Toxic Tort Claims and Defenses
Toxic substances can be very dangerous and even fatal to your health. Being exposed to toxic chemicals can cause major health issues that are linked to workplace cancer (Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, etc.) Large corporations can be negligent by exposing their workers or people in the community to a toxic chemical and they should be held accountable for being so reckless. Occupational cancer is cancer that is caused wholly or partly by exposure to a carcinogen at work. There have been studies that found talcum powder, asbestos, and round-up to be toxic and cancerous. We sympathize with victims that have been exposed to toxic chemicals and are dealing with pain and frustration. Let our law office represent you, schedule a free case evaluation today!
What is a Mass Tort Claim?
A toxic tort claim is when the plaintiff claims that they were exposed to a dangerous substance that resulted in an injury or illness. A toxic tort claim is often brought up with a class action lawsuit, which is when a group of people alleges the same problem in litigation.
Examples of Toxic Tort Cases
Occupational exposure: Industrial workers are considered at high risk for being exposed to toxic chemicals for an extended time period. This type of toxic exposure is linked to asbestos and mesothelioma.
Pharmaceutical drugs: This case deals with prescribed pharmaceutical drugs that cause unintended side effects. These cases include the antidepressants Zoloft and Prozac and the heartburn medication Zantac.
Consumer products: People that use products that cause unintended illness, such as pesticides, asbestos, and round up.
Paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as “Paraquat”
Also known by the brand name Gramoxone, Paraquat is also sold and marketed as Ortho-Paraquat, Para-SHOT, Parazone, Quick-Quat, Firestorm, Helmquat, Blanco, Cyclone, Bone-Dry, Devour, Purgatory, Willowood, and Bonfire. Paraquat is a chemical herbicide that’s highly toxic and an important tool for the control of weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural settings. A growing body of medical evidence suggests this pesticide also plays a role in Parkinson’s disease in humans.
Parkinson’s disease is a disabling neurological disorder that can be life-altering and permanent. It is caused by neuron degeneration in the brain, which can result from Paraquat exposure. Parkinson’s Disease can begin with a tremor on one side of the body that can evolve to both sides, affect balance, and also cause mental problems such as memory loss. Patients may incur significant costs related to medical bills and change-of-life expenses.
Paraquat Exposure and Poisoning can happen through:
- Inhalations of spray drift
- Direct contact through skin absorption
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that has been linked to the inhaling of microscopic asbestos particles. After being exposed to asbestos it may take a couple of years for it to fully develop. This incurable cancer is visible in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity but it may appear in the tissue surrounding other organs. The life expectancy after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma is between 12 to 21 months.
Learn how the mesothelioma lawsuit process works from experienced mesothelioma lawyers at Ron Austin Law Firm. A mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit allows the cancer patient to seek compensation from the company or companies that exposed them to asbestos. The average compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit trial is $2.4 million. Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may be entitled to significant legal compensation. This compensation includes loss of income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and funeral arrangements. Ron Austin Law Firm and our specialized mesothelioma attorneys are equipped with the extensive knowledge and access they need to have a successful case. We are more than capable of going against manufacturers and job sites that are responsible for the toxic exposure.
There are two primary types of lawsuits that Mesothelioma victims can file.
- A personal injury lawsuit can be filed on behalf of the victim that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- Wrongful death lawsuits can be filed by the family of the deceased victim due to asbestos exposure.
Examples of how victims can be exposed to asbestos
Shipyards, Oil Refineries, Power Plants, & Secondary Exposure
The shipyard, oil refineries, and power plants all contain asbestos in their materials which highly exposes their employees. The material used to construct a ship contains asbestos. The employees may have been exposed by handling paneling, pipes, construction materials, protective clothing, insulation, generators, boilers, adhesives, and other materials.
Secondary exposure is another way someone can be a victim of asbestos exposure. This happens when workers in any of the above industries returned home at the end of the day in the clothes they worked in, they inadvertently exposed their loved ones to the carcinogenic material. Wives doing laundry, children sitting in a parent’s lap, and babies crawling on the floor all could have been exposed to asbestos fibers and could develop mesothelioma many years later.
Let Our Experience be Your Guide
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, allow our firm to fight against those companies that place profit over people. Set up a free case consultation to see if you have a case.
