Chemical and Allergy Burns Attorney

When you seek medical treatment, the last thing you expect is to leave with painful and often permanent burns caused by the very professionals meant to help you. Yet chemical burns, allergic skin reactions, and equipment-related injuries occur more frequently in clinical settings than many people realize. These burns are not only physically devastating – they are often the result of medical negligence and could have been prevented with proper care.

At The Baer Law Firm, our team of chemical and allergy burns attorneys represents individuals in Atlanta and across Georgia who have suffered chemical or thermal burns due to medical malpractice. Whether you were burned by a topical treatment, had a severe reaction to a known allergen, or sustained injuries from improperly used warming equipment, we are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has experienced this kind of injury, don’t wait to seek legal guidance.

Understanding Chemical and Equipment-Related Burns in Medical Settings

Hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics use a wide range of substances and tools during treatment. While most are applied or operated with care, mistakes happen – and when they do, patients suffer the consequences. Chemical burns may result from improper application of antiseptics, use of cleaning agents, or topical medications that are either too concentrated or left on the skin too long. Adhesives, prep solutions, or dyes used in imaging and surgery can also cause skin damage if applied incorrectly or trigger an allergic reaction that wasn’t properly anticipated.

In other cases, the burn isn’t chemical but thermal. Warming blankets, electric pads, and surgical warming devices are commonly used during or after procedures to regulate body temperature. When these devices malfunction or are left on too long without supervision, they can cause serious second-degree or third-degree burns. These injuries are particularly dangerous for sedated or immobilized patients who may not be able to express discomfort in real time. Regardless of the source, the common factor in many of these cases is a lack of attention, poor training, or negligence on the part of the medical team.

Types of Burns Caused by Medical Negligence

Chemical burns in medical settings often result from direct skin exposure to caustic agents such as chlorhexidine, alcohol-based antiseptics, or hydrogen peroxide solutions. When not diluted correctly, applied to broken skin, or used in excessive amounts, these substances can damage underlying tissues and lead to blistering, scarring, and infection. Medical staff must be trained to recognize appropriate dosages and how to apply these agents safely.

Allergic reactions can be just as damaging. Patients may suffer severe skin trauma, blistering, or ulceration due to latex, adhesives, antibiotics, or skin prep solutions. When providers fail to review patient allergy histories or neglect to test for reactions, the results can be painful and even life-threatening.

Thermal burns often occur when equipment such as forced-air warming blankets, electric heating pads, or surgical warming devices are improperly placed, set at the wrong temperature, or not monitored over time. Devices may overheat, malfunction, or be left in contact with sensitive areas of the skin for too long. Patients who are unconscious or under anesthesia are especially vulnerable to these types of burns.

In some cases, a combination of chemical and thermal exposure can cause compounded injury, requiring extensive medical care, skin grafts, or reconstructive procedures. The damage may be immediate – or it may develop over hours or days due to negligent post-procedure monitoring. Regardless of the specific type of burn, many of these injuries are the direct result of preventable medical errors.

When Are These Burns Considered Medical Malpractice?

Not every burn sustained in a medical setting automatically qualifies as malpractice. However, there are specific circumstances in which healthcare providers may be held legally responsible. If a chemical agent was used inappropriately, if the medical staff failed to account for a patient’s known allergies, or if equipment was left unsupervised and caused injury, those actions may fall below the accepted standard of care. Malpractice may also be present when patients are not given adequate warnings regarding potential risks or when medical professionals ignore clear signs of distress or injury.

The critical distinction lies in whether a reasonable, well-trained healthcare provider would have avoided the error under similar circumstances. When burns result from failure to monitor, improper technique, lack of training, or inadequate communication, the law may provide a path to recovery for the injured patient. These cases often require a detailed review of medical records, expert testimony, and an experienced legal team capable of navigating complex liability issues.

What Victims Can Recover Through a Legal Claim

Burn injuries often leave both physical and emotional scars. Victims may require multiple surgeries, months of wound care, and long-term rehabilitation. The financial and personal impact of these injuries can be overwhelming. Through a medical malpractice claim, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring
• Pain
• Emotional distress
• Long-term disability or loss of quality of life

At The Baer Law Firm, we fight to make sure your full damages are accounted for and that negligent providers are held accountable for the harm they caused.

Why Choose The Baer Law Firm

Burn injury cases – especially those involving medical malpractice – require experience, precision, and personal attention. At The Baer Law Firm, our medical malpractice legal team understand the devastating toll that chemical and thermal burns can take on your health, livelihood, and peace of mind. Bryan Baer brings years of experience in high-stakes medical injury litigation and works closely with every client from start to finish. We collaborate with medical experts, review every detail of your care, and build a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious burn caused by a chemical treatment, allergic reaction, or medical device, don’t wait to take action. Contact The Baer Law Firm in Atlanta today for a confidential consultation. We are here to help you recover, rebuild, and find justice.

Bryan Baer

Attorney Bryan Baer has twenty (20) years of legal experience representing clients in serious and catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He has been first chair in more than a dozen twelve-person jury trials on both the plaintiff and defense sides. Recognized as a leader in his legal community, he is frequently asked to speak at legal seminars on trial topics ranging from “Best Practices in Voire Dire” to “Maximizing Damages at Trial” as well as insurance issues such as “Navigating the Insurance Landscape” and “Injury Demands & Negotiations.” Learn more here.