Steps To Take If You Have Swallowed A Button Battery

More than 3,500 people of all ages swallow “button” batteries every year in the U.S. Most of these pass through the body and come out in your stool. However, there can be complications. In the event that someone swallows one of these miniature disc batteries, follow these steps:

• 1. IMMEDIATELY call the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline, 202-635-3334, (you can call collect if necessary), or call the poison center, 1-800-222-1222.
• 2. When you call, provide the batter identification number if available. This can be found on the package or from a matching battery.
• 3. In most instances, an X-ray should be obtained as soon as possible to ensure the battery has passed through the esophagus and into your stomach. If it has not passed through the esophagus, it must be removed immediately; however, most batteries move to the stomach and can pass by themselves. The National Battery Ingestion Hotline specialists can help determine whether the person is in need of an immediate X-ray based on the person’s age and the size of the battery.
• 4.Do NOT eat or drink anything until an X-ray shows the battery has passed the esophagus. Also, do NOT induce vomiting.
• 5. Symptoms of fever, abdominal pain, vomiting or blood in the stools should be immediately reported.
• 6.Check stools until the battery has passed.
• 7. Your doctor or emergency room staff can call the National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline/National Capital Poison Center (collect if necessary) at 202-625-3333 for consultation and information about button batteries. Expert advice is available at this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a button battery, you may be entitled to compensation. We have assembled the most experienced legal team in the country on these types of cases and we are ready to help you. Call us today for a FREE case evaluation - 888-810-1513 or fill out the short contact form.