Toxic Tort Claims

A toxic tort claim occurs when someone has been exposed to dangerous chemicals which have caused an illness or disease. These chemicals can be present in a number of different environments and circumstances, including:

• In the pharmaceutical industry e.g. defective drugs distributed to patients
• Occupational exposure e.g. employer negligence or third-party negligence
• Environmental exposure e.g. industrial waste being pumped into the sea
• Radioactive chemical leaks e.g. noise pollution

Exposure To Chemicals

We are all exposed to a small number of chemicals every day but in an industrial setting the intensity of the exposure is far greater and can pose a serious threat. Exposure to dangerous substances can happen to anyone but the people most commonly affected by toxic torts are those who work in an environment where there are dangerous chemical and agents used and handled every day.

Although there are times when your employer is at fault for not complying with health and safety legislation, for example, toxic tort claims can also be made against suppliers, distributors and manufacturing organisations if their negligence can be proven.

If there is a mass toxic tort case then this is often against a pharmaceutical company which has distributed thousands of drugs. These are usually classed as defective product cases and not medical negligence claims as the concern is to do with the product and not the care of patients.

The chemicals which are often seen in toxic tort cases are:

• Asbestos
• Sarin
• Mercury
• Dioxins
• Pesticides
• Silica
• Manganese

Diseases Linked To Toxic Tort Claims

There is an abundance of different illnesses related to the exposure of harmful chemicals in the environment, a few examples of the diseases are listed below:

• Hodgkins disease
• Leukaemia
• Asbestosis
• Mesothelioma
• Lymphoma
• Silicosis
• Pneumoconiosis

For all personal injury claims it is advisable to retain evidence that supports your exposure and it also worth mentioning to your GP that there is a possibility of your illness being caused by the exposure.

Making A Toxic Tort Claim With Jefferies. For more information about toxic tort claims please call Jefferies on 0333 358 3034 or make an online enquiry.