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Mercury Poisoning Compensation Claim
What is Mercury?
Information about Mercury
What is Mercury Poisoning?
Information about Mercury Poisoning
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
What effects will Mercury Poisoning have on my health?
Diagnosis of Mercury Poisoning
How will my Mercury Poisoning be Diagnosed?
Treatment of Mercury Poisoning
How will my Mercury Poisoning be Treated?
Prevention of Mercury Poisoning
Mercury Poisoning can be Prevented
Mercury Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start a Mercury Poisoning Compensation Claim
What is Mercury?
Information about Mercury
Mercury is a neurotoxin. This means that it can detrimentally affect a person’s nervous system if they are exposed to it. We generally recognise mercury as a silvery metal used in thermometers and barometers. It has a high boiling point and it is the only metal which remains liquid when kept at room temperature which explains its use for temperature and pressure measuring instruments. Mercury is also used industrially in the production of chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide, in the production of fungicides, biocides and to produce fillings in dentistry. Some mercury compounds are also used in batteries and in pharmaceutical products.
A person may be exposed to mercury whilst at work if they have not been issued with the necessary protective clothing and members of the public could be exposed to it due to a spillage or inadequate safety measures during disposal / incineration.
If you are harmed by an exposure to mercury you may be able to make a mercury poisoning compensation claim.
What is Mercury Poisoning?
Information about Mercury Poisoning
Mercury poisoning can occur after mercury or one of its compounds is breathed in (in vapour form) or after it comes into contact with the skin, usually in compound form. Mercury can also be ingested. Mercury is toxic in any form but its form will determine the level of toxicity. It is very rare these days to be exposed to high levels of mercury. Indeed, the Health and Safety Executive has suggested that the use of mercury will have ceased in the United Kingdom by 2010. However, accidents can and do still happen.
If you are harmed by an exposure to mercury you may be able to make a mercury poisoning compensation claim.
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
What effects will Mercury Poisoning have on my health?
There are many varied symptoms of mercury poisoning.
Chronic (long-term) exposure may result in inflammation of the mouth and gums and loosening of the teeth (gingivitis), kidney damage, muscle tremors and spasms, mood swings and personality changes including depression, memory loss and irritability. A metallic taste may be felt in the mouth.
Shorter-term but more severe exposure (acute) may produce trouble with breathing due to inflammation of lung tissue (pneumonitis), nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, kidney damage and even death. If someone is exposed to high levels of mercury then symptoms will appear within a matter of days.
If you suspect that you may have been exposed to mercury, you should seek medical advice immediately.
If you are harmed by an exposure to mercury you may be able to make a mercury poisoning compensation claim.
Diagnosis of Mercury Poisoning
How will my Mercury Poisoning be Diagnosed?
Mercury poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because it can develop progressively with few or no symptoms to indicate its gravity. In addition, the signs are often vague and could be attributable to other illnesses. However, simple urine and blood tests may be able to establish if you have been affected by the mercury and treatment can be provided to limit the effects.
If you are harmed by an exposure to mercury you may be able to make a mercury poisoning compensation claim.
Treatment of Mercury Poisoning
How will my Mercury Poisoning be Treated?
The treatment of mercury poisoning will depend on how the mercury has entered the body and the level of exposure. For example, if it is inhaled, mercury poisoning can be treated with intravenous steroids. Drugs are available to assist with acute exposure and emergency treatments for poisoning will be administered. However, there is no effective treatment for chronic mercury poisoning.
If you are harmed by an exposure to mercury you may be able to make a mercury poisoning compensation claim.
Prevention of Mercury Poisoning
Mercury Poisoning can be Prevented
There are detailed regulations in place which are designed to protect all workers from exposure to chemicals and other substances in the workplace and these are called “The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations” or COSHH for short. If a person believes they have been harmed by an exposure to mercury at work or in the environment, then they may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.
Mercury is subject to strict exposure limits in the workplace. The COSHH Regulations recommend that employers should use alternatives wherever possible, so employers must assess the health risks which come from mercury and take steps to prevent or control exposure. They should also, wherever appropriate, monitor workers’ exposure and properly inform, instruct and train their employees to deal with mercury.
Mercury Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start a Mercury Poisoning Compensation Claim
If you or someone you know has developed an illness as a result of an exposure to mercury, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
Call us for free on 08000 224 224 Call us from your mobile on 0330 123 123 0 (charged at local number and free when covered by inclusive minutes) Request a call back Text CLAIM to 82010 (standard network rates apply)
