The Hidden Risks of Chemical Burn in Public Spaces: What Parents Need to Know

How Can a Child Get a Chemical Burn in a Public Space? 

Chemical burns happen when corrosive substances like strong cleaning products harm a child’s eyes or skin. While most public places use disinfectants to keep germs at bay, the issue is that these chemicals are not properly wiped off, left wet, or used in higher concentrations than recommended. (Our legal team fought for a Texas family when a daycare worker did not read the label of a harsh commercial-grade cleaning solution before using it to disinfect nap mats. As a result, a 1-year-old girl suffered chemical burns that even singed her hair.)

Here are some common public spaces where this can occur:

• Shopping Carts at Grocery or Big-Box Stores: Many stores wipe down carts between customers, which is great for fighting germs. However, if the cleaning spray isn’t diluted properly or wiped off completely, the residue can transfer to your child’s hands, legs, or mouth.
• High Chairs and Booster Seats at Restaurants: Most restaurants are required to sanitize seating after each use. However, during peak dining times, rushing between seatings often leads to soaked surfaces that aren’t dried, leaving strong cleaning chemicals behind. A toddler’s sensitive skin can quickly react, especially if the chemical seeps into their clothing.
• Changing Tables in Public Bathrooms: Airport, mall, and store bathrooms are high-traffic areas that require constant cleaning. When janitorial staff use powerful cleaners and fail to wipe them down properly, residue can remain on the surface where you lay your baby. This results in chemical burns or irritation on your baby’s delicate skin.

Why are Chemical Burn Incidents in Public Spaces Considered Negligence?

Fortunately, chemical burn incidents caused by improper cleaning practices are easily preventable. Stores, restaurants, and other businesses open to the public have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for their customers. This includes properly training staff members to use cleaning products correctly and ensuring surfaces are safe for use afterward.

When a staff member skips a step, like leaving a cleaner on a shopping cart handle or failing to properly dilute a disinfectant, they are not meeting safety standards and can cause children to suffer dangerous chemical burn injuries.

How Can I Tell If My Child Suffered a Chemical Burn?

Watch for these signs if your child came into contact with a surface that you suspect was improperly cleaned:

• Blister or peeling skin
• Pain, itching, or stinging in the affected area
• Redness or irritation that appears quickly after contact
• Swelling
• Strong odors on clothing items from the cleaning products

For eye exposure, watch for excessive watering, redness, or your child constantly rubbing their eyes.

Chemical burns can worsen over time, so it is important to seek medical attention right away for your child if you suspect they are suffering from one. Fortunately, Texas has several expert burn care options for children, including:

• Austin: Dell Children’s Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery Program
• Dallas: Parkland Burn Center
• Fort Worth: Cook Children’s Wound Care
• Galveston: Shriners Pediatric Burn Care
• Houston: Memorial Hermann Pediatric Burn Treatment Program
• San Antonio: Methodist Children’s Hospital, University Children’s Pediatric Burn Center

Can I Sue a Business for My Child’s Chemical Burn? 

Yes, as we explained earlier in this article, chemical burns are easily preventable. When your child suffers a chemical burn because a business or property owner fails to keep a space safe by neglecting to properly clean or use strong products, this is called premises liability.

Therefore, your family has the right to take legal action to hold the business accountable. Moving forward with this step can help cover your child’s costly medical bills and long-term treatment needs, while also encouraging safer practices that protect other children in the community.

It is important for you to contact an experienced child burn injury lawyer like our team at The Button Law Firm within two years from the date that your child suffered the chemical burn. This is called the statute of limitations. After the two-year time limit, it is difficult to seek justice. You can call us at 214-699-4409 or email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com for a free case evaluation. We will listen and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

Did Your Child Suffer a Chemical Burn? Contact The Button Law Firm.

If your child suffered a chemical burn at a business or public place anywhere in Texas, contact our experienced Texas child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm. With lawyers in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to listen, fight for your family, and help your family move forward. Our lawyers at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.