There are numerous ways someone could be exposed to toxins. Contaminated drinking water, improper handling of asbestos at work, or a household product containing carcinogens that cause unexpected adverse reactions happen far too often in the U.S.
The health effects of toxic exposure are extensive and often life changing for victims and their families. Cancer, neurological conditions, reproductive issues, and birth defects are some of the illnesses and health issues someone may develop or experience, and sometimes, they’re fatal. Regardless of the seriousness or type of illness, there are legal options for victims of toxic exposure.
A toxic tort may occur when at least one individual is injured due to exposure to a harmful substance. But in many cases, a toxic tort lawsuit involves dozens, hundreds, or more plaintiffs.
At Childers, Schlueter & Smith, our environmental and toxic tort attorneys have been protecting the rights of those who have suffered due to toxic exposure for years. We’ve gotten justice for our clients and held companies accountable and financially responsible for failing to protect consumers and the public from harmful substances. Understanding your legal rights and the type of toxic tort that applies to your situation is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve.
Toxic tort lawsuits generally fall under one of the following categories.
Workplace Exposure
Each year in the U.S., thousands of people are exposed to toxins in the workplace and on job sites. Many jobs involve working with or around chemicals and other substances that could cause employees harm and put them at risk of developing illnesses, sometimes years or decades later. These risks come from a lack of proper safety equipment, training, and procedures, poor ventilation, and improper disposal practices. Employees at chemical manufacturing plants, military personnel, industrial workers, miners, oil workers, painters, insulators, pipefitters, and mechanics have a greater risk of exposure to toxic substances.
Toxic torts involving occupational exposure may occur when a worker is exposed to toxins for a long time. But they also occur when employees are exposed to high levels of a harmful substance for a short period of time, like an explosion at an industrial or chemical plant that releases dangerous toxins in the air, or when asbestos is unknowingly disturbed, and workers aren’t wearing protective gear.
Dangerous Products
There are countless consumer products used every day, both at home and in the workplace, that contain or are made with materials that could make someone sick or suffer temporary or permanent health issues from toxic exposure. When the manufacturer fails to warn consumers of these dangers, a dangerous product toxic tort may hold them accountable.
Even if the potential for exposure to toxins and the subsequent harm consumers suffered wasn’t known by the manufacturer when they created the product, they may still be found liable for damages if they should have known.
Household cleaners, paint, herbicides like Roundup, construction materials, and even toys that children play with have all caused toxic exposure illnesses. Having a toxic tort lawyer on your side who can handle your dangerous product claim is crucial to getting the compensation you and your family deserve.
Exposure at Home
Research has repeatedly shown how dangerous our homes can be due to the risk of toxic exposure. Many building materials contain chemicals and other toxins that can cause minor to fatal health effects. One of the most common sources of toxic exposure at home is asbestos. Simply breathing in air that contains asbestos fibers can cause devastating illnesses and cancers. Mold is another source of toxins. When people are exposed to harmful substances at home, they may be eligible to file a toxic tort.
If an industrial or manufacturing plant or agricultural business is near your home, their actions or inaction to protect the community can result in disaster. The risk of exposure to toxic chemicals in the home due to a business that’s spraying pesticides or releasing chemicals in the air is real, and innocent people suffer the consequences simply by living nearby. This type of toxic tort often crosses over or falls under the next category – environmental exposure.
Environmental Exposure
There are strict laws and regulations in place that are intended to protect the public from the harmful effects of toxic exposure. These regulations involve businesses safely working with and properly disposing of dangerous substances. Businesses must also be aware of the harmful effects that certain toxins can have on public health and follow certain procedures. However, companies continue to put entire families and their futures at risk through environmental toxic exposure.
An environmental tort may occur when a business either intentionally or negligently releases toxic chemicals or pollutants into the air, drinking water, or soil. Sadly, it often takes decades to discover toxic chemicals were not being disposed of or handled properly, and that thousands or more people are suffering or will suffer health issues as a result. A prime example of this is the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits. Solvents and a range of carcinogenic chemicals contaminated the drinking water at the military base, exposing one million people to dangerous levels of toxins. Like the Camp Lejeune lawsuits, environmental torts often become mass torts because of how many victims there are.
Filing a Toxic Tort Lawsuit
Whether through negligence or an intentional act or decision, such as hiding the dangers of an ingredient in a product or drug, businesses may be held liable. But toxic tort lawsuits are complex. It’s common for health issues and fatal illnesses caused by toxic exposure to take years or decades to develop. By then, determining where, how, and when a victim was exposed and who’s responsible can be difficult. In addition, these cases require strong scientific evidence and the use of experts to get the best outcome.
While a lawsuit for exposure to toxic substances won’t take away the pain and suffering associated with your illness, condition, or loss of a loved one, it can help alleviate some of your burdens and ensure financial stability now and in the future. The environmental and toxic tort attorneys at Childers, Schlueter & Smith have extensive experience representing victims of toxic exposure. We’ve handled a wide range of cases, from asbestos exposure and cancer-causing Roundup to the recent Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.
With our resources and team of skilled attorneys who understand the intricacies of toxic tort law, we can help get you the compensation and justice you’re entitled to. Contact our toxic tort lawyers online or at 1-800-641-0098 for a free consultation.
