In today’s environment, we are exposed to chemicals and toxins almost daily. Although this has become nearly a regular part of life, there are some instances in which toxic exposure is extreme. This can often happen in the workplace. If you have been exposed to toxic substances at work and that exposure has caused substantial medical issues and medical debt for you, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against your employer.
Victims of chemical exposures and environmental hazards often face hurdles when seeking justice and just compensation. Identifying the specific toxin or chemical hazard, establishing causation, and proving long-term health impacts, such as cancer or neurological disorders, requires thorough scientific and medical investigation. Corporations and manufacturers typically deploy teams of experts to dispute liability, leaving individuals at a disadvantage when navigating technical studies, regulatory standards, and evolving case law.
If you were exposed to toxic substances outside of work, it may still be essential to pinpoint who was responsible for your exposure.
How a Toxic Tort Lawyer Could Help Your Cause
An injury lawyer could help you navigate these often confusing issues to ensure you are treated fairly. Partnering with an experienced toxic torts attorney levels the playing field by leveraging specialized knowledge in environmental regulations, toxicology, and litigation strategy.
Your lawyer will help you coordinate with occupational health experts, epidemiologists, and industrial hygienists to gather compelling evidence and build a strong case. From negotiating with insurance companies to managing complex discovery processes and securing expert testimony, early involvement of an experienced and qualified legal advocate maximizes your chances of fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Types of Toxic Exposure
Toxins are everywhere, but employers, contractors, landlords, business owners, and others must ensure that people are not exposed to dangerous amounts of these substances. Here are some examples of toxic substances that can cause lifelong health issues.
Asbestos
Asbestos was a building material used years ago in homes and businesses. It was discovered that this material can have fatal effects on people, so it is not supposed to be in homes or businesses today.
Asbestos fibers can become airborne and lodge in lung tissue, leading to mesothelioma and asbestosis years after exposure. Despite regulations, legacy materials in older buildings still pose a hazard to workers and residents.
Pesticides
Although pesticides are legal and safe to use in some cases, limits and regulations govern how much, where, and when these chemicals can be used. Long-term exposure has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, reproductive issues, and certain cancers.
Metal poisoning
Some metals can also threaten your health. Lead, mercury, and others have strict regulations that must be followed. Chronic exposure to these metals is especially dangerous for children, causing developmental delays, neurological damage, and kidney dysfunction. Schools and older residences are considered to be high-risk locations for metal poisoning.
Mold
There are many different types of mold, but toxic mold is the most dangerous. Property owners are responsible for removing poisonous mold so that others are not harmed.
Water intrusion and poor ventilation foster toxic mold growth. Mycotoxins released by particular species can cause respiratory distress, neurological impairment, and immune system disorders in susceptible individuals.
Silica Dust
Activities like sandblasting, mining, and fracking release crystalline silica particles that, when inhaled, scar lung tissue and cause silicosis. This irreversible condition increases the risk of tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Ionizing Radiation
Exposure to X‑rays, radioactive materials, or nuclear accidents can damage DNA, leading to cancer and genetic mutations. Workers in healthcare, nuclear power plants, laboratories, and research facilities are at higher risk without proper safeguards and equipment.
By recognizing these additional sources of harm, victims can seek the guidance of an experienced toxic torts lawyer to investigate exposures, secure expert testimony, and pursue compensation under state and federal laws.
Why Choose Sharma Law Office?
At Sharma Law Office, our dedication towards addressing toxic tort cases has secured significant verdicts and settlements for clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our law office combines deep local knowledge with a national network of scientists and experts to confront powerful corporate defendants. With a client-first approach, we provide personalized attention, clear communication, and relentless advocacy at every stage of your claim, ensuring you receive the justice and recovery you deserve.
If you believe that toxic exposure has harmed you, our legal team at Sharma Law Office can help. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a toxic tort?
A toxic tort is a type of personal injury lawsuit where a plaintiff claims that exposure to a chemical or hazardous substance caused illness, injury, or untoward discomfort. These claims often involve allegations of negligence, disobedience, strict liability, or failure to warn.
Which exposures can give rise to a toxic tort claim?
Toxic torts can stem from exposure to environmental pollutants, workplace chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and household toxins. Any setting, home, job site, or consumer product with dangerous substances may trigger a claim.
How do I prove causation in a toxic tort case?
Establishing that exposure caused injury requires medical records, exposure measurements, and expert testimony from epidemiologists, toxicologists, or industrial hygienists. Sampling data, biomonitoring results, and scientific studies are critical to link the substance to the harm.
What types of compensation are available?
Victims may recover economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non‑economic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium. Punitive damages may also be awarded to the client in cases of egregious misconduct.
What deadlines apply to toxic tort claims?
Statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, plaintiffs typically have to file suit two years from the date they discover their injury. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to compensation for the injuries and damages.
How can a toxic tort lawyer help me?
An experienced toxic torts attorney handles all aspects of your claim, investigating exposure, retaining experts, navigating complex regulations, and negotiating with defendants. Early legal counsel ensures preservation of evidence and maximizes compensation potential.