You may sometimes hear references in the media to a “toxic tort” case. But what is a “toxic tort,” and why might it matter to you?
What is a Toxic Tort?
In simple terms, a “toxic tort” is the basis of a lawsuit arising from exposure to dangerous chemicals or substances. When the exposure is caused by the contamination of drinking water, air pollution, or the presence of disease-causing chemicals in the workplace, victims may have a right to compensation in a toxic tort suit.
How Can Toxic Torts Hurt People?
Toxic torts can cause a large number of potential effects, ranging from immediate sickness, to longer-term problems that may not become immediately apparent. For example, various sorts of environmental contaminants are associated with an increased risk of cancer and birth defects. Because of this, you may not even realize you were exposed to a toxin until months or years after the fact.
Why Are Toxic Torts Unique?
Toxic torts differ from other types of personal injury lawsuits for two reasons. First, due to the nature of the harm they cause, a toxic tort rarely has just one victim, and thus often results in suits involving dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of plaintiffs. Second, toxic torts, and especially ones involving environmental contamination, can be incredibly complex, due to the difficulty of proving individual illnesses or injuries have been caused by toxins to which plaintiffs may have been exposed.
What Should You Do if You Are a Victim of a Toxic Tort?
Unfortunately, just about anyone might be the victim of a toxic tort at any time. If you believe you have been exposed to contaminated water, air pollution, or any other kind of environmental contaminant, and you have suffered health problems as a result, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling these sorts of claims. They can help you define your legal options and determine what may work best for your needs.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We have decades of experience assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.