Georgia Toxic Torts Lawyer

Multiple state and federal regulations specify how businesses should handle toxic chemicals. Detailed laws regulate the labeling, transportation, handling, storage, and disposal of these chemicals, so that those who profit from use of industrial chemicals handle them responsibly. However, many companies cut corners or otherwise fail to uphold their compliance obligations, and chemical spills or toxic releases happen with alarming frequency. Toxic emissions harm communities all across the country, and our attorneys have taken on some of the most complex, high stakes pollution fights in state and federal courts throughout the Southeastern United States. And we have won.

At Stacey Evans Law, we are among the most experienced toxic tort attorneys in the Southeast, and help clients injured by pollution or mishandled toxic chemicals. Tackling these problems require specialized skills and a deep knowledge of both the law and the science to uncover the truth and seek justice on behalf of those harmed by wrongful exposure to oftentimes dangerous chemicals. Please contact our Georgia toxic torts lawyer today to find out if you can seek compensation.

Compensation for Toxic Torts Exposure

Toxic chemicals can cause debilitating and sometimes fatal injuries and illnesses. These chemicals are regulated for a reason, and any accidental or negligent release can have debilitating or even fatal consequences. The reasonable of fear of developing injury from exposure to dangerous chemicals can likewise reduce quality of life.

Our legal team has sought compensation for people who have suffered bodily injuries and also those whose property has been contaminated. Any contamination of the water, soil, or air can make the property uninhabitable and frustrate one’s ability to sell it. Aside from our physical and mental wellbeing, we understand that our homes and real property are often the most valuable financial asset we possess, and is likewise the source of immense emotional attachment that may be impaired by wrongful contamination by others.

We can seek monetary damages for:

• Medical bills and lost wages for those suffering injury due to toxic exposure.
• Pain and suffering damages for someone whose toxic exposure upends their normal life.
• Business damages when toxic exposure forces a business to close or when a business incurs costs for cleanup and removal.
• Property damage for private and commercial real estate owners whose property values decline due to toxic release.

Bringing a Toxic Tort Claim

Under Georgia and similar state laws, these cases are oftentimes grounded in either negligence or strict liability. Either way, our attorneys have the required knowledge of federal and state regulations and standards and can identify whether a business or entity violates the applicable standards that led to the damages sustained by the affected persons.

With a negligence claim, under appropriate circumstances we allege that the defendant did not use reasonable care in the labeling, transportation, storage, handling, or disposal of dangerous chemicals. Some defendants are ignorant of the rules, which is not a defense. In fact, failure to identify the correct way to handle chemicals is a sign of a lack of care.

In many cases, however, toxic tort cases are brought under strict liability because these chemicals are abnormally dangerous. The law increases the responsibility of companies that traffic in very dangerous chemicals to handle them properly, so that the public isn’t left to improperly bear the cost for the profit-seeking activity undertaken by industry.

Types of Environmental  Claims

• Improper chemical, waste handling and disposal
• Water Pollution and Soil, Groundwater Contamination
• Air emissions
• Land Use and Zoning
• Stormwater Flooding
• Enforcement of Environmental Laws in Georgia
• Regulatory Compliance/Permit Violations

Types of Dangerous Chemicals

Countless dangerous compounds in liquid, solid, or gaseous form can pollute or poison. Some of the more common toxic tort cases stem from a defendant’s use of:

• Asbestos—this fire-resistant compound has historically been popular in buildings and the manufacture of certain products. This mineral naturally occurs alongside talc and can make its way into health and beauty products such as baby powder when talc is not mined and processed properly. When inhaled, asbestos can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) —this group of man-made chemicals is used in various industrial and consumer products for its water and stain resistant properties. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and the human body. Exposure to even miniscule concentrations over time can lead to serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption.
• Diacetyl—this is a chemical used in food flavoring. Victims have suffered serious respiratory problems.
• Ethylene Oxide (EtO) —this colorless gas is used to sterilize medical equipment and as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals. Ethylene oxide is a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of cancer, particularly lymphoma and leukemia, as well as respiratory and neurological issues.
• Pesticides—various pesticides are dangerous because they lack proper labeling and can lead to cancer and other illnesses. A chemical used in the popular weedkiller Roundup has recently been identified as a carcinogen.
• Lead paint—when digested, lead paint can lead to severe neurological damage, developmental delays, and other health problems, especially in children.
• Coal Ash—this is a waste byproduct of burning coal for energy, containing toxic, heavy metals that do not belong in our water, such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. When improperly disposed of, coal ash can contaminate water supplies, leading to severe health risks such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and developmental issues in children.
• Benzene—this is a popular chemical with many uses in manufacturing and industrial processes. It can damage cells and sometimes leaks from storage facilities or is emitted by industries into the air. Benzene is a known carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to blood disorders like leukemia.
• PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) —This group of man-made chemicals is used in electrical equipment, hydraulic systems, and other industrial applications. PCBs are persistent environmental pollutants that have been linked to cancer, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues.
• Mold—toxic mold can cause flu-like symptoms and severe illness when left untreated. Mold can grow uninhibited in many buildings due to poor construction and water intrusion. Lead paint—when digested, lead paint can lead to developmental problems in children.
• Mercury—this naturally occurring element is used in various industrial processes and products, including thermometers and batteries. Mercury exposure, particularly in its methylmercury form, can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system, with particularly severe effects on fetal development.
• Hexavalent chromium—exposure to hexavalent chromium, sometimes referred to as Chromium 6, can cause cancer and other serious illnesses.
• Dioxins—this group of chemically related compounds is formed during industrial processes, such as waste incineration and chemical manufacturing. Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage, and hormone disruption.
• Arsenic—this naturally occurring element is found in soil and groundwater and is often released through industrial processes. Chronic exposure to arsenic can lead to skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurotoxicity.

Do You Have a Claim? Contact a Georgia Toxic Torts Attorney

Stacey Evans Law is available to speak with anyone who suspects that toxic exposure has harmed them. Please call us today to schedule a call.

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