The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported gas leak in the 2100 block of East Pacific Coast Highway at 6:39 AM. Even though the gas was shut down and the leak stopped by 7:15, four people suffered exposure to the leaking butane and hydrogen sulfide. And by 7:50, the official word was released that the hazardous material risk had been mitigated.
Of the four victims of gas inhalation, three males, ages 26, 35, and 43, are all listed in moderate condition. However, the fourth male, age 40, was listed in serious condition and had to be rescued by LAFD using a stretcher to lower the injured man to safety.
While the community was told that the hazard was eliminated, it is clear that these industrial areas pose an increased risk to the health and safety of the community, especially those living near the facilities. And with the facility’s age and the cost of upgrades and added safety features, workers face even more significant risks than the general public.
The public and workers in industrial developments must understand their rights if they are injured due to a gas leak or other hazard in these areas. If you or a loved one was one of the victims of this gas leak or a similar incident in California, the staff at Normandie Law Firm is here to provide the answers you need. Our team is available 24/7 to ensure you have access to a quality legal resource to understand your rights and how to protect them.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve for the injuries and losses you have suffered. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to hire our firm. Our priority is simply to ensure that personal injury victims have the information needed to make wise and well-informed decisions for their future and financial stability.
The Hazards Of Butane And Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Exposure
Butane and hydrogen sulfide are colorless and odorless gases found in a myriad of commercial and industrial facilities. But like the natural gas used in heating homes, cooking appliances, and other residential applications, the gas producers add mercaptan to these gases to produce the smell of rotten eggs. The odor is a warning sign of a leak and evacuate the area as rapidly as possible to avoid severe health and safety risks.
When gases like butane and hydrogen sulfide are released into the air that we are breathing, they displace the oxygen essential for humans. Prolonged exposure to air saturated with these gases results in oxygen deprivation or asphyxia and can become life-threatening. Therefore, the first priority for anyone exposed to a gas leak is to seek fresh air and then contact emergency services for immediate medical attention.
Symptoms Of Exposure To Butane And Hydrogen Sulfide
The signs of exposure to most gases are very similar as they all deprive the body of essential oxygen. Some of the most noticeable indications of gas exposure include:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Red itchy eyes
- Burning of the nose and throat
- Wheezing
- Lethargy
- Sleepiness
- Difficulty thinking or focusing attention
- Vomiting
- headache
In addition, it is essential to understand that along with the complications created by other gases, Butane is also a cardiotoxic material, meaning it can cause ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. So as soon as the victim has been removed from exposure to butane, emergency medical care is vital.
Can I Sue After Being Exposed To Hazardous Gas
If you or a loved one has suffered exposure to these very harmful gases, you could have legal grounds to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the leak. It is critical to understand that employees of the facility as well as the general public in the area of a hazardous gas leak, all have rights as personal injury victims. The staff at Normandie Law Form is available 24/7 to discuss the details of the incident and help you determine if you have reason to sue and if a lawsuit is the best solution for your immediate and long-term needs.
How Much Is A Hazardous Gas Exposure Lawsuit Worth?
Many of the details you provide to your Normandie Law Firm gas exposure lawyer will be used to determine the dollar value of the claim you file with the court system. The severity of your injuries and damage to your health are two factors that are vital in determining the value of your lawsuit. The more harm you suffer, especially any that will have lasting or lingering impact on your life, will significantly increase the value of your gas exposure lawsuit.
Other factors that can impact the value of your gas exposure lawsuit include the cause of the leak, any negligence on the part of the responsible party, your ability to return to work, your earning potential after the incident. An average gas exposure case can range from the low six figures, or $100,000 to around $750,000 or more. The cost of medical treatment and long-term care after the incident can greatly increase the amount of your lawsuit or settlement for harmful gas exposure.
The team at Normandie Law Firm has decades of combined experience in defending the rights of gas exposure victims like yourself. And out experts pledge never to give up the fight to protect your rights and secure the most robust settlement or verdict possible for the injuries and losses you suffered due to a toxic gas exposure incident.
How Long Does A Hazardous Gas Exposure Lawsuit Take?
As a personal injury victim, you are sure to be worried about many things after your gas exposure incident. The concerns about your health and the time needed to recover are often your priority. But there can be nagging financial concerns as well. Therefore, it makes sense to question how long it will take to settle your gas exposure lawsuit. So please never feel embarrassed to discuss this time factor with your Normandie Law Firm gas exposure lawyer. We understand that you need solutions to your financial hardships as quickly as possible. And we will work diligently to deliver the compensation you need as quickly as possible.
The length of your lawsuit will vary based on many factors such as the severity of your injuries, the actions of the defendant, and the court’s workload. Realistically, a complex case can require years to reach a resolution. However, when the case ends in a settlement rather than moving through the court system, the result can be more rapid. Our goal is to secure our client’s settlement as quickly as possible, ideally within less than a year. Your legal team at Normandie Law Firm will work closely with you to determine what works best for you and to keep you informed as the case progresses.
Why Normandie Law Firm Is Your Best Choice For A Hazardous Gas Exposure Lawyer
The team at Normandie Law Firm is proud to be known for our dedication and compassion for our clients. We see every day how an accident such as a hazardous gas exposure incident has changed the lives of not only the injury victim but also their entire family and support system. In addition, we know that without expert legal guidance and services, many of these families will not see the justice they deserve. So we are happy to provide our services help them overcome the challenges of they face due to a harmful gas exposure incident or other personal injury.
No Upfront Legal Fees Or Charges From Normandie Law Firm
The inspiration for the staff at Normandie Law Firm is seeing a personal injury victim overcome the challenges of an injury and loss to return to a happy and productive life. Sure, we charge fees for our services, but that is not our motivation to provide expert legal services to the community.
We are happy to offer free consultations and handle our client’s legal matters with no upfront legal fees or charges. Instead, we only get paid after our client has been paid. This eliminates the added stress of figuring out how to make out of pocket payments for legal services and allows our clients to focus on their healing and restoring their quality of life.
In addition, if we fail to win your case, you owe us nothing. Our agreement is to handle your legal matter and secure the compensation you deserve for all that you have endured. If we do not deliver, we do not deserve your hard-earned money. This is a simple policy and one that shocks our new clients, But there are no hidden fees, fine print, or other terms that supersede this pledge to each client. You have our word.
So if you or a loved one suffered injuries due to hazardous gas exposure, please get in touch with Normandie Law Firm today. Our staff is here to offer the guidance and expert legal advice you need to decide if pursuing a hazardous gas exposure lawsuit is right for you and your financial future. The consultation is free and so are our second opinions and services until we deliver the settlement or verdict you need to rebuild your life and move past this tragic event.
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