On the grand opening day of the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Webster, Texas more than a dozen construction workers were hospitalized following a chemical leak incident. The Webster Police Department confirmed the incident, which occurred at an external pool house separate from the main hotel and water park. The chemical leak appears to stem from improper mixing of pool chemicals.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a chemical injury such as those occurring today, Kherkher Garcia can help. Read below to find out more details about the chemical leak, as well as how a chemical injury attorney can help you protect your rights and pursue recovery after an injury.
Great Wolf Lodge Chemical Leak Information
Webster Fire Chief Dean Spencer reported that first responders were called to the scene of the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park after workers experienced breathing problems due to a chemical reaction. The reaction occurred when a contractor mistakenly mixed sodium hypochlorite with sulfuric acid.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulances, swiftly responded, transporting 16 employees and contractors to the hospital. Five others evacuated the building. Their injuries and conditions were not immediately updated following the incident.
Spencer assured the public that the chemicals were contained and that the hotel and water park were unaffected. The resort resumed operations after receiving clearance from the Webster Fire Department.
Great Wolf Lodge issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety and expressed gratitude for the prompt response from local authorities. The incident did not disrupt the planned opening of the resort, which boasts extensive amenities, including a 92,000-square-foot indoor water park.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the chemical mishap. An environmental company is now collaborating with the resort and the contractor to ensure the safe cleanup of the affected area.
Common Chemicals Used in Commercial Pools
Commercial pools rely on a variety of chemicals to maintain water quality, ensure safety, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae. However, if these chemicals are improperly mixed, they can create hazardous reactions that pose serious risks to health and safety. Some of the common chemicals, and potential hazards, include:
Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite or Calcium Hypochlorite)
- Purpose: Disinfects the water by killing bacteria and other pathogens.
- Danger if Mixed Improperly: Mixing chlorine with acids can release chlorine gas, a toxic and potentially lethal gas that can cause respiratory problems, coughing, and lung damage.
Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid)
- Purpose: Lowers the pH of pool water to ensure chlorine works effectively.
- Danger if Mixed Improperly: Mixing acid with chlorine products can release chlorine gas. Additionally, improper handling of muriatic acid can lead to skin burns and respiratory issues.
Sulfuric Acid
- Purpose: Sometimes used for pH adjustment.
- Danger if Mixed Improperly: Like muriatic acid, mixing sulfuric acid with chlorine can generate chlorine gas. It is also corrosive and can cause severe burns.
Cyanuric Acid
- Purpose: Stabilizes chlorine to prevent it from breaking down quickly in sunlight.
- Danger if Mixed Improperly: While generally safe, excessive cyanuric acid can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine and complicate water chemistry.
Bromine
- Purpose: An alternative to chlorine for sanitizing water, often used in hot tubs.
- Danger if Mixed Improperly: Mixing bromine with strong acids or chlorine can produce toxic fumes.
Algaecides
- Purpose: Prevents and controls algae growth in the pool.
- Danger if Mixed Improperly: Combining algaecides with chlorine or other oxidizers can cause dangerous chemical reactions, potentially releasing toxic gases.
Sodium Bisulfate
- Purpose: Lowers the pH and alkalinity of pool water.
- Danger if Mixed Improperly: Mixing sodium bisulfate with chlorine can produce sulfur dioxide gas, which is harmful if inhaled.
Potential Dangers of Improper Mixing
Improperly mixing pool chemicals can cause a wide variety of injuries and illnesses, such as:
- Toxic Gas Release: Mixing incompatible chemicals, like chlorine with acids, can release toxic gases (e.g., chlorine gas) that pose immediate danger to anyone nearby.
- Chemical Burns: Some chemicals can cause severe burns if they come into contact with skin or eyes.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of fumes from improperly mixed chemicals can lead to respiratory distress, coughing, and in severe cases, lung damage.
- Explosion: Certain combinations of pool chemicals can be reactive and may cause explosions, posing a significant safety hazard.
- Environmental Damage: Improperly mixed chemicals can also cause environmental harm, especially if they contaminate local water sources.
Safety Precautions to Prevent a Chemical Leak
Anyone working around pool chemicals should be careful to read labels and follow instructions completely. Some recommended safety precautions for pool chemicals include:
- Always Read Labels: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling and mixing chemicals.
- Separate Storage: Store chemicals separately to avoid accidental mixing.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, goggles, and masks when handling pool chemicals.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when working with chemicals to disperse any fumes.
Understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions can help prevent dangerous incidents in commercial pool maintenance.
How Can a Chemical Injury Attorney Help Victims of a Chemical Leak?
An attorney who handles chemical injury claims can be instrumental in helping victims of chemical leaks by providing legal representation and guiding them through the complex process of seeking compensation. At Kherkher Garcia, our chemical injury attorneys assist our clients with the following:
Case Evaluation and Legal Advice
- Assessment of the Case: The attorney will evaluate the circumstances of the chemical injury, including how it occurred, the severity of the injuries, and potential liability.
- Legal Guidance: They will provide advice on the legal options available, including whether to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, workers’ compensation claim, or negotiate a settlement.
Establishing Liability
- Identifying Responsible Parties: The attorney will investigate the incident to determine who is legally responsible for the chemical leak and any injuries. This could include employers, contractors, manufacturers, or property owners.
- Proving Negligence: They will work to prove that the responsible party’s negligence or failure to follow safety protocols led to the injury. This may involve gathering evidence such as safety records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.
Gathering Evidence
- Documenting the Injury: The attorney will collect medical records, photographs, and other documentation that illustrates the extent of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
- Expert Testimony: They may consult with medical and chemical experts to provide testimony on the nature of the injury and how it was caused by the chemical exposure.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies:
- Handling Communications: The attorney will handle all communications with insurance companies to prevent victims from being pressured into accepting low settlements.
- Negotiating Fair Compensation: They will negotiate to ensure that the victim receives fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of the injury.
Filing a Lawsuit
- Legal Proceedings: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the victim.
- Representation in Court: The attorney will represent the victim in court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to secure a favorable verdict.
Ensuring Compliance with Legal Deadlines:
- Statute of Limitations: The attorney will ensure that all legal actions are taken within the time limits imposed by the statute of limitations, which vary by state and type of claim.
Maximizing Compensation
- Comprehensive Damages: The attorney will seek compensation for all forms of damages, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and emotional distress.
By leveraging their legal expertise, personal injury attorneys help victims of chemical injuries secure the compensation they deserve, ensuring that they have the resources needed to recover and move forward with their lives.
Contact Our Chemical Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered from a chemical injury, the experienced attorneys at Kherkher Garcia are here to help. Chemical injuries can be devastating, causing severe physical harm, long-term health issues, and emotional distress. You shouldn’t have to face the consequences alone.
At Kherkher Garcia, our skilled team of chemical injury attorneys understand the complexities of chemical injury cases and are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. We will thoroughly investigate your case, identify responsible parties, and fight to hold them accountable.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let Kherkher Garcia’s chemical injury attorneys advocate for you, so you can focus on your recovery. Justice is just a call away at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us via our online contact form.
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