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Toxic Tort Lawyers New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia - FAQs
At the Locks Law Firm, serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey, our toxic tort lawyers are pleased to answer your questions about your legal rights and the litigation process. If you wish to speak with an expert in New Jersey or Pennsylvania about chemical exposure, contact the lawyers at the Locks Law Firm for a free case evaluation.
- What is chemical exposure?
- What is a toxic tort?
- Which chemicals are particularly dangerous?
- How do I know if I may have been exposed?
- What does it cost to pursue a chemical exposure lawsuit?
- How can I find a toxic tort lawyer to represent me?
What is chemical exposure?
Chemical exposure occurs when people come into contact with toxic chemicals. A person might suffer from chemical exposure on the job, at home because of a dangerous or defective consumer product or through environmental contamination. Exposure to trichloretheylene, perchlorethylene, poly vinyl chlorides, arsenic, cadmium and other heavy metals that are considered carcinogens or possible carcinogens may cause cancer or neurological diseases in people exposed chronically to these chemicals.
Chemical exposure is responsible for a variety of serious injuries and illnesses. Mesothelioma, acute myeloid leukemia, lead poisoning, some types of cancer, and other serious conditions are all closely linked to exposure to unsafe chemicals. When chemical exposure does lead to injury or illness, our lawyers can help victims defend their rights.
What is a toxic tort?
A toxic tort is a personal injury lawsuit focused specifically on injuries from chemical exposure. Lawyers at the Locks Law Firm file these suits on behalf of individuals who have been injured by chemical exposure.
Toxic torts frequently involve large awards and settlements because of the costs associated with chemical exposure injuries. You can obtain compensation for medical treatments, disability, pain, suffering, and wrongful death. If you select our firm to represent you in a toxic tort case, our Pennsylvania and New Jersey lawyers will look for the scientific or epidemiological links between your disease and the chemicals to which you have been exposed. If there is a scientific connection between the chemical and your disease we will fight for the rights of you and your loved ones to be fully compensated for your injury and its related costs.
Which chemicals are particularly dangerous?
Asbestos is one of the most widely known hazardous chemicals. Asbestos-related litigation is the single largest toxic tort in American history, owing to the high costs of medical care associated with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and similar medical conditions.
Benzene is another extremely dangerous chemical. Benzene exposure is linked to acute myeloid leukemia and other health conditions, including immunodeficiency and reproductive problems.
Lead poisoning is especially problematic in young children, but it can affect people of all ages. Developmental disabilities and other neurological problems are only a few of the potential effects of exposure to lead.
Manganese exposure causes a condition known as manganism that closely resembles Parkinson's disease. Manganese exposure is often the result of welding, smelting, and other metalworking occupations.
Other chemicals that are classified as carcinogens or neuro-toxins can be particularly dangerous especially to those who work in close proximity to them over extended periods of time. These workers are exposed to the chemicals by breathing their fumes as they evaporate and by contact of the skin with the chemicals. These chemicals can enter the body through the skin, known as transdermal exposure, by inhalation, or by ingestion. All three routes of exposure are hazardous to your health.
How do I know if my illness might be the result of chemical exposure?
If you or someone you love suffers from a medical condition that could be caused by chemical exposure, you should speak to one of our New Jersey and Pennsylvania toxic tort lawyers in order to explore all your options. Each situation is different, and connecting an illness with past chemical exposure is sometimes difficult. On the other hand, many conditions are easy to associate with chemical exposure. Mesothelioma, for instance, is nearly always caused by asbestos exposure, and asbestos fibers can be detected in the body. Similarly, lead levels in the body can be measured without much difficulty, and the effects of lead poisoning are well known.
Expert medical opinion is the best way to establish a connection between an illness and chemical exposure. Unfortunately, many doctors are not familiar with the signs and symptoms of toxic exposure, whether it be to asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead paint or toxic solvents. You should therefore seek attention from an occupational disease specialist or other physician who is familiar with toxic exposure to help you make a proper diagnosis. As a part of our commitment to helping New Jersey and Pennsylvania chemical exposure victims, Locks Law toxic tort lawyers will help you to find appropriate physicians who recognize the symptoms of toxic injury or to provide medical literature if any exists to give to your doctor. Most cases that can be successfully pursued have medical literature supporting a link between the chemical in question and the disease in question. Unfortunately, because it is difficult to do the usual type of epidemiological or medical studies with suspected toxic chemicals, it can be difficult in some cases to find the literature making this link. Sometimes, the chemical can be found in the blood or in the fat lipids in the body where many chemicals can be stored for years. If proof of the causal link between your disease and a toxic chemical can be found, our attorneys will fight to gain compensation for you.
What does it cost to pursue a chemical exposure lawsuit?
Chemical exposure lawyers at the Locks Law Firm handle each toxic tort case on a contingency basis. This means that our lawyers will not collect any fees from you before beginning work on your case. Rather than charging an hourly rate, we will collect a percentage of your settlement in the event that we achieve a favorable verdict or settlement in your case. If we are not successful, you owe the firm nothing at all.
How can I find a toxic tort lawyer to represent me?
The easiest way to get legal help fast is to contact the Locks Law Firm at our offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York. Our toxic tort lawyers are standing by to help chemical exposure victims and families in need. To speak with one of our lawyers, simply schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at your convenience.
Contact us to discuss your case with one of our New York, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey chemical exposure and toxic tort lawyers.
