When your child receives chemical burns while in a daycare facility due to the negligence of a staff member, you may feel overwhelmed, of course, your first priority is to ensure your child gets the medical attention they need for their injuries. Once you have taken care of that, you may want to consider holding the person responsible for the chemical burns liable for your child’s injuries, particularly if negligence was involved. 

Having an experienced St. Louis child chemical burns lawyer from Finney Injury Law can make a difference in how well you handle the coming days, weeks, and months. We want to be the advocate in your corner who will fight for you and your child. At Finney Injury Law, we will ensure your rights and future are properly protected. We are compassionate, knowledgeable lawyers who have secured positive outcomes for many clients in similar situations.    

Why Choose a St. Louis Daycare Chemical Burns Lawyer from Finney Injury Law?

At Finney Injury Law, we know you have many choices when choosing a St. Louis child chemical burns lawyer. We also believe that your choice will be clear once you have spoken with our highly skilled attorneys during your free initial consultation. With more than 100 positive client reviews, you can feel confident in our legal abilities and our commitment to our clients. Our law firm is available 24/7 to our clients and can even come to you if your child is too injured for you to travel. 

Most claims are negotiated to settlement, but in some instances, a claim will go to trial. Should that occur, you want to be sure your law firm is ready to handle a jury trial. We prepare every single case as though it will go to trial. This means we are always 100 percent prepared for any eventuality, including a trial. We have an award-winning trial lawyer with extensive trial experience who will fight for you to secure the verdict and the justice you deserve. With staff who are deeply involved with their communities, when you choose Finney Injury Law, you can be sure you have chosen the best law firm for your needs.  

What Are Chemical Burns?

Chemical burns can result in severe tissue damage to the skin, blindness, lung damage, and even death, especially if not treated promptly. Chemical burns typically occur as a result of exposure to strong acids, bleach, drain cleaners, gasoline, and other hazardous substances.

Mild chemical burns may be challenging to detect, while more severe ones require immediate first aid. Even a mild chemical burn can cause damage that reveals itself hours following exposure, similar to a sunburn. If you suspect a chemical burn, seek medical attention right away.

Most chemical burns accidents are truly an accident. However, special precautions must be taken in daycare facilities to ensure children cannot access chemicals. Like thermal burns, there are “degrees” of chemical burns:

  • First-degree chemical burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. While the area may have a rash or be red and inflamed, the damage is not permanent. 
  • Second-degree chemical burns extend into the next layer of skin (dermis) and can cause swelling and blistering. Second-degree chemical burns often leave permanent scars. 
  • Third-degree chemical burns go through the top two layers of skin and can damage tissue, causing the burned area to appear white or black and destroying nerves. Permanent scars result from a third-degree chemical burn and can take as long as a year to heal. 

How Can a Chemical Burn Happen in a Daycare?

Chemical burns should never occur in a daycare facility and only occur when proper safety precautions have not been taken. All chemicals should be in a locked or childproof cabinet where a child cannot access them. This includes bleach, all cleaning supplies, antifreeze, fertilizers, and pest control products). Children should always be properly supervised while in a daycare facility, but of primary importance is keeping chemicals where there is absolutely no access by children, whether supervised or unsupervised. 

Lack of properly trained or negligent staff and a lack of clear policies about chemical storage can also contribute to a chemical burn. If your child has suffered a chemical burn while in daycare, you definitely have a negligence claim. Having an experienced St. Louis child chemical burns lawyer from Finney Injury Law guiding you through the process is essential for a positive outcome. 

What Types of Chemicals Present at a Daycare Could Cause an Injury?

The most common type of chemicals that are present at a daycare facility is cleaning supplies. All too often, adults don’t think about a child opening up a bottle of cleaner containing harmful chemicals and pouring it on themselves, inhaling the fumes, or even drinking the substance. Bleach is often left where it can be accessed, as are common household cleaners. If the daycare is in a private home, there may be a garage with several different chemicals, including antifreeze, and gardening supplies with chemicals, including fertilizers. 

What Should You Do if Your Child Was Injured by a Chemical Burn at a Daycare?

If your child has experienced a chemical burn under daycare supervision, it’s important to act fast and obtain information regarding the cause of the injury, the severity of the burn, and whether emergency services have been contacted. Children, especially young ones, may require immediate medical attention for severe burns that can damage their delicate skin, whereas minor burns can be treated safely at home. To ensure that your child receives the necessary care, don’t hesitate to ask the right questions when dealing with the situation.

Additionally, contacting an attorney from Finney Injury Law can help you navigate this difficult situation. Our expertise and assistance can significantly affect whether the insurer will pay for a fair and complete settlement covering all the damages your child incurred. 

Hiring a St. Louis Child Chemical Burns Lawyer from Finney Injury Law Near You

The process of taking legal action after your child has suffered a chemical burn while at daycare can feel impossible or overwhelming. A positive outcome to this legal action is much more likely when you have Finney Injury Law by your side. We believe your child’s daycare should be safe and you should be able to trust that your child is well taken care of. If your child’s chemical burn resulted from clear negligence, contact a St. Louis child chemical burns lawyer from Finney Injury Law.