Chemical Exposure Lawsuit

Chemical exposure occurs when people come into contact with potentially toxic substances that can harm their health or the environment. These substances can include medications, gases, aerosols and particulates. Chemical exposure happens through:

• Inhalation: Breathing in toxic gases, vapors, mists, dust or particles from industrial sites, contaminated air or cleaning agents.
• Ingestion: Swallowing contaminated water or food. Contamination is often caused by polluted groundwater or soil.
• Skin or eye absorption: Contacting toxic substances through the skin or eyes at work, home or in public areas.
• Environmental disasters: Encountering events like oil spills, train derailments, plant explosions, industrial fires or deliberate chemical releases that leaked chemicals into nearby communities.

What are common chemicals involved in exposure claims?

Many harmful chemicals have been the subject of chemical exposure lawsuits. Chemicals and substances commonly involved in toxic exposure claims include:

• AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam)
• Crude oil
• Fertilizers
• Herbicides and pesticides, including Roundup® and paraquat
• MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether)
• PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
• PCE (perchloroethylene)
• TCE (trichloroethylene)

Our attorneys also represent people exposed to harmful substances that are not chemicals. Motley Rice is involved in several non-chemical toxic exposure lawsuits, including asbestos exposure, talc exposure and silica exposure.

Toxic chemical exposure can cause immediate and long-term health effects. Chemical exposure is linked to the following health problems:

• Cancer: Exposure to certain chemicals is linked to various forms of cancer. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes a connection between exposure to TCE and liver cancer, kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Kidney and liver damage: The liver and kidneys filter toxic substances from the body. This makes them vulnerable to damage caused by hazardous chemicals. Substances associated with kidney and liver disease include PFAS chemicals.
• Neurological damage: Some chemicals are neurotoxins, which can change the function of your brain, spinal cord and nerves. Neurotoxins are associated with loss of coordination and balance, seizures, slurred speech, vision loss, memory loss, behavioral changes and cognitive decline. Some exposures have been linked to Parkinson's Disease. Neurotoxic substances include industrial solvents, cleaning solvents and vinyl chloride.
• Reproductive and developmental issues: Pesticides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been linked to female reproductive issues. These issues include endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure and infertility. In addition, research shows that exposure to PFAS found in drinking water and household products may reduce female fertility by up to 40%. Exposure to some chemicals while pregnant can lead to birth defects.
• Respiratory problems: Inhaling harmful fumes and vapors can cause temporary and chronic lung inflammation, asthma and respiratory failure. Potentially harmful chemicals include chlorine gas and pesticide fumes.
• Skin and eye irritation: Exposure to some chemicals can cause temporary or permanent skin damage. When chemicals come into contact with the eyes, they can cause discomfort, burning, blurred vision and blindness. Chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin and eyes and enter the bloodstream.

If you were harmed by a toxic substance, you likely have questions about pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. You may wonder, “Who can file a chemical exposure lawsuit?” and “Who are the responsible parties?”

Eligibility to seek a chemical exposure lawsuit settlement depends on the circumstances of the exposure, the harms suffered and who may be liable. Common plaintiffs include:

• Consumers exposed to defective products: Consumers may have grounds for a product liability claim if they sustained harmful chemical exposure through contact with defective products, contaminated food, dangerous household chemicals or dangerous building materials.
• Landowners and businesses: Residential, agricultural and commercial property owners can sue for harm caused by chemical contamination of their land or water, resulting in financial loss or health risks.
• Residents near contamination sites: People living near factories, military bases, waste sites or refineries can sue for injuries, illnesses and property damages caused by environmental contamination.
• Workers exposed on the job: Injured workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation, or in some situations, can sue their employer for chemical exposure. Employees are especially at risk in the agriculture, manufacturing, firefighting and construction industries.

Injured parties have a limited time to take legal action. You must file a chemical exposure lawsuit within the time limit set by the statute of limitations. A Motley Rice chemical exposure attorney can provide you with legal advice. Our lawyers can help you seek a chemical exposure settlement before the deadline to do so expires.

Many of the numerous chemical exposure lawsuits have involved Motley Rice attorneys. Our toxic exposure lawyers have pursued lawsuits on behalf of:

• Consumers injured by contaminated, defective and dangerous products
• Government entities fighting to improve health and safety litigation
• Property owners who have health problems or have suffered the destruction of their land and water because of environmental contamination and environmental disasters
• Residents and communities harmed by soil, air and groundwater contamination
• Workers exposed to harmful chemicals and substances at work

Our ongoing chemical exposure cases include:

• PFAS chemical contamination and exposure: PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” accumulate and remain in the environment indefinitely. Their presence in soil, drinking water, animals and agricultural products can significantly affect human health and the environment. Motley Rice lawyers are reviewing and investigating allegations of harm to communities impacted by PFAS. Our attorneys are also acting as Liaison Counsel in multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving PFAS in AFFF firefighting foam.
• Camp Lejeune water contamination: From Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987, countless service members, their families and civilians were exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The exposure is associated with various cancers, birth defects and other life-altering medical conditions. Motley Rice is representing those who were eligible to file a claim.
• Hair relaxer lawsuit: A growing body of research shows a link between chemical hair relaxers and some types of reproductive cancer. Motley Rice's toxic exposure attorneys are reviewing harms associated with chemical hair relaxers and straighteners containing formaldehyde, EDCs and carcinogens.
• Herbicide Lawsuits: Motley Rice is active in litigation involving the herbicide Paraquat and Roundup® weed killers. Roundup lawsuits allege a link between its active ingredient, glyphosate, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Paraquat is associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Motley Rice has advocated for individuals, communities and government entities seeking justice for harm caused by chemical exposure. We know how to navigate the complex medical, scientific and regulatory aspects involved in these types of cases. If you or your loved one suffered an injury, illness or the destruction of your property, we will fight to hold liable parties accountable.

Our chemical and toxic exposure lawsuit experience includes the following cases:

• 9/11 Victims’ Compensation Fund litigation
• BP oil spill lawsuits
• Flavoring chemical lawsuits
• Lead poisoning lawsuits
• Norfolk Southern Train Derailment Lawsuits
• Talcum powder lawsuits

Complete our online form or call 1.800.768.4026 to connect with a Motley Rice chemical exposure lawyer to discuss your legal options. We offer free initial consultations.

Read more about our toxic exposure litigation experience.