Toxic Substances

Toxic torts involve exposure of individuals, often large numbers of individuals, to harmful chemical or biological substances that can cause permanent injury or death. Exposure to asbestos, benzene, mercury and lead can cause life threatening injuries. When exposure to a toxic substance results from the negligence, carelessness, or deception the injured party is usually entitled to compensation.

Exposure to toxic substances is particularly harmful for industrial workers who may have been exposed to high levels of toxins over a long period of time, with or without being aware of the risks. Industrial workers have high incidences of Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. However, asbestos and other toxic substances can even harm people who just live or work in a contaminated building. Children are also at great risk of exposure to toxic substances, as their play habits can put them in direct contact with harmful toxins. This is particularly true of lead paint, as children often play with or even ingest harmful lead paint particles.

Toxic Torts litigation poses unique legal challenges because of the complex scientific and technical issues frequently addressed, and because of the overlapping authority of numerous administrative agencies and courts at the local, state, and federal levels. Protection of people and their property from large corporate polluters is our top priority. A unique feature of our growing environmental/toxic tort practice is the ability to represent a large number of people who have been harmed; either physically or by damage to their property. Our current focus includes:

• Asbestos
• Benzene
• Lead
• Mercury
• PCBs