Table of Contents - Jump Ahead:
Monday afternoon, just before 1 pm there was a chemical spill at a commercial facility in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Around 1 pm LA Fire Department crews arrived at the business, located in the 20700 block of W. Marilla Street. According to the LA Fire Department (LAFD), they had received reports of an “unknown vapor” coming from behind the building.
The facility housed the Firan Technology Group, a business that produces aerospace and defense electronics.
Sky5 reporter Gil Leyvas reported that 31 people were evacuated from inside the Firan Technology Group’s facility, while employees of nearby businesses were told to stay inside.
According to officials at LAFD, a 50-year-old man was transported to a local hospital due to “minor medical complaints”, while seven others declined hospitalization.
The source of the substance is still under investigation.
Potential Legal Options For Those Affected
Those affected by the unknown vapor may be eligible to file a variety of claims depending on who they are and how they were affected. Some potential avenues of legal recourse may include:
Personal Injury Claims
Those affected by the chemical exposure may seek compensation for:
- medical expenses: this can include medical expenses they may acquire should they suffer long-term effects and need long-term medical care
- lost wages: due to time off of work
- pain and suffering: this can apply to the pain or suffering they experience as a result of exposure to the unknown vapor
Due to the effects on their health victims may have suffered when exposed to the unknown vapor. Even if individuals experienced minor symptoms they may be able to file claims for medical monitoring.
In order to be eligible to file a personal injury claim, victims must prove that the company was negligent in handling or containing hazardous substances. This may involve demonstrating lapses in safety protocols or improper storage of chemicals.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Employees of the affected facility may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which could cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. This may apply even if the employee’s symptoms are minor.
The Importance of Being Medically Evaluated
After being involved in an incident like the one that occurred Monday, it is important that victims be medically evaluated as soon as possible. “Medical evaluation is important for many reasons,” says Gerald Singleton, personal injury attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “first, it allows you to determine if you’ve suffered serious health issues and gives you the opportunity to receive prompt treatment. Secondly, it creates a solid paper trail of evidence should you decide to file a claim for compensation. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to have medical evaluations when filing a claim.”
If you’ve been exposed to an unknown vapor or chemical and think you may have suffered a personal injury, call Singleton Schreiber today at (619) 771-3473 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options.
