Smoke & ammonia exposure
Smoke and ammonia exposure from the Boyle Heights fire
The fire pushed heavy smoke across East L.A. for days, and the facility used ammonia in its refrigeration. If breathing it in made you sick, you may be entitled to compensation.
Deadlines may apply
Smoke from a structure fire and a chemical like ammonia can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. People nearby have reported coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, and burning eyes. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions can be affected more severely.
Signs worth taking seriously
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or a cough that won't quit
- Burning or watering eyes, sore throat, or chest tightness
- Headaches, dizziness, or nausea while the smoke was heavy
- Symptoms that got worse or kept you from work or school
If you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or other emergency symptoms, call 911 or seek care now. This page is about your legal options, not a substitute for medical care.
What may be recoverable
- Medical bills, medication, and follow-up care
- Lost wages if symptoms kept you from working
- Costs you paid to protect your family, like air purifiers or a place to stay
- Compensation for the physical discomfort and disruption you went through
What helps your case
- See a doctor and keep the records, even for mild symptoms
- Write down your symptoms and the dates the smoke was worst
- Keep receipts for medicine, supplies, and any place you had to stay
- Don't accept a quick payment before you know what your claim is worth