Among the most common toxins found in houses are lead (in pipes and paint), asbestos (in insulation), radon and carbon monoxide (in heaters and furnaces). Mercury, toluene, and arsenic can also be present. Contact our office if you believe you may have become ill because of your exposure to a toxic substance

Unfortunately, there are many substances that are toxic to human beings. Some, like strychnine act quickly in harming to the human system. Others, like asbestos, may take decades to show symptoms of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos fibers after being inhaled. At Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, P.C., our attorneys have the experience and knowledge of how to investigate the effects of various toxic substances on the human body which helps to prove liability in a toxic tort lawsuits. Learn more about toxic substances below.

Toxic Substances - An Overview

"Toxic tort" is a term of art used to describe an ever-increasing area of the law covering topics as diverse as asbestos, lead poisoning, prescription medications, medical devises, tobacco, exposure to contaminated groundwater and toxic mold. While state governments and the federal government push for tort reform in an attempt to limit the explosion of toxic tort litigation in the court systems and the large damage awards that come with them, toxic tort cases continue to expand into new areas.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to a toxic substance, contact an attorney in your area for more information on the available legal remedies for your case. An experienced toxic tort lawyer can evaluate your claim and discuss the best options for recovery for your injuries.

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Classes of Toxic Tort Cases

Toxic tort cases span across a diverse group of areas, from hazardous waste clean-up liability under CERCLA to products liability cases to exposure to dangerous substances in the workplace. To gain a better understanding of what a toxic tort is and the breadth of cases that can be filed as a toxic tort claim, please review the information below.

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Sick Building Syndrome

The term Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is used to describe the phenomenon that occurs when occupants in a building suffer illness and other adverse health effects from an unknown cause, but appear to regain their health once they leave the building. The adverse health effects can include skin, eye and throat irritations, headaches, fatigue, nausea and difficulty concentrating.

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Who is Responsible for My Toxic Tort Injury?

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome at the outset of a toxic tort case is deciding who to name as defendants. Toxic contamination can happen from more than one source, and it may not always be evident who is responsible for the toxic tort at the beginning of the case. Below is a general list of some of the potential defendants that may be named in a toxic tort case. The group of defendants in your case will vary depending on the facts of your case and applicable state and federal law.

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Challenges in a Toxic Tort Case

As a plaintiff in a toxic tort case, you must prove that it is more likely than not that the defendant caused your injuries. Because of the unique nature of many toxic tort claims, this can be a difficult task, even if you are suffering from a serious illness.

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Toxic Substances Resource Links

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
As a division of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this public health agency provides ToxFAQ fact sheets on the health effects of various toxic exposures, information on toxic substances like lead and asbestos and other important information.

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The main federal environmental regulation agency's Web site includes detailed information about pollutants and toxins, including their effects on human health.

Haz-Map®
A database containing information about hazardous chemicals and occupational diseases.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH is the main federal agency charged with researching and preventing workplace injury and illness. Its Web site includes a wealth of information about workplace health hazards, prevention tips and chemicals workers may come into contact with on the job.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA, part of the US Department of Labor, works to improve workplace safety and health. Web site includes workplace rules and regulations and detailed information about safety measures that should be taken in the workplace to protect employees' health.

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