The number of serious and fatal accidents involving children swallowing button batteries has been increasing around the country and can cause serious internal injuries or chemical burns. IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO YOU, A LOVED ONE OR A FRIEND, CALL US TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

Every year, in the United States, more than 3,500 people of all ages swallow these types of batteries. The flat batteries, that are about the size of a coin, are not usually seen as a choking hazard because most button batteries pass through the body and are eliminated in the stool. However, the serious risk that they pose is if swallowed, they can become stuck in the esophagus and an electrical current can form around the outside of the battery. This generates hydroxide and cause serious internal injuries, tissue damage, chemical burns, and even death.

Symptoms to look for include similar symptoms of other childhood illnesses such as coughing, drooling and discomfort. Once burning begins, damage can continue even after the battery is dislodged.

As seen on The Today Show on 5/14/12

CPSC recommends the following steps to prevent unintentional battery ingestion:

• Discard button batteries carefully.
• Do not allow children to play with button batteries, and keep button batteries out of your child's reach.
• Caution hearing aid users to keep hearing aids and batteries out of the reach of children.
• Never put button batteries in your mouth for any reason as they are easily swallowed accidentally.
• Always check medications before ingesting them. Adults have swallowed button batteries mistaken for pills or tablets.
• Keep remotes and other electronics out of your child's reach if the battery compartments do not have a screw to secure them. Use tape to help secure the battery compartment.
• If a button battery is ingested, immediately seek medical attention. The National Battery Ingestion Hotline is available anytime at 1-800-498-8666 (call collect if necessary), or call your poison center at (800) 222-1222.