Toxic exposure is a scary and overwhelming health risk that can leave you wondering about your future and your legal rights. If someone is guilty of carelessly or negligently exposing you to a toxic or hazardous substance in Austin, Texas, you may be able to hold that party responsible for your related losses.
Working with an experienced Austin personal injury lawyer can help make the claims process easier for you and your family. Your lawyer can inform you of your rights and assess your situation to help you make educated decisions moving forward.
Toxic exposure describes any situation where an individual comes into contact with a dangerous, harmful or toxic substance. When this situation results in harm, such as injuries, illnesses, chemical burns or death, the victim has the right to file a related insurance claim or lawsuit in an effort to be made whole again.
Toxic exposure can occur in various settings, including the workplace, the environment, a public place or right at home. Examples of harmful substances that could lead to toxic exposure claims in Texas include:
Toxic exposure occurs most often in work settings, such as at construction sites, power plants and industrial facilities. However, the risk of toxic exposure exists virtually anywhere that dangerous toxins are present.
The effects of being exposed to a toxin will depend on the type and nature of the substance, as well as the severity and length of the contact. In some cases, it can be difficult for the victim to identify the cause of his or her health problems, leading to a harmful delay in medical treatment. This is especially true of workers who suffer daily exposure to harmful substances.
Possible health effects from toxic exposure include:
What makes these cases so severe is that the outcome of toxic exposure can be highly unpredictable. The health effects of toxic exposure can vary widely depending on the substance and duration of the exposure. Victims may suffer acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) effects and health conditions. In the most severe cases, permanent disability and death can occur.
Being exposed to hazardous chemicals or toxins can have legal implications. Injuries, illnesses and deaths that arise because of toxic exposure can lead to lawsuits if the exposure could have been prevented. While nothing can ever make up for the pain a victim suffers, a legal claim can bring a sense of closure by providing justice, accountability and financial compensation.
A personal injury claim is based on the argument of negligence, or the failure to act with proper care. It claims that an accused person or party, known as the defendant, owed the victim or plaintiff a duty of care but breached this duty with a careless or reckless act. If this breach of duty resulted in harmful toxic exposure, the victim can file a claim. The victim must prove that the defendant was negligent to win this type of case.
Employers in Texas that are guilty of exposing their employees to hazardous substances at work can be held responsible. If an employer did not maintain a safe work environment, failed to warn staff of known hazardous substances or did not equip employees with the correct personal protective equipment, this can lead to liability (financial responsibility) for the employer.
If toxic exposure occurs due to a defective product, such as chemicals or medications that do not have proper warning labels, the manufacturer or distributor of the product can face product liability claims. These cases often take the form of class action or mass tort lawsuits, which involve multiple plaintiffs going up against the same defendant.
Whether you were exposed to toxic chemicals because of your job, a consumer product or a natural disaster, legal remedies may be available to help you become whole again. The legal system in Texas gives victims of toxic exposure the opportunity to seek justice in the form of financial compensation.
A successful case could help you move forward by providing compensation for the following:
Understanding your rights as a victim of toxic exposure in Texas can enable you to pursue fair financial compensation for your losses. It’s important to understand the true value of your case before you deal with an insurance company; that way, you can seek fair compensation for the full extent of your losses from the at-fault party.
You don’t have to deal with the aftermath of toxic exposure alone. You can count on a personal injury attorney to represent, advocate and stand up for you during this difficult time. A lawyer will take the time to carefully review your case and answer any legal questions that you have, guiding you toward the best way forward.
From there, your lawyer can handle the complicated legal processes required to file a claim, educating you on your rights and options along the way. Your lawyer can deal with insurance companies for you to prevent you from being taken advantage of. Most importantly, your lawyer will make sure you have the medical care and everything else you need to recover.To discuss a specific toxic exposure case in Austin with a highly experienced and knowledgeable attorney, contact FVF Law Firm 24/7. We provide no-cost, no-pressure consultations so that you can make informed decisions. Our personal injury attorneys don’t charge any fees upfront and only get paid when you get paid. Call (512) 640-2146 today for more information.