Although it is a naturally occurring metal, mercury is incredibly toxic to humans. Exposure to it in its liquid or gaseous form can cause serious illness. In highly concentrated doses of exposure or ingestion, mercury poisoning may even prove to be fatal. Unfortunately, mercury is widespread and may be found in various manufactured products, seafood, and water supplies. Failure to properly handle, store, or dispose of mercury under one’s care or property severely threatens public health.
If you or someone you love has been sickened by mercury exposure on another party’s property, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation for your illness. Contact the Oklahoma City mercury poisoning lawyers of the Abel Law Firm at (405) 239-7046 to discuss the matter with a skilled and experienced attorney who can advise you about your legal rights.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer For My Mercury Poisoning Case?
To win a mercury poisoning case, you must prove that someone else was negligent in their handling or treatment of mercury and that their negligence directly caused your injury. This direct connection can be difficult to prove since mercury occurs naturally. Exposure can happen in multiple ways.
To make a successful claim, you’ll need someone well-versed in mercury laws and regulations. An attorney can directly connect your injuries to someone else’s recklessness. An experienced mercury poisoning lawyer can help gather the evidence to prove your case and fight for your legal rights.
Why is Abel Law Firm the Best Firm to Handle My Oklahoma Mercury Poisoning Case?
The OKC premises liability attorneys at Abel Law Firm have over 130 years of combined experience helping clients just like you get maximum compensation for their injuries. Our skilled mercury poisoning lawyers have the grit needed to fight for your legal rights and the compassion you deserve in this difficult time.
As demonstrated in our case results and client testimonials, we treat each client with personal attention and respect. We have won millions of dollars for them. The trusted attorneys at Abel Law Firm do all we can to serve our community. We give our time pro bono to nonprofit organizations around Oklahoma.
Our experienced Oklahoma City mercury poisoning lawyers are ready to help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. You’ll receive a free consultation when you call Abel Law Firm today at (405) 239-7046, fill out our online contact form, or use our live chat.
Types of Mercury Poisoning Cases Abel Law Firm Handles
Abel Law Firm handles all types of premises liability cases, including those where the negligence of property owners or managers has resulted in mercury poisoning. Property owners are considered to be legally responsible for the harm that befalls guests on their premises as a consequence of negligent maintenance or oversight. Because the health effects of mercury poisoning are often quite severe, you may need to seek a formal remedy under premises liability law for your exposure-related sickness.
What Kind of Compensation Could I Get in a Mercury Poisoning Case?
If you got mercury poisoning because of someone else’s negligence or failure to take reasonable actions to protect you from mercury exposure, you might be entitled to compensation. The amount of money you could receive will depend on the details of your case. But damages from mercury poisoning cases typically cover things like:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages while recovering from injuries
- Reduced ability to earn comparable income in the future
- Pain and suffering
As mentioned above, the types of damages and the amount you could recover will depend on the specific details of your case. This means that you should always consult with an attorney before taking any action to understand your rights and how much compensation you might be able to recover.
Where Could I Be Exposed to Mercury?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main types of mercury. Organic mercury can be found in natural things like fish and shellfish. People can typically avoid exposure just by not eating mercury-containing seafood. The other two types of mercury, however, elemental and inorganic, are more difficult to avoid.
Elemental mercury (metallic mercury) is used in common items like fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, and electric switches. It’s also the element that’s released when coal or fossil fuels are burned. People can be accidentally exposed to elemental mercury simply by breathing in its vapors. Its common nature means that elemental mercury can be encountered virtually anywhere.
Inorganic mercury exposure can happen in multiple ways. These include inhaling vapors and absorbing them through the skin or eyes. The people most at risk are those who work in industrial areas where inorganic mercury is frequently used. People can also be exposed to mercury-laden products like skin creams and cosmetics at home.
Effects of Mercury Poisoning
Property owners are considered to be legally liable for the harm that befalls guests on their premises as a consequence of negligent maintenance or oversight. Because the health effects of mercury poisoning are apt to be so severe, you may need to seek a formal remedy under premises liability law for your exposure-related sickness. The following are some of the possible symptoms and effects of mercury poisoning:
- Itching, burning, or painful sensations in the extremities
- Discoloration of the skin
- Excessive sweating
- Elevated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Loss of hair, teeth, and finger or toenails
- Impaired kidney function
- Light sensitivity
What proof do I need in a mercury poisoning case?
If you were exposed to poisonous mercury because of someone else’s negligence and suffer injuries because of this exposure, the reckless party should be held accountable. To prove a person or company is liable, you’ll need to demonstrate:
- A property owner didn’t provide a safe environment. If you were legally living in or visiting an apartment, for example, then the apartment complex owner had a duty to provide a safe living space.
- A person that declines to take safety precautions creates a dangerous environment. This could be, for instance, a landlord who knowingly installs mercury-containing light bulbs or fails to remove them after learning about their dangers.
- Direct damages. The negligence of a person or company that directly caused your injury, resulting in significant expenses like medical bills.
Your lawyer will work to investigate the incident. They will collect vital evidence and build a convincing mercury poisoning case on your behalf. Their goal will be to get you the maximum compensation possible to help you pay your bills and move on with your life.
Contact Us
Let us help you fight for the financial compensation you need to contend with medical bills and lost wages incurred by harmful exposure to mercury. Property owners must take steps to prevent these tragedies and must be held accountable for the failure to do so. Contact the Oklahoma City mercury poisoning lawyers of the Abel Law Firm at (405) 239-7046 for a free consultation.
