Torts are injuries that individuals suffer when other people are negligent or engage in non-criminal actions. For example, when a Texas resident is involved in a car crash with a distracted driver, the distracted driver’s negligence may be found as the cause of the accident and the tort suffered by the victim. Torts can happen in many different contexts.
When a tort involves a dangerous or toxic substance, it is called a toxic tort. Toxic torts can cause many different injuries, illnesses, and losses. Not all personal injury attorneys handle cases caused by toxic torts, and victims who have sustained injuries from dangerous substances can seek help from knowledgeable lawyers about their possible claims.
Examples of toxic torts
Toxic chemicals and materials are everywhere. Regulations dictate how and where they can be stored by the entities that use them. When they fail to take the necessary precautions to prevent spills and contaminations by those chemicals and substances, entities can be held liable for the toxic torts suffered by victims.
The following substances have been subject to litigation in toxic tort suits:
- Asbestos
- Lead-based paint
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pesticides and DDT
Electrical fields involving magnetic power have also caused toxic torts in victims.
Seeking damages from a toxic tort loss
Toxic chemicals can cause long-term and permanent damage to victims, including but not limited to cancers, brain damage, and birth injuries. When a person suffers a toxic exposure, the full extent of their injuries may not be fully known. Their suffering may last for their lifetime and change over the years.
When entities make mistakes with the use and storage of dangerous substances, victims often pay the price. Their losses can be costly and their injuries may keep them from working. They may lose their ability to support themselves and their loved ones. They may turn to litigation to recover their damages. All victims of toxic torts can talk to legal representatives about their claims as this post offers no legal advice.
