Environmental & Toxic Tort

A toxic tort is a specific type of personal injury or property damage case that results from exposure to toxic materials such as chemicals, pesticides, toxins, or pharmaceuticals. The most common toxic tort cases involve plaintiffs who claim to have been exposed to toxic chemicals as a direct result of their occupation or the location of their residence.

Occupational toxic tort cases occur more often than any other tort case, simply because industrial workers are more likely to suffer from long-term exposure to toxic chemicals than consumers or residents.

Types of Toxic Exposure

Asbestos Toxicity

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that is commonly used in construction. It is very strong and has high resilience to heat, which is why it was mostly used as an insulation material. Although asbestos worked well for this purpose, it was soon discovered that long-term exposure and/or inhalation of asbestos resulted in respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma. The cases brought by those who developed diseases after being exposed to asbestos are classified as toxic tort cases.

Benzene Toxicity

Benzene is a highly toxic industrial chemical commonly used in manufacturing. Inhaling benzene can disrupt the nervous system, affect bone marrow, and weaken the immune system. These long-term health effects from working with benzene are also classified as toxic tort cases.

Diseases caused by exposure to toxic materials, such as asbestos or benzene, can be life-changing. If you have suffered due to exposure to any toxic material or chemical, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced personal injury lawyers at The Cochran Firm, with offices across the country, can help you file a personal injury case against the party, or parties, responsible. You may be awarded damages covering your medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, and more losses you have suffered.

Toxic tort cases can also be brought against pharmaceutical companies, drug manufacturers, or even prescribing doctors. These are cases in which the plaintiff alleges he was exposed to toxic pharmaceutical drugs and suffered an injury or death as a result. These cases differ from medical malpractice cases, however, in that they are product liability cases. The defective products involved in these cases are the drugs. Pharmaceutical drugs are often recalled after their negative side effects are discovered. However, these recalls, issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are often too late, and people have been injured as a result of harmful, defective pharmaceutical drugs.

Environmental Law Factors

Some common chemicals that have resulted in toxic tort cases include:

  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Beryllium
  • Benzene
  • Manganese
  • Silica
  • Pesticides
  • Asbestos
  • Lead

Diseases that have occurred as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals include:

  • Asbestosis
  • Mesothelioma
  • Leukemia
  • Lung disease
  • Hodgkin's disease
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Silicosis
  • Other cancers and death

Environmental or toxic tort law cases are very serious, difficult personal injury or property damage cases. Most toxic tort claims involve large corporations and can seem daunting and extremely difficult to prosecute. The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm, however, can help you every step of the way to ensure you receive any compensation you may be entitled to.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to exposure to a toxic material or chemical, please contact the experienced environmental and toxic tort attorneys at The Cochran Firm, with offices nationwide, today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toxic Exposure

Can you sue a company for chemical exposure?

Yes, you can sue a company for chemical exposure if their negligence or wrongful actions caused your injuries. These cases are typically filed as toxic tort or product liability lawsuits. Depending on your situation, you may hold multiple parties liable, such as manufacturers, suppliers, property owners, or contractors who failed to maintain safety standards. Industrial workers exposed to harmful chemicals may be at risk for diseases caused by toxic environmental exposure. Contact The Cochran Firm to pursue the justice you and your family deserve.

What should I do if I have been exposed to a toxic substance?

Toxic exposure can have long-term health effects, and symptoms may not appear for months or years. Early detection is important. After chemical exposure, seek immediate medical attention and move away from the source. Once safe and treated, report the incident to your employer or supervisor if it occurred at work. Document the incident, your symptoms, and the substance involved. After addressing your health needs, contact an experienced toxic exposure lawyer to understand your rights and next steps.

What are the symptoms associated with environmental toxic exposure?

Symptoms of toxic exposure vary, but long-term contact with hazardous chemicals can weaken the immune system, cause cancer, and damage the nervous system. Other symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue. If you experience these symptoms related to toxic exposure, contact The Cochran Firm today for help.

What is the average settlement amount for a hostile workplace?

Settlement amounts for hostile work environments and toxic exposure cases vary widely, but compensation can be substantial due to the serious impact on victims. Settlements for toxic chemical exposure vary depending on illness severity, medical costs, lost wages, and the defendant's negligence. Each case is unique; consult a toxic exposure lawyer to assess your claim's potential value.