Radiation occurs naturally in the environment and is an important part of many tools, medical treatments, and industrial processes. Even the sun produces radiation in the form of UV rays, light, and heat. Uncontrolled radiation or radiation that is improperly directed or blocked can be harmful to people who are nearby, creating radiation burns that can cause damage to skin and other tissue.
If you or a loved one was exposed to radiation that caused serious burns, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible parties. For help with your case, contact Miami radiation burn attorney Prosper Shaked today. Call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your case. Our number is (305) 694-2676.
How Radiation Burns Occur from Workplace Exposure
One of the major causes of radiation exposure is workplace accidents. Many Miami workers in a broad variety of fields are exposed to radiation as part of their job. X-Rays, microwaves, radios, infrared, and even visible light are all forms of radiation that could potentially cause injuries and illness from overexposure. In addition, people who work in healthcare, nuclear plants, and scientific research fields can also face exposure to higher levels of radiation in their environment at work.
Radiation can cause burns, injuries, and radiation sickness from overexposure. Overexposure can occur in two primary ways: exposure to high levels of radiation or exposure to low levels of radiation for a prolonged period. If your workplace involves directed use of radiation, such as X-Rays in a doctor’s or dentist’s office, you could face burns or injuries if you are exposed to high levels because of malfunctioning equipment or improper safety devices. If your workplace involves low levels of radiation, such as work at a nuclear power plant, improper insulation or safety gear can result in low-level exposure for a prolonged time that can eventually cause injury.
Radiation Burns from Negligent Healthcare
Radiation is used in a wide range of medical imaging technologies as well as radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other severe illnesses. The radiation emitted during an X-Ray, MRI, or other session of imaging is usually not enough to cause harmful effects, but malfunctioning equipment or extremely negligent care could overexpose a patient to harmful radiation.
More problematic is the radiation used in radiation therapy and other cancer treatments. This radiation is already harmful, which allows it to shrink or kill cancer cells. This means that a doctor must use expert care and skill to administer radiation properly. Overexposure through increased radiation levels or increased length of exposure can be harmful to healthy cells and could cause serious radiation burns and other harms.
Effects of Radiation Burns
Radiation burns are often physical, just like a burn from heat or electrocution. Mild radiation burns could appear like a bad sunburn, but more serious radiation burns can cause widespread discoloration of the skin in the affected area as well as severe pain, numbness, burning sensations, and even tissue death.
Prolonged exposure to radiation can also have other lasting effects. Radiation sickness from overexposure can cause the development of ulcers and other marks on your skin, lethargy and weakness, confusion, bleeding, diarrhea, fever, hair loss, and other serious signs of illness. These symptoms can come with intense pain, discomfort, and inability to care for yourself or go to work.
Damages for Radiation Injuries in Miami, Florida
If you are injured at work or during your medical care because of overexposure to radiation and severe radiation burns, you may be entitled to sue the responsible parties for financial compensation. The compensation for any personal injury typically includes compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The damages for medical care can include any increased costs of medical care necessary to reverse the effects of overexposure if you were harmed during negligent medical procedures. If you were injured at work, you may also be able to sue to have the costs of your medical treatment covered.
These injuries often require intensive treatment and, sometimes, hospitalization. This can result in time off work, especially if you suffer ongoing effects such as radiation sickness. The wages you lose because of your injury should be compensated by the at-fault parties.
The injuries and illness sustained from overexposure to radiation can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. You can typically claim pain and suffering damages to compensate you directly for these harms.
Call Our Miami Radiation Burn Lawyer for a Free Legal Consultation
If you or a loved one was exposed to radiation and suffered radiation burns or other injuries or illness because of radiation exposure, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today. Miami radiation burn lawyer Prosper Shaked represents victims of workplace radiation exposure, negligent medical exposure to radiation, and other radiation burns. To schedule a free legal consultation on your case, contact our law offices today at (305) 694-2676.