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When a personal injury claim is filed in an effort to address unlawful and harmful exposure to a chemical substance, this legal action is commonly referred to as a “toxic tort.” If you have ever seen the Oscar-winning film “Erin Brockovich,” or have followed the saga of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, you are familiar with this concept. Toxic torts may be caused negligently, recklessly, or intentionally. Meaning that a company, municipality, organization, private citizen or other legal entity may cause harm to another through toxic chemical exposure on purpose, with disregard for the other’s safety or simply as a result of carelessness. Regardless of how toxic torts originate, it’s important to understand that those harmed by unlawful chemical exposure are not powerless. With the assistance of an experienced Spartanburg, SC environmental lawyer, they may be able to hold those who harmed them accountable in a court of law.
It can be many years before the effects of exposure to toxins and pollutants manifest into physical signs or symptoms. A young child exposed to toxins as an infant might exhibit behavioral problems, cognitive impairment, or hearing loss later into their childhood. A factor worker exposed to asbestos on the job might not develop mesothelioma until well after their retirement.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to lead, toxic waste, asbestos, pollution, or other harmful chemicals, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. As a leading environmental lawyer in Spartanburg, SC, we are ready to fight for your rights and interests, and hold the companies responsible for any damage they cause.
Exposure to Toxins is More Common than You Might Realize
Being exposed to deadly toxins can happen rapidly, or over the course of several months or years. Regardless, they are more common than you might realize. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, there are at least 1.3 million workers who have been exposed to asbestos while working. Another 3 million workers have been exposed to lead. In addition to this several hundred thousand children have been exposed to lead. Sadly, children are the most affected by lead exposure.
If you think you have been exposed to any toxic chemical, the physical symptoms may depend on what the exposure was. Some common symptoms include:
If you have been exposed to any toxic chemicals, or show the signs of exposure, but are unsure about whether or not you were exposed to something harmful, you can call a Spartanburg, SC environmental lawyer.
History of Environmental Protection
The National Environmental Policy Act was passed in 1970 at the same time as the Environmental Quality Improvement Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Environmental Education Act. The goals of these acts, and the development of the EPA, was to ensure the environment was protected against and public or private actions that harmed the ecosystem.
Environmental lawyers have made great strides for the environment and the people, by using legal means to reduce pollution, ban toxins, force entities to comply with regulations, clean water and rivers, and prod the United States government to practice eco-friendly methods across all industries. Because environmental law is so complex, yet established, it is often taught as a separate branch of legal studies in law school. This means that when you have been exposed to a toxin, and injured, or you have discovered a building structure or property to be contaminated, you should only call an environmental lawyer in Spartanburg, SC.
Our firm is a leading environmental exposure and injury law firm in South Carolina. We serve clients locally and throughout the state. If you or a loved one has been exposed to a toxin or harmful chemical, and have since developed a life threatening condition, we are ready to fight for you.
Toxic Tort Claims – The Basics
Toxic tort lawsuits progress much in the same way that other personal injury lawsuits do. With the assistance of an experienced Spartanburg, SC environmental lawyer, a victim readies a legal complaint in which they explain the harm that they have suffered and how that harm was caused. Once this complaint is filed with the Court, defendants named in the claim have the chance to respond. Most toxic tort claims (more than nine in ten) settle out of court. However, there are times when these cases go to trial. Whether they are settled or submitted for a verdict, these cases can result in significant financial compensation awards known as damages. If you’ve been injured as a result of a toxic tort, your Spartanburg, SC environmental lawyer will do their best to ensure that your damage award is as high as it can possibly be, based on the kinds of harm you have suffered. You may be eligible for both economic damages stemming from objective costs (medical bills, lost wages, etc.) and non-economic damages that are more subjective (pain and suffering, etc.). If you are the family member of someone who has passed away as a result of injuries or illnesses originating with toxic tort exposure, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit on behalf of your loved one.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you have been injured as a result of exposure to harmful chemicals, you may have cause to file a legal claim against the person, business or other legal entity who unlawfully caused that exposure. An experienced Spartanburg, South Carolina environmental lawyer from Poliakoff & Associates, P.A. can help you explore your options and develop a legal strategy designed to get you access to any compensation you may be entitled to under the circumstances.