Exposure to toxic substances can cause severe illness or injury, and ordinary people are often at risk at work, in public spaces, or even at home. However, if you or a loved one suffered an injury or developed an illness because of a toxic substance due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, our New York toxic substance attorneys can help you build an effective case and recover the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Call us today at 1-800-NOW-HURT to schedule a free consultation.
Common toxic substances leading to personal injury cases
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that causes respiratory distress and can result in death. CO is found in combustion engine emissions (vehicles, generators, etc.), gas-powered furnaces and boilers, and even in tobacco products.
Harmful exposure can occur, for example, when gas-heated furnaces malfunction or when a garage is not properly ventilated.
In New York, Amanda’s Law requires CO detectors in all residences with at least one CO source. This law was named in memory of Amanda Hansen, who died in her sleep from exposure to CO due to a defective boiler while sleeping over at a friend’s house.
Toxic Substance: Lead
Lead is one of the most dangerous neurotoxins we know of, and children are especially vulnerable. For children, elevated blood lead levels can lead to permanent neurological damage. Impacts include slowed growth, behavioral problems, and learning impairment.
Lead was common in household paint until it was banned in the 1970s, yet it’s still among the most common ways children are exposed.
To combat this, the City of New York Local Law No. 1 requires landlords to remediate lead-based paint in apartments in which children under the age of six live. Landlords who violate this requirement may be liable for damages related to lead poisoning. To hold a landlord liable, tenants must prove the landlord knew the lead paint was present and was in a state of peeling and knew a child under six was living there.
Lead is also often present in soil near airports and highways and in older water pipes.
Furthermore, certain occupations carry a high risk of lead exposure, including industrial manufacturing and construction, especially when it comes to renovating old buildings; in these cases, parents may unintentionally bring lead into the home environment.
Caustic Substances
Caustic substances are those that can damage organic tissue. They include strong acids and bases, such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and more. Household cleaners (e.g., drain cleaners), pool chemicals, and industrial solvents may contain caustic substances.
Exposure to these chemicals may cause respiratory distress, poisoning, chemical burns, and cancer risk.
Exposure to these substances is common in certain occupations, and only authorized, trained professionals should handle dangerous chemicals.
For example, an employer who doesn’t provide or require proper training could be liable if an untrained employee mishandles caustic chemicals, burning themselves, co-workers, or others.
Black Mold
Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) can be found in damp, poorly ventilated environments, often in bathrooms, basements, and areas affected by water damage or flooding. Exposure can cause respiratory problems, headaches, skin irritation, and other allergic reactions.
For children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or compromised immune systems, the impacts of mold exposure can be more severe. In these cases, landlords or property owners may be held liable.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides and herbicides are used to control weeds, insect infestations, and other pests, but they have often been linked to serious health risks in humans. These substances may cause acute poisoning, respiratory distress, skin and eye irritation, neurological symptoms, and increased cancer risk.
People can be exposed to pesticides in a variety of ways, wherever they may be applied or stored, but those most at risk are often those who work with pesticides on the job.
For example, in recent years, Bayer has paid millions to victims exposed to toxins in Roundup.
How a New York Toxic Substance Attorney Can Help
When you file an injury claim for exposure to a toxic or hazardous substance, you must prove that the toxic substance caused your illness or injury, the extent of your damages, and that another party’s negligence directly contributed to your damages.
To do so, you may need expert testimony to support the extent of your injury/illness and how it will impact your income, quality of life, and long-term prognosis.
Furthermore, depending on the nature of your case, you may be able to join a class-action or mass tort case.
Collecting evidence and establishing negligence are difficult tasks when you are recovering from toxic exposure. A toxic substance attorney serving New York can thoroughly investigate your claim, gather necessary evidence, and fight for maximum compensation. At Buttafuoco and Associates, our legal team has the experience to build your case.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT to schedule a free consultation regarding your case.