Any time a toxic substance is mishandled or improperly contained and removed, it has the potential to cause serious health consequences. Unfortunately, all too often companies or workers who are accountable for the handling or removal of toxic materials fail to perform their work in a safe and responsible manner. Any civil (as opposed to criminal) wrong that results in harm or loss to another person allows the injured party to sue the defendant; this type of case is known as a tort. If you or a loved one suffers an illness or injury after being exposed to a toxic substance, you can trust the toxic product liability attorneys in New York at Buttafuoco & Associates to thoroughly investigate your claim and fight for your right to seek compensation.
To learn more about your rights and the compensation that may be available to you, call us at 1-800-NOW-HURT to schedule a free case review.
Who is Responsible for my Toxic Substance Exposure?
When a chemical or substance is labeled toxic, it should serve as adequate warning to handle it with extreme care. When it is improperly handled, this can be considered negligence. Some common examples of negligence in toxic product liability cases include:
- Exposing residents or workers to asbestos, lead or toxic mold in their households.
- Contaminating the soil or groundwater with spilled chemicals or hazardous waste dumps.
- Introducing toxic fumes or gasses into the air supply.
- Contaminating medications or food with the accidental introduction of chemicals.
Liability typically rests on the party responsible for the safe handling or removal of the toxic substance. Defendants in toxic exposure cases could include:
- Chemical transport companies
- Hazardous waste removal teams
- Contractors
- Cleaning crews
- Waste disposal crews
- Corporations
- Drug manufacturers
The nature of the contamination or exposure that caused your injuries will dictate the type of liability claim you will pursue. For example, a pharmaceutical company that sells a medication tainted with a toxic chemical may be liable for damages in a dangerous drug claim. A factory that contaminates water sources near a housing development could be held legally responsible for health issues that arise among residents. These types of cases are frequently in the news.
How to Start a Toxic Tort Claim in New York
In the case of a toxic tort product liability claim, the entity that caused harm can be held liable through a lawsuit. However, individuals are forced to go up against big corporations and conglomerates with lots of money and sizable legal teams who want to settle legal matters for as little money as possible. New York product liability law is also complicated, making negligence cases difficult to prove.
An experienced attorney at Buttafuoco & Associates can give you an honest opinion about the viability of your claim as well as your rights. If you do have a valid case, your attorney will begin investigating immediately: gathering convincing evidence to prove negligence while ensuring you meet key deadlines. We can evaluate the strengths of your case during a free consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
What Financial Recovery am I Entitled to?
The consequences of a toxic exposure vary depending on the type of substance you were exposed to and how long the exposure lasted. The range of injuries that can result from toxic exposure is vast, and includes:
- Chemical burns
- Poisoning
- Respiratory distress
- Tissue or organ damage
- Allergic reactions
- Vision loss
- Chronic or serious illnesses
- Death
If you have a valid negligence claim against the responsible party, you might be entitled to recover compensation for current and future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, caregiver pay, and more.
In another example, if you are a business owner whose office building suffered from contamination (in cases of asbestos or mold), your company may also be entitled to compensation. A contaminated workplace such as an office building or factory will not only harm workers, but impair the work done in the facility, costing time and money. In other words, compensation can vary depending on the specifics of your case, so consulting with an attorney can give you a clear and accurate sense of damages you may be entitled to.
Speak with a New York Toxic Tort Lawyer at No Cost
In the state of New York, there is a three-year period from the date of your injury in which you can file a lawsuit against a negligent party. However, because toxic exposure may occur for years before the source of your injury is discovered, what is known as the “discovery rule,” which allows extensions to the statute of limitations, applies in many product liability cases. Working with a knowledgeable toxic product liability attorney serving New York is the best way to ensure you have a strong case and maximize your compensation.
The New York toxic tort attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates can review your circumstances and explain your right to seek compensation for damages. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, which you can schedule at your convenience. If you have been harmed by a toxic product or situation, don’t wait to hold the responsible party accountable.
Call us today at 1-800-NOW-HURT.