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Chemical Exposure

What Is A Chemical Exposure Lawsuit? [2024 Toxic Tort Guide]

Published By:
Tor Hoerman
Tor Hoerman

Attorney Tor Hoerman, admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association since 1995 and The Missouri Bar since 2009, specializes nationally in mass tort litigations. Locally, Tor specializes in auto accidents and a wide variety of personal injury incidents occuring in Illinois and Missouri.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at TorHoerman Law and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Tor Hoerman, you can do so here.

TorHoerman Law does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

What Is A Chemical Exposure Lawsuit?

A chemical exposure lawsuit involves filing a claim against the parties responsible for releasing or failing to control dangerous chemicals that caused harm to individuals.

Chemical exposure lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the process of a Chemical Exposure Lawsuit, common toxic chemicals and routes of exposure, how lawyers handle toxic chemical exposure cases, compensation sought in toxic chemical exposure litigation, the roles of toxic chemical exposure attorneys, and much more.

Do You Need Help From an Experienced Toxic Chemical Exposure Lawyer?

Exposure to harmful chemicals can have serious and long-lasting effects on your health.

Whether it happens in your workplace, your home, or through the environment, exposure to toxic chemicals can cause significant harm, sometimes even leading to life-threatening conditions.

When this happens, you must understand your legal options for seeking compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Chemical Exposure Lawsuit Guide

If you’ve suffered from illnesses or sustained serious injuries due to dangerous chemicals, you need to hold negligent companies responsible by filing a chemical exposure lawsuit.

At TorHoerman Law, we’ve represented clients in various civil claims involving toxic chemicals.

Chemical exposure claims we currently handle or have handled in the past include the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits, the AFFF Firefighter Foam Lawsuits, the Roundup Weedkiller Lawsuits against Monsanto, Paraquat Lawsuits, and many more.

We’re here to hold toxic chemical manufacturers accountable on your behalf.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to instantly find out if you’re eligible to join a toxic chemical exposure litigation.

Table of Contents

How Does Exposure to Toxic Chemicals Happen?

People can be exposed to dangerous chemicals in several ways.

Understanding how exposure occurs can help you protect yourself and take the right steps if you believe you’ve been harmed.

Ways you may have been exposed to toxic chemicals include:

  • Ingestion
  • Inhalation
  • Direct contact

Ingestion

Ingestion happens when you eat or drink something that contains toxic chemicals.

Contaminated water supplies or food grown near industrial sites may contain harmful substances like pesticides, lead, or other toxic chemicals.

Ingesting these chemicals can lead to immediate or long-term health issues.

Inhalation

Breathing in harmful chemicals (like in cases of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma) is a common form of exposure, especially in industrial workplaces.

Workers may inhale fumes, dust, or gasses containing toxic substances like asbestos or benzene.

Long-term inhalation of these chemicals can cause chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and other severe conditions.

Direct Contact

Direct contact is a common mode of exposure to toxic chemicals like PFAS and those that are found in various weedkillers.

Direct contact with substances like pesticides, solvents, or industrial chemicals can cause toxic chemical injury, skin conditions, organ damage, or systemic illnesses.

During skin contact exposure, chemicals enter the skin and accumulate to toxic levels.

Over time, these chemicals remain in the body, causing various illnesses like cancer.

This is especially the case with cases like the AFFF Lawsuits where victims suffered direct exposure to high levels of PFAS chemicals (forever chemicals) in firefighting foams used by the military and other industries.

Common Environments for Toxic Chemical Exposure

Unfortunately, chemical exposure can happen in a variety of settings.

Some of the settings that can render you and others susceptible to toxic chemical exposure include:

  • Industrial workplaces
  • Agricultural settings
  • Residential areas near contaminated sites

Industrial Workplaces

Factories, chemical plants, and construction sites are common places where workers are exposed to toxic chemicals.

Industrial workers in these environments might come into contact with asbestos, lead, or solvents daily.

Without proper safety measures, exposure can be frequent and harmful.

Agricultural Settings

Farmworkers and people living near farms often face chemical exposure risks from pesticides and herbicides.

Chemicals like glyphosate, commonly found in products like Roundup, can drift from fields into residential areas, leading to unintentional exposure.

Residential Areas Near Contaminated Sites

Communities near industrial sites or contaminated water sources face exposure risks simply by living in the area.

Chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which can contaminate water supplies, may go unnoticed for years until residents start experiencing health problems or utilities actively test for the presence of these chemicals.

Toxic Chemicals Commonly Involved in Exposure Lawsuits

Chemical Exposure Lawsuits are centered on claims of exposure to hazardous substances both in the workplace and in other settings.

Beneath these claims are several chemicals that have caused injuries and illnesses for those exposed.

Individuals affected by these substances may develop respiratory issues, cancers, neurological disorders, and other serious medical conditions.

Cases of chemical exposure highlight the need for stricter regulations and accountability in environments where these hazardous chemicals are present.

Common toxic chemicals involved in hazardous chemical exposure claims include:

  • Asbestos
  • Benzene
  • PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
  • Glyphosate
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Lead
  • Many additional toxic chemicals and other contaminants

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials.

While it is durable and heat-resistant, asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer.

The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be decades, meaning symptoms may not appear until long after exposure.

Benzene

Benzene is a chemical found in industrial products, including plastics and solvents.

It is also present in tobacco smoke and vehicle emissions.

Long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia and other blood disorders.

In the case of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits, benzene is among the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that were found in the military base water supply.

As a result, those exposed to the contaminated water supply developed various illnesses linked to benzene exposure, like acute myeloid leukemia.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in products like firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, and water-resistant clothing.

These chemicals can persist in the environment and the human body for long periods, leading to health issues such as kidney and liver damage, immune system problems, and increased cancer risk.

PFAS exposure resulted in serious health problems, including cancer, in plaintiffs in the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.

Exposure to PFAS (forever chemicals) has been linked to:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • and several other types of cancer and serious health issues

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides, namely Monsanto’s Roundup Weedkiller.

Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers.

Lawsuits involving glyphosate exposure have increased in recent years, particularly for farmworkers, landscapers, and those living near treated areas.

One of the most well-documented lawsuits involving glyphosate exposure is the Roundup Weedkiller Lawsuit.

There are already thousands of lawsuits against the manufacturers, and many of the plaintiffs developed various cancers as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals in the herbicide.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a common hazardous substance, but not one that most mass tort lawyers actively investigate for lawsuit claims.

Carbon monoxide a colorless gas that’s a by-product of combustion.

Exposure to carbon monoxide gas happens mainly through the inhalation of fumes from vehicle smoke or any form of combustion.

Carbon monoxide easily binds to red blood cells, meaning inhaling it in high doses can quickly lead to adverse health effects.

Some of the effects of carbon monoxide exposure include:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Choking
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain
  • Decreased tolerance to physical activities

Left untreated, carbon monoxide exposure can lead to severe damage to tissues and organs like the brain.

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal found mainly in various chemicals like paint and various building materials like pipes and solder.

As a heavy metal, it’s naturally occurring but is harmful in high doses.

Exposure to high levels of lead can result in lead poisoning, which causes:

  • Blood pressure changes
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Miscarriage
  • Cognitive deficits
  • Reduced sperm motility

Other Hazardous Substances and Toxic Chemicals

Chemical exposure lawyers have also investigated several other toxic materials and substances in which legal action has arisen due to individual exposure.

Attorneys have or are actively investigating personal injury cases related to the following substances:

The Health Effects of Toxic Chemical Exposure

The health impacts of toxic chemical exposure are as varied as the chemicals themselves, shaped by the type, concentration, and duration of exposure.

Each substance we encounter possesses its own profile of harm, lurking in workplaces, homes, and even in the air we breathe.

Some harms appear suddenly, demanding immediate attention, while others manifest quietly, creeping through years before revealing their toll on the body.

Acute Effects

Acute exposure is short-lived yet potent, where contact with toxic chemicals can bring swift and often severe reactions. Here, the body protests, its responses as urgent as the threats themselves. The effects might be as visible as skin irritation, as gripping as nausea, or as disorienting as dizziness.

For many, acute exposure means:

  • Skin irritation, burns, or rashes
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Waves of nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent headaches
  • Loss of balance or dizziness

For some, a single exposure leaves lasting scars, while for others, the symptoms may subside, only to return later with chronic conditions tied to that initial contact.

Chronic Effects

Chronic exposure is a quiet trespass, a gradual invasion by toxins that burrow into the body over time.

Unlike the immediacy of acute exposure, chronic exposure happens subtly, often unnoticed, as chemicals accumulate in the body through daily contact with contaminated water, air, or materials.

Chronic health problems can include:

  • Respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Cancers such as lung cancer, leukemia, or mesothelioma
  • Neurological disorders
  • Liver or kidney damage
  • Reproductive health issues

For many substances, these effects are slow to surface. Asbestos, PFAS, benzene—each carries a lengthy latency period, sometimes spanning decades, that makes tracing illness back to exposure as challenging as it is essential.

Here lies a trap in which the gradual wear on one’s health escapes notice, only to reveal itself after irreversible damage has been done.

The Challenge of Chronic Exposure and Delayed Symptoms

The quiet, deceptive nature of chronic exposure deepens its danger.

Many toxic chemicals are stealthy in their harm, with symptoms often emerging long after the initial exposure has passed.

This delay complicates both diagnosis and treatment, as victims struggle to link present-day health crises to distant, forgotten contact with toxic materials.

By the time effects surface, they may have woven themselves into the body’s fabric, resistant to treatment and impacting daily life.

Who's Mostly at Risk for Toxic Chemical Exposure?

Certain groups encounter toxic chemicals at far higher rates, often due to their work or proximity to environmental hazards.

Understanding these vulnerable populations sheds light on patterns of exposure and potential legal remedies while revealing pathways to protect those most affected.

Industrial Workers

Among those most frequently exposed are industrial workers, whose environments immerse them in toxic chemicals daily.

Workers in manufacturing, construction, and chemical production regularly handle substances like asbestos, benzene, and solvents—materials that seep into the air, cling to surfaces, and settle into the bodies of those nearby.

Although safety regulations have evolved, protective measures often fall short, and routine contact with these hazardous materials results in severe health conditions over time.

Respiratory illnesses, cancers, and neurological damage are common, illustrating a grim reality for many laborers who bear the brunt of toxic exposure in the workplace.

Here are some examples of toxic chemicals industrial workers are often exposed to, along with specific industries and associated health impacts:

  • Asbestos: Common in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Despite regulatory limits, workers handling older buildings or insulation are at high risk for exposure.
  • Benzene: Used in chemical plants, petroleum refineries, and the manufacturing of plastics, benzene exposure is linked to leukemia and other blood disorders. Workers handling fuel, rubber, or pesticides encounter benzene regularly.
  • Silica Dust: Workers in mining, construction, and stone-cutting face risks from inhaling silica dust, which can lead to silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Silica exposure has gained attention due to its severe respiratory effects over time.
  • Formaldehyde: Employed in wood manufacturing and plastic production, formaldehyde exposure causes respiratory irritation and is a known carcinogen. Furniture workers and those involved in producing insulation materials often encounter this toxic gas.
  • Lead: Lead exposure, particularly in battery manufacturing and smelting, is associated with neurological disorders and kidney damage. Industrial workers handling metal or electronics recycling face high risks.
  • Industrial Solvents (e.g., Toluene, Xylene): Used in paint manufacturing, printing, and degreasing, these solvents can cause neurological damage, respiratory issues, and organ toxicity with prolonged exposure. Workers in automotive and metal industries often handle these solvents daily.
  • Hexavalent Chromium: Found in metal plating, welding, and paint, hexavalent chromium is linked to respiratory illnesses and lung cancer. Welders and those in electroplating are especially at risk.

These examples reveal the diversity of harmful chemicals across industries, each bringing its unique set of health risks and exposure challenges despite protective measures.

Agricultural Workers

Farmworkers occupy another high-risk group, where exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals is a daily occurrence.

The handling and spraying of these substances involve direct risks, and chemical residues linger on crops, equipment, and even the workers themselves.

Beyond the fields, the threat extends to nearby communities; “pesticide drift” introduces contaminants to the air and water of those living near large-scale farms.

Prolonged exposure in these rural areas has been associated with various cancers, respiratory diseases, and reproductive harm, creating an ongoing public health concern in agricultural zones.

Here are several examples of chemicals that pose risks to agricultural workers, highlighting the widespread impact of toxic exposure in farming environments:

  • Glyphosate: This widely used herbicide, the main ingredient in Roundup, has been associated with an increased risk of cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Farmworkers are especially vulnerable during spraying, as glyphosate residues can linger on crops and in soil, entering the air, food, and water in surrounding communities.
  • Organophosphates: These insecticides, commonly used in agriculture, are linked to numerous adverse health outcomes, including respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and developmental harm. Organophosphates are associated with conditions such as ADHD and muscle weakness, impacting both direct handlers and those who encounter residues on treated plants.
  • Paraquat: This herbicide has been linked to kidney disease and is associated with an elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Farmworkers exposed to paraquat during its application face significant risks, as it is highly toxic even in small amounts.
  • Atrazine: Frequently used on corn and sugarcane crops, atrazine has been linked to reproductive health issues, including disruptions in hormone levels and increased risk of birth defects. Communities near farms often report contaminated water sources due to runoff, affecting both workers and local residents​.

Residents Near Contamination Sites

Communities bordering chemical plants, waste facilities, or factories live under the shadow of potential contamination.

Often, their air, water, and soil are infiltrated by chemicals like PFAS, lead, and other industrial byproducts that seep into the environment.

These “fence-line communities,” as they’re sometimes called, experience heightened risks of chronic illness, particularly cancers, cardiovascular disease, and developmental disorders in children.

For these residents, exposure isn’t a matter of direct contact but of proximity—a reminder of how chemical reach extends far beyond factory walls.

Here are some notable examples of toxic contamination impacting residents near industrial or military sites:

  • Anniston, Alabama (PCB Contamination): In Anniston, residents endured decades of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released by Monsanto’s plant from the 1930s until the 1970s. The contamination affected local water, soil, and air, resulting in heightened risks of cancer, immune disorders, and neurological issues. The EPA declared Anniston a Superfund site, and extensive cleanup efforts continue as residents contend with the long-term health effects of PCB exposure.
  • PFAS Contamination at Military Sites: Across over 700 U.S. military sites, the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam has led to groundwater contamination, impacting communities near bases like those in Michigan, North Carolina, and Alabama. PFAS chemicals—also known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment—have been linked to cancers, thyroid disease, and immune system disorders. This contamination affects not only the military personnel but also the surrounding communities, where water supplies often contain elevated PFAS levels.
  • Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (TCE and PCE Contamination): At Camp Lejeune, toxic chemicals including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) leaked into groundwater over several decades, contaminating the base’s water supply. Both military families and nearby residents faced risks of cancers, birth defects, and other chronic illnesses as a result. This case is one of the largest examples of military-related toxic exposure and has led to numerous lawsuits and legislative action for affected individuals.
  • Flint, Michigan (Lead Contamination): The Flint water crisis revealed widespread lead contamination when the city switched its water source to the Flint River without adequate corrosion controls. This exposed thousands of residents to high levels of lead, particularly affecting children’s development and increasing risks of neurological and behavioral issues. The crisis highlighted the critical need for safe water management and led to federal and state investigations and lawsuits.

These examples underscore the lasting effects of industrial and military contamination on communities that often have no choice but to endure the exposure due to proximity.

The consequences range from immediate health impacts to chronic conditions that manifest years after the initial exposure, demonstrating the deep environmental and public health challenges facing “fence-line communities” across the country.

Regulatory Landscape: How Government Agencies Have Responded to Growing Chemical Exposure Cases

Chemical exposure is a significant public health issue, which is why government agencies and lawmakers have created regulations to manage the use, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

These laws exist to protect individuals from toxic exposure, ensure workplace safety, and preserve environmental quality.

Key regulations that often play a role in chemical exposure lawsuits include:

  • The Toxic Substance Control Act
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration Policies on Hazardous Waste and Chemicals
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations
  • State-Level Regulations

The Toxic Substance Control Act

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted in 1976 to regulate the introduction of new and existing chemicals into commerce.

Under TSCA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for assessing and regulating chemicals that pose a risk to human health or the environment.

The EPA can require manufacturers to provide data on chemical toxicity, demand further testing, or even restrict or ban dangerous substances.

In recent years, there have been amendments to TSCA aimed at improving the regulation of high-risk chemicals like asbestos, formaldehyde, and certain flame retardants.

For individuals exposed to these chemicals, TSCA provides a legal framework that can help establish whether a company violated regulatory standards or failed to meet safety guidelines.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Policies on Hazardous Waste and Chemicals

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for workplace safety, including limiting workers’ exposure to harmful chemicals.

OSHA establishes permissible exposure limits (PELs) for many toxic substances, such as asbestos, benzene, and lead, and requires employers to take steps to minimize exposure, provide safety equipment, and monitor air quality.

If a company fails to comply with OSHA regulations and workers suffer chemical exposure, these violations can form the basis for legal claims.

OSHA citations or investigations can provide important evidence in chemical exposure lawsuits, especially when demonstrating that safety protocols were neglected.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations

The EPA also plays a key role in regulating environmental exposure to chemicals.

It oversees the clean-up of hazardous waste sites through its Superfund Site program and sets limits on air and water pollution through various pieces of legislation, including the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Recent efforts by the EPA have focused on chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been found in drinking water supplies near industrial facilities.

The EPA’s regulatory actions can directly impact chemical exposure lawsuits.

If an industrial plant exceeds the EPA’s permissible limits for toxic emissions, residents who live near the facility and suffer health problems may have a stronger case for compensation.

The EPA’s regulations also help establish what is considered “acceptable” exposure, which can be a critical factor in lawsuits.

State-Level Regulations

Many states have their own laws and regulations governing chemical exposure, which can supplement federal protections.

California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings about chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.

Other states may have stricter regulations regarding air quality, drinking water contamination, or workplace chemical exposure.

These state-level regulations can affect the outcome of chemical exposure lawsuits.

Violations of state laws, even if federal standards are met, can provide additional grounds for claims.

For instance, if a company meets federal standards but violates a more stringent state requirement, victims may still pursue legal action under state law.

How To File a Chemical Exposure Lawsuit

Filing a chemical exposure lawsuit requires careful documentation and legal expertise.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by exposure to toxic chemicals, pursuing legal action can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Steps involved in filing a chemical exposure claim include:

  • Gathering evidence of chemical exposure
  • Determining your potential compensation
  • Establishing liability

1. Gathering Evidence of Chemical Exposure

The first step to a strong toxic chemical exposure claim is proving that exposure happened.

This involves gathering sufficient evidence to support your claim.

Amassing proof can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with substances that have a long latency period (like asbestos or benzene), where symptoms may not appear until years after the initial exposure.

The types of evidence you’ll need include:

  • Medical Records: These are critical for proving the harm you’ve suffered due to exposure. Your medical records should document your diagnosis, treatment, and the connection between your condition and the toxic chemical.
  • Employment Records: If your exposure occurred in the workplace, employment records can help establish the length of time and the conditions under which you were exposed.
  • Environmental Reports: If the exposure happened near your home, environmental reports from agencies like the EPA can show the presence of harmful chemicals in the air, soil, or water.
  • Expert Testimony: In many cases, expert witnesses such as toxicologists or occupational safety experts can provide crucial testimony linking the chemical exposure to your health condition.

Collecting and organizing this evidence is a key step in building a strong case, which is why you need experienced toxic chemical exposure attorneys like us at TorHoerman Law.

We assist our clients by coordinating with medical experts, reviewing environmental data, and ensuring that all relevant evidence is properly documented.

2. Determining Your Potential Compensation

Once you’ve gathered evidence of exposure, the next step is to assess the personal injury damages you’ve suffered.

Damages can be divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are tangible, measurable financial losses you’ve suffered due to your injuries or illnesses.

These include:

  • Medical bills (both current and future)
  • Costs of medical equipment or home care
  • Lost wages due to inability to work
  • Loss of future earning capacity, especially in cases involving permanent disability

Not all damages from hazardous chemical exposure come with a set dollar amount.

In most cases, victims also suffer intangible damages which we term non-economic damages.

These cover the more subjective losses that don’t have a specific monetary value but greatly impact your quality of life.

Subjective losses include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium (in the case of wrongful deaths due to chemical exposure)

You may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer for particularly reckless or intentional behavior, such as knowingly exposing workers or residents to toxic chemicals.

3. Establishing Liability

In any chemical exposure lawsuit, it’s critical to identify the party or parties responsible for the exposure.

Liability could rest with one or more of the following:

  • Manufacturers: If a product containing toxic chemicals (such as pesticides or solvents) caused the exposure, the manufacturer could be held liable.
  • Employers: If the exposure occurred in the workplace, the employer might be liable for failing to provide adequate protection or violating safety standards.
  • Property Owners: In cases where contamination occurred on private property (such as a polluted water supply), the property owner may be held responsible for the harmful conditions.
  • Government Entities: In some cases, government agencies may be liable if they failed to enforce environmental or safety regulations.

Personal Injury Claims, Class Actions, and Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

When pursuing a chemical exposure lawsuit, understanding the types of legal actions available is crucial.

The right approach depends on factors like how many people are affected, where the exposure occurred, and the type of chemical involved.

Often, victims of chemical exposure can pursue legal action in one of three ways: personal injury claims, class actions, and multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Personal Injury Lawsuits

A personal injury claim is the most straightforward type of lawsuit, typically filed by an individual who has been harmed due to someone else’s negligence.

In a chemical exposure case, this might involve a worker who develops a health condition after being exposed to toxic chemicals at their workplace or a homeowner who suffers illness due to contaminated drinking water.

The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to secure compensation for the specific harm done to the individual.

The plaintiff must demonstrate that their health problems were directly caused by the chemical exposure and that the defendant (such as an employer or manufacturer) is liable.

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

An individual exposed to benzene in an industrial setting who develops leukemia might file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer for failing to provide adequate safety measures.

Class Action Lawsuits

In class actions, multiple plaintiffs join together to file a single lawsuit, often because their individual cases share common legal issues.

The court treats the group as a single entity, and any compensation awarded is distributed among the plaintiffs.

Class actions are typically filed when large numbers of people are affected by a widespread issue.

For example, residents of a town whose water supply has been contaminated by a nearby chemical plant might file a class action lawsuit to seek compensation for their medical bills and other damages.

Class actions are also used when the harm suffered by each individual is too small to justify filing separate lawsuits but is significant when combined across many people.

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a legal process used to consolidate similar lawsuits filed in different courts across the country.

Unlike class actions like the earlier asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits where plaintiffs join a single lawsuit, each plaintiff in an MDL retains their individual case.

All of the cases are transferred to one court for pretrial proceedings, allowing for more efficient handling of shared issues, such as discovery and witness testimony.

After the pretrial phase, cases may be sent back to their original courts for individual trials or settlements.

MDLs are common in chemical exposure cases where thousands of individuals are affected by the same substance, but their circumstances differ enough to require separate trials.

One major example of an MDL is the litigation surrounding toxic AFFF firefighting foam.

Firefighters and other individuals exposed to AFFF are filing lawsuits, claiming that the foam caused cancers and other health problems.

Because these cases involve different plaintiffs in various states, they have been consolidated into an MDL to streamline the legal process.

Another well-known MDL involves Roundup herbicide.

Thousands of individuals, particularly farmworkers and landscapers, have filed lawsuits claiming that Roundup exposure caused them to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

How TorHoerman Law Can Help You

Chemical exposure lawsuits can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of toxicology, environmental regulations, and personal injury law.

The attorneys at TorHoerman Law are well-versed in handling these intricate cases and are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Some of the ways we can help you take legal action if you’re the victim of chemical exposure include:

  • Expert case evaluation
  • Proven MDL experience
  • Handling the legal process from start to finish

Expert Case Evaluation

One of the most important steps in any chemical exposure lawsuit is determining whether a valid claim exists.

At TorHoerman Law, we conduct thorough case evaluations to understand the nature of the exposure, the health problems it has caused, and the legal options available.

We work closely with medical experts, toxicologists, and environmental specialists to establish the link between chemical exposure and health conditions.

Our firm also helps clients gather essential documentation, such as medical records, environmental reports, and employment histories, to build a strong case.

Proven MDL Experience

Our firm has successfully represented clients in high-profile chemical exposure cases, including lawsuits involving dangerous products like Roundup, Paraquat, and AFFF firefighting foam.

Our experience in MDL proceedings is particularly valuable as it allows us to navigate the complexities of consolidated cases while ensuring that each client’s unique circumstances are represented.

We understand the nuances of these legal processes and are skilled at negotiating settlements and securing favorable outcomes for our clients.

Handling the Legal Process From Start to Finish

Filing a chemical exposure lawsuit involves numerous steps, from gathering evidence to negotiating with large corporations.

The process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with health issues related to the exposure.

TorHoerman Law is here to take that burden off your shoulders.

Ways we can help you includes:

  • Investigating the source of the exposure: We work with experts to trace the chemical exposure back to its source, whether it’s a contaminated water supply, workplace exposure, or a defective product.
  • Gathering evidence: We help you collect the documentation needed to prove your case, including medical records, environmental reports, and witness testimony.
  • Filing the lawsuit: Our experienced attorneys will handle all the legal paperwork and ensure that your case is filed correctly and on time.
  • Negotiating settlements: Many chemical exposure cases are settled before they go to trial. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work to secure a fair settlement that covers your damages.
  • Going to trial if necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our legal team has the experience and resources needed to present a compelling case in court.

Hold Toxic Chemical Manufacturers Accountable With an Experienced Toxic Torts Law Firm in Your Corner

By understanding the legal process, the types of claims available, and the expertise of a law firm like TorHoerman Law, you can take the first steps toward justice and recovery.

Take legal action if you’ve been the victim of chemical exposure.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible to file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a chemical exposure lawsuit?

    A chemical exposure lawsuit involves filing a claim against the parties responsible for releasing or failing to control dangerous chemicals that caused harm to individuals.

    These lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals.

    Toxic chemical exposure attorneys handle complex and technical cases that require scientific evidence and expert testimony to prove the connection between exposure to toxic substances and resulting injuries.

  • What are the common ways people are exposed to toxic chemicals?

    People can be exposed to toxic chemicals through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

    Common toxic chemicals such as asbestos, lead, carbon monoxide, and sulfuric acid can be found in workplaces, industrial settings, and even contaminated drinking water.

    Industrial workers, in particular, are often at risk due to unsafe working conditions or hazardous waste exposure, leading to long-term health effects and the need for legal action.

  • What health problems can result from toxic chemical exposure?

    Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause a wide range of health issues, including chemical burns, birth defects, lead poisoning, neurological damage, and even cancer.

    Prolonged exposure to substances like forever chemicals and nuclear radiation can have severe long-term effects on the human body, leading to life-altering conditions such as respiratory disease, skin disorders, or chronic pain.

    In toxic chemical exposure cases, medical bills and ongoing treatment costs are often significant.

  • Who can be held liable in a toxic chemical exposure lawsuit?

    In a toxic chemical exposure lawsuit, the parties liable may include chemical manufacturers, employers, or property owners who failed to protect individuals from dangerous chemicals.

    Toxic chemical exposure attorneys work to hold these responsible parties accountable by proving that exposure to toxic substances caused harm.

    Law firms specializing in toxic torts build cases by gathering scientific evidence and testimony from medical and environmental experts.

  • How do I file a toxic chemical exposure lawsuit?

    Filing a toxic chemical exposure lawsuit begins with contacting a toxic chemical exposure lawyer who can evaluate your case.

    A personal injury claim must demonstrate that the exposure caused the injury and that the defendant failed to avoid harming individuals through negligent actions or inadequate safety measures.

    Once exposure is proven, compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress caused by the exposure.

    Individuals can schedule a free consultation with a law firm that handles these complex cases.

Written By:
Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

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