Toxic Exposure Injury Lawyer – Oakland, CA

Though often overlooked in our day to day lives, we are living in a time when we are very much at risk to be exposed to toxic substances that can result in severe injury or even death. Pollution, radiation, and other forms of chemical exposure can be very harmful to us in many ways, and can result in both short or long-term injuries. These kinds of injuries can not only cause potentially life-altering side effects, but can also prove to be very expensive in regards to the medical or legal process that may follow. Luckily, we understand this and are fully prepared to stand by your side to grant you a major financial payout if you are exposed to a harmful chemical.

What is toxic exposure?

Toxic exposure is what occurs when someone comes into close contact with any sort of substance that might cause harm to their physical health. Chemicals might prove to be harmful when they come into contact with or are consumed by the body. Toxic substances obviously include things that are present in hazardous waste disposal sites or other areas in which these chemicals are known to be present; however, some toxic substances can also be found in products that we use everyday. Some potential toxins that we might come into contact with include those found in cleaning products, fuel such as gasoline, gardening products, and pesticides. In the right conditions, any chemical can prove to be harmful to humans.

It is also important to differentiate what is toxic versus what is hazardous. While a toxic substance can be harmful to your health, a hazardous material is dangerous due to its properties. For example, while a toxic substance can result in illness upon contact, a hazardous substance can explode or be flammable and must be handled with care. Certain chemicals such as gasoline often fall into both categories. 

What are ways in which I might come into contact with a toxic substance?

There are several ways in which we might come into contact with a harmful substance. Anyone who works with chemicals for a living is always at risk to be exposed to a harmful substance, either through skin contact or inhaling. While safety effects are taken at these kinds of workplaces, they are sometimes not enough. Torn safety gloves, ill fitting goggles, or other faulty forms of equipment can lead to direct contact with skin or lungs and can result in severe external injuries or respiratory health issues. Outside of the work environment, there are many risks to toxic exposure at home or in other areas. Substances used in construction or home rehabilitation, such as insulation, often contain materials that can lead to serious health issues. Other ways one might come into contact with a harmful toxin include:

• Contaminated water
• Airborne pollutants
• Inhaled carcinogens
• Lead exposure 

What kind of injuries can I sustain from toxic exposure?

The toxicity of certain substances varies, but is important if one wishes to understand the negative effects they are at risk of facing. The types of effects based on a chemical range from temporary symptoms like sneezing or vomiting to long-term health risks such a cancer. Potency is the range in which a toxin is armful, with some chemicals proving to have little to no effect on the body while others can potentially be lethal. When a chemical is consumed, it can be metabolized into smoothing potentially harmful to the body based on its properties and can result in certain diseases such as cancer or liver failure.

The ways in which one might be exposed to a certain chemical are also important based on the way it might effect the person exposed; a chemical that is harmless upon contact to the skin might be potentially life-threatening if inhaled or ingested. As such, chemicals affect different areas of the body differently. Certain chemicals can cause specific harm to the respiratory system while having no effect on the digestive or reproductive systems; conversely, a substance harmful to the reproductive system may have little to no effect on the respiratory or digestive systems.

If you experience any short or long-term health issues following potential exposure to a harmful substance, you should seek medical attention immediately.

What are my options legally?

If you are exposed to chemicals that cause you harm without your knowledge, you may be able to file suit against the entity that is potentially responsible. Polluters, chemical plants, or other potential offenders that may have caused you to be exposed to these kinds of toxins can all be held liable for your injuries or illnesses. Some reasons you may want to file suit include:

• Medical expenses
• Legal expenses
• Pain and Suffering
• Absence from work due to symptoms

If a loved one dies as a a result of these effects, you may be able to sue for wrongful death. A wrongful death claim exists if you are able to prove that the cause of your loved one’s death was the result of any entity that may have been responsible for the initial exposure. Examples of these kinds of entities may include hospitals or consumer product manufacturers.

You might also be able to sue the government for negligence if you are able to prove that they are at fault. Government agencies such as the EPA are responsible for minimizing the amount of toxic exposure and any failure to do so can result in the deaths of those infected. While only claims of negligence are allowed against the government, this can still result in a large financial payout.

Oakland Toxic Injury Attorney

If you are exposed to chemicals that cause you or a loved one harm without your knowledge – you may be able to file suit against the entity that is potentially responsible. Contact my law firm for a free initial consultation with a lawyer, not a paralegal.