As the only liquid metal at room temperature, mercury is used in a wide range of industrial applications. However, mercury can be dangerous or even deadly.
If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of mercury poisoning, it is a good idea to talk to a Nevada personal injury lawyer about your options. An experienced Clark County attorney can examine how the mercury exposure occurred and whether you might have a case against the person or company that exposed you.
Mercury is used in a wide range of industrial applications, but can be dangerous or even deadly.
Where is Mercury Found?
A common source of mercury compounds in today’s world is fish. Mercury tends to accumulate in their bodies, which means that fish higher up the food chain—fish that have eaten many other fish with mercury already in their bodies—tend to have very high mercury levels overall. Pregnant and nursing women are encouraged to avoid eating fish like bluefin tuna and swordfish, that accumulate high amounts of mercury.
Many technical and scientific industries rely on components that use mercury or mercuric compounds. Some of the people who most commonly need a lawyer in Clark County after mercury exposure are industrial workers.
Mercury is also found in glass thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs. Therefore another common source for mercury exposure is accidental breakage of one of these fragile items.
Often a single mercury exposure is not enough to cause negative health effects. Some of the most devastating neurological effects of mercury poison come after years of high exposure levels.
Whatever the source of your toxic exposure, our Nevada personal injury lawyers are standing by to help you understand your illness and show the courts who was at fault.
How Mercury Affects the Body
When mercury is taken into the body—through food, breathing, or being absorbed by the skin—it immediately begins to affect other compounds in your body. Mercury stops a group of compounds called selenoenzymes from operating. These enzymes are responsible for making antioxidants work and stopping damage to your brain and other tissues.
The brain is where most damage occurs in mercury poisoning. The phrase “mad as a hatter” originated from hat-makers who had to work with mercury compounds and often experienced neurological symptoms. Victims of mercury poisoning may suffer disturbances to speech, vision, or hearing. They may also experience a lack of coordination, loss of hair or teeth, organ dysfunction, and muscle weakness.
It is important to contact a Nevada personal injury attorney if you believe your neurological symptoms may have been caused by mercury. Personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas may be able to help you get compensation for your medical bills, physical pain, and emotional distress.
Mercury in Children
The effects of mercury in adults are usually reversible especially if caught early, but children do not always fare so well. Fetuses, infants, and children who suffer from mercury exposure can experience consequences for the rest of their lives.
Exposure to mercury compounds like mercuric chloride or methyl mercury can lead to Young’s Syndrome, a condition in which fertility is compromised because the body’s mucus is made excessively thick. If your child has been affected by mercury exposure, it is important to talk to a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer right away. Your child may be eligible to be compensated for damages that will last a lifetime.
Exposed to Mercury? Call Us for Help…
If you believe you have experienced exposure to toxic levels of mercury, call us for a free consultation.
Our Las Vegas products liability lawyers may be able to help you get the compensation you need and deserve.