Workers Injured by Chemical Leak in New Jersey

Over 80 workers were injured and evacuated from a Hammonton, New Jersey medical building as a chemical leak sickened 32 people, sending eight to area hospitals and two victims airlifted to a trauma center in Atlantic City. All those working in the building were evacuated after workers reported feeling ill with headaches, nausea, and a burning sensation in their throats and lungs.

Investigators found that HCFC-22, which is a refrigerant used in air conditioning systems, was leaking and caused the emergency. Hazmat crews stayed on the scene to find the leak and fix the problem. All employees were sent home for the day while crews cleared the toxic inhalants from the air conditioning system.

People exposed to high levels of HCFC-22 can experience various side effects, and in rare cases, death. Dizziness, headache, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting are some of the minor effects felt by those exposed to the chemical. More serious side effects include depression of the central nervous system, respiratory complications, cardiac changes, and in some cases the liver and kidneys can become problematic. Though death is rare, fatalities have been reported from high levels of HCFC-22 and prolonged exposure.

HCFC-22 is a man made chemical known as R-22 and is in itself a colorless, odorless gas. It is currently being phased out for use in the United States as the gas has shown potential to cause further depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere with a global warming potential 1,810 times stronger than carbon dioxide. The HCFC-22/R-22 chemical will be totally phased out in the United States by the year 2030.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Help Victims of Workplace Accidents Claim Justice and Compensation

Workers who are injured on the job or experience an occupational illness typically face financial consequences from lost wages, medical bills, and rehabilitation services. The high cost of surgery, hospitalizations, prescription medications, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and ongoing therapies can quickly deplete a victim’s bank account, leaving them and their families in danger of a monetary crisis.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed at work, you may be entitled to receive compensation. The experienced and highly-skilled Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP have a long history of success in helping injured workers receive benefits and financial compensation. The commitment and dedication of the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the firm have enabled them to collect millions of dollars in Workers’ Compensation settlements for their clients.

For a consultation with Philadelphia personal injury law firm of Galfand Berger LLP call 1-800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form. Our offices are conveniently located in Philadelphia, Reading, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania enabling us to serve clients throughout Harrisburg, Allentown, and the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.