What Is Toxic Exposure?
Toxic exposure refers to the harmful contact with or ingestion of substances that can lead to adverse health effects.
What Are Some Ways You Can Be Exposed to Toxic Chemicals?
There are several common ways you can be exposed to toxic chemicals. These include:
- Workplace exposure. Many Texans work in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, petrochemicals, or agriculture, which use hazardous chemicals.
- Environmental contamination. Texas is home to various industries with the potential to contaminate the environment. Contaminants can seep into the soil, water, and air, affecting nearby communities.
- Pharmaceutical and consumer products. Toxic exposure can also result from using defective or harmful pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetics, or consumer products.
- Home and residential areas. Individuals may sometimes face toxic exposure in their homes due to faulty construction materials, lead-based paint, or mold infestations.
- Natural disasters. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can release harmful substances into the environment, affecting communities and causing toxic exposure.
Each of these situations can expose you to toxic substances, which can lead to serious health injuries.
What Are Some Common Health Effects of Toxic Exposure?
Toxic exposure can lead to a wide range of health problems, including:
- Respiratory issues
- Skin disorders
- Cancer
- Neurological disorders
- Birth defects
- Organ damage
- Mental health issues
The health effects of toxic exposure can be either short- or long-term. Short-term health effects are often apparent immediately and can range in severity. Long-term health effects usually happen over time and are often permanent.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
If you have been exposed to a toxic substance, you may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages. Depending on the circumstances of your exposure, there are several legal claims a chemical exposure attorney may want to pursue:
- Personal injury. You may file a personal injury lawsuit if you’ve suffered physical or psychological harm due to toxic exposure resulting from someone else’s negligence.
- Workers’ compensation. If a toxic substance injures you while at work, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. It is important to note that in Texas, workers’ compensation coverage is not mandatory for employers, and if they don’t have this coverage, you can’t pursue a workers’ compensation claim.
- Toxic tort. Toxic tort claims are specific to harm caused by exposure to harmful substances. These claims can involve multiple plaintiffs exposed to the same chemicals.
- Product liability. A product liability claim may be applicable if a defective product or equipment caused the exposure.
- Environmental lawsuits. Environmental laws may have been violated in some cases, leading to chemical exposure. Environmental lawsuits can address these violations.
To pursue these legal claims, it is essential to consult a chemical exposure lawyer so they can help you determine the best course of action.
Contact a Toxic Exposure Attorney
Exposure to toxic chemicals is a serious matter that can have life-altering consequences. If you’ve been exposed to toxic chemicals in Texas, taking the appropriate legal steps is crucial to protect your rights and seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Armstrong, Lee & Baker LLP is a Texas-based firm with experience in protecting our clients from toxic exposure. The toxic exposure lawyers at Armstrong, Lee & Baker are problem solvers who have won millions of dollars for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
