Chemical Spill Hospitalizes 37 in Illinois

More than two dozen people were hospitalized when a chemical spill occurred in Beach Park, Illinois. Containers of the chemical anhydrous ammonia were being towed by a tractor when a leak occurred. The colorless gas, used by farmers to fertilize their crops, sent noxious fumes into the streets of the Chicago suburb. When inhaled, anhydrous ammonia can cause unconsciousness and even death. Seven people, including a firefighter, were in critical condition because of the fumes.

Officials urged locals to stay inside, close their windows and turn off air conditioning units while they handled the spill. Several schools were closed while clean up occurred. Anyone within a mile of the spill was in danger of inhaling the toxic fumes.

The Risk of Chemical Spills

The impact of this spill will linger for far longer than it takes to clean up the chemical. Inhalation of anhydrous ammonia can cause immediate health concerns, but the effects can also be long-lasting. Some victims may develop lung conditions, experience partial blindness and even lose the ability to speak. While spills of this degree are rare, this incident highlights the risks the general public faces when these chemicals are transported through neighborhoods.

Seeking Legal Help

Anyone involved in a chemical spill like this one can benefit from consulting with a personal injury lawyer. Depending on the damages suffered, victims may be owed significant compensation from the company responsible for the spill. As investigations into the cause of this particular chemical spill continue, the fault will become more and more apparent. Whatever led to the leak, the affected victims deserve answers.

Experienced Toxic Tort Attorneys

Richard Serpe has over two decades of experience in securing fair compensation for those that have been injured by corporations that have placed their profit margins over the health and safety of the public. He has obtained over Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) [Disclaimer] in judgments and settlements for his clients, and has made a national reputation for himself as an advocate for the rights of victims of industrial negligence. Virginians that have had their lives and health irrevocably altered due to the irresponsibility and recklessness of corporate polluters face a long and difficult road to justice. Richard Serpe is the attorney in Virginia that can ease the journey.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals, contact our offices for a free legal consultation today.