Almost everyone in New York City is exposed to some type of toxic chemical at one point or another, if not every day. A toxic tort is a legal claim for any damage caused by exposure to a harmful substance. If you have been exposed to toxic chemicals and are now suffering from their side-effects, you may be entitled to compensation, especially if you were exposed to toxic elements in your workplace. However, you may also file a lawsuit if you have been exposed to a dangerous pharmaceutical drug. If you are considering filing a claim, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the different types of chemical exposure?
Chemical exposure can essentially be broken down into two categories: acute exposure and chronic exposure. Acute exposure is a single interaction with a toxic substance that may result in permanent injuries, such as fibromyalgia or nerve damage. This type of injury generally occurs in physically demanding professions, such as construction sites.
Chronic exposure, however, is a slow and steady exposure to a chemical over a long period of time. This exposure accumulates as time goes on, damaging the immune system, respiratory system, or even causing cancer. In some cases, an individual is exposed to toxins that seemingly have no effect until he or she is exposed to one large dose of the toxin, quickly reaching a toxic level, and causes injuries similar to acute exposure.
Some of the most commonly found chemicals on construction or industrial worksites are asbestos and benzene. Asbestos is a fibrous material that is now widely linked to cases of mesothelioma, a form of cancer that breaks down the lining of the chest and abdomen, causing difficulty of breathing and death. Benzene, known to cause cancer and other health problems, is still commonly used in industrial plants, putting printers, steelworkers, rubber manufacturers, and laboratory technicians at risk.
How do I recover compensation?
There are laws in place to limit toxic exposure, and if a person is overexposed, he or she should recover financial compensation. Toxic torts essentially rely on the same principle of proving negligence as other personal injury claims. However, these cases are notoriously hard to win, as the other side will very often hire aggressive representation. Do not let them get away with it. Toxic chemical exposure can be life-threatening, which is why you must hire an experienced attorney to help recover the compensation you need. This compensation can help with your medical bills, in-home care costs, lost wages, and more.
Contact our New York City firm
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. Call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer.
