Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure: What You Need to Know

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.

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

Don't Lose Your Right to Justice: Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

The loss of a loved one to mesothelioma is a devastating tragedy. In addition to the emotional pain, families may also face significant financial burdens due to medical bills and lost income. If your loved one's mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure, a wrongful death lawsuit may be an option to recover compensation.

What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of a loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of another party. In the case of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure, a wrongful death lawsuit might be filed against an employer who failed to provide proper safety protocols or a product manufacturer who knowingly used asbestos in a dangerous product.

Mesothelioma and Wrongful Death Claims

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Symptoms often don't appear for decades after exposure, making it difficult to pinpoint the source. If your loved one developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure and it ultimately led to their death, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The Statute of Limitations: Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit

Every state has a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing lawsuits. This deadline applies to wrongful death lawsuits as well. Missing this deadline typically means forfeiting your right to seek compensation in court.

Importance of the Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit. This deadline varies by state and type of lawsuit. In the case of mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits, the statute of limitations typically falls within a range of one to three years from the date of your loved one's death.

How Long Do You Have to File a Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for filing a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit varies by state, ranging from one to three years from the date of your loved one's death. Unfortunately, Texas, where Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC is headquartered, has a shorter statute of limitations of only one year.

It's important to note that this is a general guideline. Several factors can impact the applicable statute of limitations in your specific case.

Factors Impacting Mesothelioma Statutes of Limitations

Here are some key factors that can affect the statute of limitations for your wrongful death lawsuit:

Date of Death vs. Date of Diagnosis: In some states, the clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations from the date of your loved one's death. However, other states might base it on the date they were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
State of Residence vs. State of Exposure: If your loved one lived in one state but was exposed to asbestos in another, the statute of limitations of either state could potentially apply.

These complexities highlight the importance of seeking legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can analyze your specific situation and determine the applicable statute of limitations.

Importance of Consulting with a Mesothelioma Attorney

The legal landscape surrounding mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits can be complex. Missing the statute of limitations deadline can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can:

Advise you on the specific statute of limitations applicable to your case.
Gather evidence to support your claim.
Negotiate with the responsible party on your behalf.
Represent you in court if necessary.

Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC: National Mesothelioma Representation

At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, we understand the emotional and financial hardships faced by families who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys are dedicated to helping families nationwide navigate the legal process and seek the compensation they deserve. We are well-versed in the intricacies of wrongful death lawsuits and the varying statutes of limitations across different states.Don't wait to seek legal counsel. Contact Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC today at (713) 425-7100 for a free consultation. We can help you determine the appropriate course of action based on your specific circumstances and ensure you meet all deadlines for filing your wrongful death lawsuit.

BCH Sues Over Missouri Man Killed in Boat Explosion

Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC and The Wilbers Law Firm have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Brunswick Corporation, Sea Ray Boats, and Brunswick Boat Group on behalf of the bereaved mother and two children of a St. Louis, Missouri man killed in a boat explosion.

As detailed in the complaint, the decedent boarded a boat with other passengers for a fun day at the Lake of the Ozarks. Unfortunately, the day took an unexpected and fatal turn. When the 33-foot Sea Ray boat was about to leave the dock after refueling, it “exploded in a massive fireball.” The explosion ejected the decedent’s friends from the boat, while the boat driver had to flee the burning vessel by jumping into the water. The decedent could not escape the boat and was burned to death in the fiery blaze.

Read more about this case on our press release.

BCH is proud to advocate for personal injury victims and their loved ones. Driven by our passion for helping others, our national trial lawyers work hard to earn the trust of our clients and to win them the justice they deserve. To speak with an experienced lawyer, contact BCH online today.

BCH Brings Wrongful Death Suit Over Long Island Man’s Fatal Onewheel Nosedive

Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC has filed a new wrongful death lawsuit over alleged product defects associated with the Onewheel self-balancing transportation device.

As stated in the complaint, our firm represents the family of a man who was involved in a crash in August 2020 while riding his Onewheel device down a Long Island road. The lawsuit claims that while the man was riding on flat, paved road, his Onewheel suddenly shut off and nosedived, causing him to be thrown from the board. The incident was seen by several witnesses and recorded on video, the lawsuit states.

As a result of allegedly being thrown from his board, the man sustained severe head and brain trauma, multiple fractures, broken ribs, a broken arm, and a punctured lung. Despite receiving medical attention after his crash, he died from his injuries in September 2020.

Read more about the lawsuit on this press release.

The latest lawsuit follows several wrongful death and personal injury claims brought by BCH on behalf of victims and families across the country. As with other Onewheel lawsuits, the new filing accuses Future Motion of failing to uphold duties to safely design, manufacture, and market its Onewheel device.

BCH Files Wrongful Death Suit Over Future Motion’s Onewheel “Nosedive”

Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC has filed a product liability lawsuit over the wrongful death of a father who suffered fatal brain injuries while riding a Onewheel device that abruptly shut off and nosedived.

What is Onewheel?

Onewheel is a self-balancing electric transport device – sometimes referred to as an electric skateboard or hover board – manufactured and marketed by Silicon Valley-based Future Motion Inc. (FM).

Though it uses a deck similar to that of a skateboard, it is powered by a single heavy tire and gyroscopes / accelerometers designed to keep riders level and allow them to steer by shifting body positioning. It can reach speeds of 20 mph or more.

Though the OneWheel and OneWheel+ XR have become popular, there have been growing concerns over injuries suffered by riders, as well as possible defects like the Onewheel nosedive – a scenario in which the motor may unexpectedly shut down, causing the board to slam forward, strike the ground, and send riders into what can be serious crashes.

That’s what happened to the victim in this case.

About the Lawsuit: Onewheel Nosedive Causes Fatal Injuries

Filed in California Superior Court for the County of Santa Cruz, the wrongful death lawsuit claims that one of the Onewheel’s key features – arguably its most dangerous – is that it provides a “pushback” when approaching the device’s limits of use, as well as when “regenerating” power on downhill grades to charge its battery.

However, the lawsuit notes, it is often the case that rather than solely providing a pushback, which is allegedly designed to warn riders to avoid dangerous situations, the Onewheel may abruptly lose its ability to help maintain balance, nosedive, and throw riders off the device. Different factors – such as a rider’s weight, tire pressure, battery level, speed, and grade of incline or decline – may also cause the Onewheel nosedive.

In our case, the victim had been riding his Onewheel on flat pavement in a Houston neighborhood park when, upon information and belief, the device experienced a nosedive, causing him to be thrown forward from the board. He experienced severe brain trauma in the crash, and later died during surgery.

Read more about the lawsuit here.

Our clients allege that the fatal crash occurred because:

FM failed to uphold its duties to design, manufacture, and market a safe device;
FM failed to adequately warn consumers about the risk of serious injury or death when used as intended; and
FM misled consumers into believing the Onewheel was safe for ordinary use.

Fighting for Onewheel Accident Victims Nationwide

Our trial attorneys at BCH intend to fight for the justice our clients deserve, and for compensation of the damages they suffered as a result of this tragedy. We are hopeful this case will highlight the dangers allegedly associated with the Onewheel, and compel FM into taking responsibility for its products and any harms they may have caused others.

Our legal team is aware many other consumers have experienced crashes, injuries, and potential defects with their Onewheel devices – including sudden shut offs and the notorious Onewheel nosedive. We are available to review potential claims from victims and families nationwide. Contact us to speak with a lawyer.

BCH Files Suit Against Monsanto Over Roundup Cancer Claims

Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC has filed a lawsuit against global agricultural giant Monsanto over claims that its signature weed killer Roundup caused a Texas man’s fatal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Missouri, where Monsanto Company is based, on behalf of the man’s surviving spouse and two daughters. It claims:

The man’s death was caused by Roundup, which he used for personal and occupational reasons for over 30 years before being diagnosed with NHL in 2016;
Roundup, which contains the known-carcinogen glyphosate, was unreasonably dangerous and defective; and
Monsanto committed negligent, willful, and wrongful acts in its development, promotion, and marketing of Roundup.

Read more on this press release.

The 35-page civil complaint details claims of Monsanto’s unscrupulous conduct in developing the world’s most popular herbicide; from ghostwritten studies and intimidation tactics designed to conceal what it knew about risks associated with the glyphosate, to its repeated failures to ensure the safety of consumers who used Roundup.

Monsanto, which was recently acquired by German-based Bayer, is facing thousands of claims from victims and families whose lives were altered by non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other blood cancer diagnoses they say were caused by long-term use of Roundup and similar glyphosate-containing products. Juries in the first trials in the litigation have awarded billions of dollars in compensation to victims.

Call to Discuss Your Case

BCH will be aggressively litigating this matter on behalf of the family and is actively investigating potential claims from others who believe they may have a potential claim. This includes farmers, landscapers/groundskeepers, property owners, and anyone diagnosed with NHL after using Roundup or similar glyphosate herbicides.

Our Texas Roundup injury lawyers serve clients nationwide, and are known as national-caliber trial attorneys with proven success in complex, high-stakes litigation involving dangerous products, toxic exposure, and wrongful death. Call or contact us online to speak with a lawyer.