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(USGovernment-News.Com, January 24, 2014 ) CHARLESTON, WV – On Thursday January 09, 2014, there was a massive chemical spill at Freedom Industries which threatened the livelihood of over 300,000 local residents, caused several businesses and schools to shut down, and forced trauma patients to divert to other hospitals.
The chemical 4-methylcyclohexane methanol, commonly used in coal mining, leaked into the Elk River upstream to the main water intake of West Virginia American Water. This water is used to supply thousands of people across nine counties in West Virginia.
In total, there was approximately 7,500 gallons of the chemical leaked into the Elk River, which prevented most businesses from operating, including many of the healthcare industry.
In fact, the Charleston Area Medical Center, which is one of the leading employers in West Virginia, was forced to work with local water companies and vendors to ensure patients had an adequate water supply, according to the medical centers Facebook page. The hospital did cancel all procedures on Friday, January 10, and diverted trauma patients, however have not needed to move any patients from the facility.
It should also be noted that cleanup crews must also limit their exposure to these toxic chemicals. The National Institutes of Health reported that short-term exposure to the 4-methylcyclohexane methanol may cause reactions after being inhaled. Short-term exposure may cause skin, eye, and upper repertory tract irritations, while prolonged or excessive exposure can cause damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and even cause death.
The Bell Law Firm is currently investigating claims for healthcare losses, and has filed class action complaints on behalf of people and businesses affected by the Freedom Industries chemical spill. Industry experts have been hired by our law firm, and motions have been filed with the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, to get access for inspection only and preserve evidence.
If you would like to file a class action complaint, contact The Bell Law Firm at 1-800-BIG-SPILL, or visit their website, http://www.belllaw.com.
About The Bell Law Firm
With the legal and technical resources necessary to litigate the most complex personal injury cases, The Bell Law Firm is proud to represent injury and accident victims from their office in Charleston, West Virginia. Having recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims, the experienced attorneys at The Bell Law Firm work closely with their clients to successfully deliver justice on their behalf. For more information or for a free, no-obligation case review, visit www.belllaw.com or call 1-800-342-1701.
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