Exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxic substances can happen to anyone, but is more common for those working in compromising environments. Construction workers, miners, textile professionals, and individuals who work in the automotive industry are some of the most likely people to encounter toxic substances such as asbestos, mercury, benzene, styrene, petroleum and oil products, petrochemicals, and other potentially harmful chemicals. With such a prevalence of toxic materials, it is important to know the risks of toxic exposure and have a trustworthy toxic exposure lawyer you can call.
A lot of attention has been given to asbestos as of late, and it is important to understand exactly what this dangerous material is. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines asbestos as the commercial term for naturally occurring fibrous materials that resist chemical and thermal degradation. Fireproof and virtually indestructible, asbestos is typically used in insulation as well as in materials for automotive brakes and textiles. When disturbed, asbestos breaks down into particles that can be easily inhaled and result in mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Other harmful elements to be aware of include pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. Used to kill weeds in crops and insects in the home and on food products, these chemicals have been linked to cancer and delayed neurodevelopment in children. Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and manganese, as well as carbon monoxide fall into water, air, and soil contamination, all of which can become toxic to individuals if they are exposed to them for a prolonged period of time.
Toxic exposure illness occurs when one is in the presence of harmful elements such as those mentioned above. This may happen for a number of reasons, but the most common include a business or company’s failure to properly handle such chemicals. A release, spill, or leak of toxic chemicals into the workplace or environment can cause toxic exposure and result in serious illnesses, diseases, and in some cases death. Workers in every industry have a right to a safe environment and need to be aware of their rights when working in potentially compromising situations. Hiring an experienced toxic exposure attorney or personal injury law firm in North Carolina can help protect against exposure to toxic contaminants.
Personal illness or injury as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals can be accidental but is more often than not a result of negligence or intentional misconduct. Individuals who suffer personal injury as a result of exposure to toxic substances and chemicals should file a toxic tort or chemical exposure lawsuit seeking compensation for their suffering. The best time to file such a claim or lawsuit is immediately upon exposure, or as soon as one is aware of the toxic elements’ existence. Because they often occur in a place of work, chemical exposure lawsuits are typically worker’s compensation lawsuits or personal injury lawsuits.
The team at Cardinal Law Partners is more than capable of handling any toxic exposure lawsuit. Our lawyers, all of whom are certified by the North Carolina Board of Workers’ Compensation, represent clients in both North and South Carolina. With four convenient locations in Greensboro, Charlotte, Belmont, and Raleigh, we are ready to take on any chemical exposure lawsuit or toxic tort and provide you with the legal support and compensation you deserve.
