According to OSHA, Hydrogen sulfide is one of the leading causes of workplace gas inhalation deaths in the United States. On October 10th, a fatal hydrogen sulfide leak in Deer Park, Texas, killed two workers, injured at least 35 others, shut down a major highway, and placed two neighboring cities on shelter-in-place orders. With incidents like these occurring more frequently, it’s crucial that you know your rights and legal options if you or your loved ones are ever exposed to these chemicals due to another company’s negligence. Exposure to these chemicals can have lasting impacts on your health and are potentially fatal, especially to workers who can be overcome by the chemicals if unprepared.
What is Hydrogen Sulfide?
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas known for its pungent odor. Also known as sewer gas, hydrogen sulfide is used and produced in chemical industries such as:
- Oil and gas refining
- Mining
- Paper processing
- Rayon manufacturing
While it does occur naturally in sewers, manure pits, and even volcanoes, its presence makes work in confined or low-lying spaces potentially very hazardous.
Dangers of Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure?
Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can result in health effects ranging from mild discomfort to more long-term severe suffering. While the gas can be annoying at low levels and can cause symptoms that might be expected from suffering from a foul odor, such as nausea or headaches, there is limited concrete information about the health effects of long-term low-level exposure.
Symptoms of Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning?
When someone starts to experience symptoms of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, the severity of the symptoms depends on the concentration and duration of the exposure to the toxic chemicals.
| Severity of Symptoms | Common Symptoms |
| Mild Symptoms | Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, shortness of breath, irritability, and insomnia |
| Moderate Symptoms | Severe eye irritation, difficulty breathing, fluid in the lungs, dizziness, and nausea |
| Severe Symptoms | Shock, convulsions, inability to breathe, coma, and/or death |
Those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience more severe symptoms, or their symptoms may worsen quickly and unexpectedly. If you suspect hydrogen sulfide exposure, you must immediately move to fresh air.
What to Do If Exposed to Hydrogen Sulfide
If exposed to hydrogen sulfide, you must immediately move to fresh air and seek medical attention. Even small exposures should be treated by medical professionals and reported to the local poison control centers.
Key steps to take:
- Seek fresh air
- Call emergency services
- Contact local poison control
- Flush eyes and hair with fresh water
- Remove any contaminated clothes
Types of Hydrogen Sulfide Accidents
The type of exposure can range from a workplace accident to gas leaks like the recent deer park incident. Accidental or uncontrolled gas leaks are extremely hazardous, and sometimes even fatal, to workers who are in close quarters and surrounding neighborhoods that everyday people can suffer from.
Common Hydrogen Sulfide Accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Pipeline leaks
- Tank spills
- Silo accidents
- Sewer line exposures
Hydrogen sulfide accidents are typically low concentration exposure over long periods of time, causing symptoms that can be overlooked. While high concentration exposures that can cause potentially fatal accidents can leave entire towns reeling, you still have the right to seek legal compensation.
Workers Compensation for Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure
If you or a loved one has experienced health issues due to hydrogen sulfide exposure in the workplace, you need to reach out to an experienced attorney to explore your legal rights. You are likely eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim and receive compensation for more than just your medical bills. The legal team at Bailey Cowan Heckaman brings decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases for victims and their families in Texas. Over the years, they have secured substantial settlements to get their lives back on track.
Legal Rights After a Hydrogen Sulfide Accident
If you are exposed to hydrogen sulfide, you have the right to seek compensation for any injuries you have sustained from the exposure. The responsibility and lawsuit change depending on if the exposure happened while you were on the job from an employer or if it was a third party. However, you will have the best chance at a successful legal battle if you work with an experienced attorney’s like ours at Bailey Cowan Heckaman.Â
Legal support in a personal injury case like hydrogen sulfide exposure helps ensure that justice prevails when most of these cases involve powerful corporations. Our team is driven by our unwavering passion for assisting the injured and marginalized to ensure our clients are not taken advantage of in these dire situations. If you or a loved one has been exposed to hydrogen sulfide, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced attorneys today so we can explore your legal rights.
Call Bailey Cowan Heckaman today
Bailey Cowan Heckaman has a passion for advocating for individuals and their families who need successful and strong representation to fight for their rights. Contact our Houston-based personal injury attorneys at Bailey Cowan Heckaman to discuss your family’s legal options today. You will receive access to representation without delay because BCH operates on a contingency-fee basis. You won’t owe anything unless a settlement is secured. Acting quickly to begin your journey to justice can make all the difference in a success
