What is Toxic Tort Law?

November 30, 2015 @ 9:30 am

Personal injury is the field of law that covers various situations where one party is responsible for injuries inflicted on someone else. In some cases, such as a traffic accident, it is easy to pinpoint a direct link from the accident to the injuries suffered. This direct link can sometimes be more difficult to prove, especially in toxic tort cases.

What is Toxic Tort?

The term toxic tort refers to legal cases stemming from the harm caused by exposure to a toxin or chemical. The exposure can be caused by ground water contamination or the release of noxious gases and other products into the air or environment. The exposure to pesticides and the formaldehyde contained in carpets and treated lumber can occur at home or work. Many life-changing health problems like cancer can be caused by the exposure to these chemicals and other toxic substances, such as asbestos, lead paint and mold. You may also suffer an adverse reaction to substances contained in a new product or medicine, as the ingredients that were thought to be safe proved otherwise. If severe enough, the illness may cause the premature death of the victim. If you or a loved one has been exposed to a toxic material or chemical, you may be entitled to compensation.

Have You Been Exposed to a Toxin?

A major issue of toxic tort cases is that the onset of symptoms can occur several years after the victim was exposed to the toxin. The longer the period between the exposure and the injury or illness, the harder it is to prove a direct link to the toxic substance. As a result, the cause of the illness could be misdiagnosed, which can cause additional pain and suffering. While it may be difficult to prove a direct link, this should not stop you from obtaining legal advice if you feel that you or a loved one has suffered exposure to a health-threatening toxic substance in the past. The fact that many people often show the same types of illnesses or other health problems from exposure to certain toxins can make proving causation easier. If enough people are involved, the large number of court cases can become a class action lawsuit.

Have a Lawyer on Your Side

In toxic tort cases, it is certain that an attorney will represent the defendant. It is important that you have one as well to ensure that your rights are fully protected. These cases often require extensive investigations and the need to acquire expert medical testimony as well as numerous court filings. The lawyers at Morrow, Morrow, Ryan & Bassett have over 170 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases at the state and federal level. In addition to the skills and resources to handle complex toxic court cases, we understand the legal process and have the ability uncover the truth.

If you feel that you are suffering due to exposure to a toxic substance, contact our office for a free consultation. We will discuss your case and determine the best possible course of action, including accepting a settlement offer or going to trial. At Morrow,Morrow, Ryan & Bassett, we are dedicated to fighting for justice so that our clients obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve.