An exposure to toxic chemicals can have serious consequences, including the need for lifelong medical treatment. A person who was exposed to these chemicals can seek compensation. However, the process can be time-consuming and complicated. An experienced Lake County toxic chemical exposure lawyer could evaluate the circumstances of the case and help you file the right claim. Together, you can fight for the opportunity to recover fair damages.
Contact our dedicated premises liability attorneys today for a free consultation.
Who Is Responsible for Toxic Chemical Exposure?
In many cases, a person may not understand that they have been exposed to toxic chemicals until they start having serious symptoms. By that time, their body has already sustained damage. Such exposure can occur anywhere from the workplace to the backyard. The responsible parties can be:
Employers
Employers can be liable when toxic chemical exposure happens in the workplace. This happens if they:
- Fail to provide proper protective gear
- Fail to follow OSHA safety guidelines
- Do not train workers on how to handle hazardous materials
Long-term exposure in industrial plants or agricultural settings often occurs because an employer acts negligently.
Property Owners
Landlords and property owners have a legal duty to disclose known environmental hazards on their properties. If a property contains substances (e.g., lead paint, asbestos), and the owner fails to warn occupants or tenants, they may be held liable
Manufacturers
Product manufacturers can be responsible for chemical exposure when they fail to test their products properly. This often includes manufacturers of pesticides and cleaning supplies.
Industrial Facilities
Companies that manufacture or dispose of chemicals can be liable if they release hazardous substances into nature. In many cases, communities near chemical plants are unknowingly exposed to these pollutants. Facility operators can be held accountable for environmental contamination.
Government Agencies
In some cases, government agencies responsible for regulating environmental safety may fail to take action against known hazards. If an agency ignores reports of contamination or approves unsafe chemical use, victims may be able to pursue legal action.
Each of these situations warrants different legal action. An experienced toxic chemical exposure attorney in Lake County could help explain what steps to take.
Toxic Chemical Exposure Claims
Laws in Florida protect people who have suffered from toxic chemical exposure. Depending on the situation, the injured party can file these types of claims:
- Workers’ Compensation Claim: If exposure occurred in the workplace, the injured person can usually file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: A personal injury lawsuit may be filed when someone’s negligence caused the chemical exposure directly.
- Product Liability Claim: If a dangerous product (such as a pesticide or industrial cleaner) led to toxic exposure, the injured party may pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
- Premises Liability Claim: This type of claim is appropriate when a property owner fails to warn visitors about hazardous conditions.
- Environmental Tort Claim: Environmental torts are legal actions against companies or government entities that contaminate natural resources.
It may be hard to understand which laws apply to a specific case. A competent chemical exposure attorney in Lake County can identify the causes and file an appropriate claim.
Talk to a Qualified Toxic Chemical Exposure Lawyer in Lake County Today
When you suffer the consequences of toxic chemical exposure, you could face multiple medical bills and lose your job. To get the compensation you deserve, you need to file a claim. To do that properly, you must work with a skilled Lake County toxic chemical exposure lawyer.
At Largey Law Firm, we have many years of experience helping Lake County residents fight for the money they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today.
