Cryogenic Injuries

Many industries rely on cryogenics, or the creation of very cold temperatures. Processes involving very cold temperatures can lead to stronger, more durable tools, new computing technology, and more efficient golf clubs. These techniques have numerous uses and benefits, but there are also risks. The creation of very cold temperatures can result in frostbite injuries, and the liquid gases that are often used in these applications come in pressurized tanks.

Frostbite is a medical condition involving localized damage to the body due to exposure to extremely low temperatures. The parts of the body farthest from the heart, like fingers are toes, are the most likely to be injured by frostbite. It is common in polar or highly mountainous regions, and severe cases can result in the loss of fingers and toes, and in some cases entire hands or feet.

Cryogenics research can generate temperatures far lower than even the coldest places on earth. Exposure to these temperatures for even brief periods of time can freeze and destroy skin and other tissues. Accidents in facilities that make use of cryogenic technology have the potential to cause severe cold-related injuries.

One of the primary ways of generating these extremely cold temperatures is the use of liquid compressed gas. The amount of energy it takes to compress a gas like nitrogen into a liquid is immense, and compressed gas cylinders can explode if punctured, throwing metal shrapnel.

Contact us

If you or a loved one has been injured due to cryogenic technology or compressed gas cylinders, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation payments and possibly more. The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. have the experience to help you. For more information, contact us today at 610-667-7511.