursue day-to-day and leisure activities.
You should be aware of the reasons why your employer may be deemed liable and not the co-worker who injured you. An employer has an obligation to fulfil their ‘duty of care’ to their employees by ensuring that their health and safety is protected at all times. This includes providing personal protection equipment (PPE) free of charge to all employees. You mentioned in your question that your injuries were inflicted on your forearm. If, for example, you had been wearing overalls – which your employer may have been obligated to provide – the powder may have spilled harmlessly onto your sleeves rather than onto your unprotected arms. Your lawyer will able to explain more about an employer’s ‘duty of care’ at your initial consultation.
Whatever the circumstances surrounding your accident, speaking with a personal injury claims lawyer is essential to being awarded the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Claims for injury by chemical spills in a factory always have a better possibility of success when undertaken after a lawyer has been consulted.