FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost of your services?
2. Does insurance cover your services?
3. Are there other financial resources available to victims of crime?
4. Why should I use a professional biohazardous clean up company?
5. What are the health risks associated with a biohazardous cleanup?
6. What causes the odor from a decomposed body?

What is the cost of your services?

We cannot give a quote by phone. We have to physically view and inspect the scene. Many times blood and body fluids will seep under carpet, linoleum, or into wall crevices that are not visible to the naked eye.

We will come out and give an estimate at no charge to you. Also, you are under no obligation to use our services.

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Does insurance cover your services?

In most cases, home, business, or auto insurance does cover our services unless the policy specifically excludes it. Normally, insurance does not cover pet urine or skunk odors. Ultimately, the property owner is responsible for the cost of the services.

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Are there other financial resources available to victims of crime?

Yes. In Texas, the Office of the Attorney General, Crime Victims Services Division, offers financial assistance to eligible victims. The program helps pay for medical, counseling, funeral, crime scene cleanup, and other expenses related to the crime. The toll free line for victims and family members is (800) 983-9933 and their web site is www.oag.state.tx.us Compensation Program.

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Why should I use a professional biohazardous cleanup company?

First: It spares the family members the emotional trauma which could lead into serious mental consequences. The psychological impact of a murder or suicide is devastating to most family members. Many people require long term religious or psychiatric counseling.

Second: We live in a very litigious society. No one wants a lawsuit.

Property owners and managers have to deal with the emotional and legal implications of biohazards. For a family member, friend, or employee who attempts to clean a scene, it can become emotionally overwhelming. If the person does not have the proper equipment, chemicals, and training, the cleaning will not be performed properly and completely. This individual unknowingly risks spreading the contamination and exposing themselves and others to pathogens and diseases. In many cases, the clean up has to be redone.

Employers can avoid the legal liabilities associated with violation of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Rules and State Sanitary Code.

By employing Special Needs Cleaning Services, you avoid a significant exposure to a Workers Compensation claim. Federal Regulation 29CFR1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to blood spills without first having met specific training requirements.

Financial penalties to the employer for the violation of the standard are severe. Also, the employee can file for a Workers Compensation claim in addition to filing a lawsuit.

Property owners and managers can also reduce the liability for a lawsuit by other tenants or future property owner(s). Example: Claiming illness from potentially contaminated sources due to decomposition.

Also, fines by city, county, state, and federal officials can be avoided if the collected body fluids, tissue, and other materials are properly disposed of.

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What are the health risks associated with a biohazardous cleanup?

Cleaning up after decomposed bodies and other trauma related deaths does present a health risk.

Gases produced from decomposed bodies are: Ammonia, Cadaverine, Putrescine, Carbon Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane, and Hydrogen.

Cadaverine and Putrescine are the most toxic gases. They penetrate through the skin and will displace or compete with oxygen. Protective clothing and air supply is necessary when working in confined spaces.

Bacteria produced from decay (partial list): Bacteriodes, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and E. Coli.

Exposure to decomposed gases and bacteria can result in tuberculosis, hepatitis, lung and respiratory diseases including HIV-1 (associated with AIDS), and Hepatitis-B Virus (HBA).

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What causes the odor from a decomposed body?

The answer to this is why people are embalmed for a professional burial.

Our bodies are 70% water. When a person dies an unattended death, the body tries to liquidate. During the liquidation process, the body fluids and the above mentioned odorous gases are expelled.

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