Toxic torts are not your typical personal injury claim. Instead of litigation over an injury caused in a car accident, fall, or dog bite, for example, these lawsuits generally involve illnesses stemming from exposure to toxic substances or chemicals. Some examples can include mold, caustic chemicals, asbestos, or lead.

If you are living with serious health consequences due to toxic exposure, now is the time to seek guidance from a dedicated injury lawyer. The right approach could help you secure financial compensation. Instead of handling your case on your own, reach out to a Newport Beach toxic tort lawyer today.

Types of Toxic Tort Cases

A Newport Beach toxic tort attorney could help with an array of different cases. These lawsuits can involve exposure to any type of dangerous substance, from chemicals that cause severe burns to toxins that may lead to cancer.

In order for a claim to succeed, there must be evidence that this exposure occurred as the result of negligence. Often, corporate entities are at fault for spilling chemicals or dumping toxic waste in a way that seeps into the groundwater. It may be possible to hold these companies accountable with a civil suit. Some of the situations that can lead to legal action include the following:

Toxic Mold

Exposure to dangerous levels of mold can result in serious, chronic medical issues. This often starts with flu-like symptoms, including itchy eyes, headaches, and congestion. Over time, symptoms can worsen to the point that they may become fatal.

Mold can grow anywhere that has a combination of moisture and organic material, but it is especially common in areas with water leaks, poor ventilation, or damp conditions. Property owners have an obligation to check for issues like burst pipes, and they are also required to fully remediate any water damage after a leak or flood. Failure to do so can result in dangerous mold growth.

Chemical Burns

Many toxic tort cases involve exposure to caustic chemicals and substances that are harmful when they come into contact with skin. Chemical burns are especially common in cases where hazardous material is spilled, causing it to come into contact with someone’s body.

Asbestos

One of the most dangerous types of toxic tort cases involves asbestos, which is a substance that was previously used for insulation in buildings. It includes millions of microscopic fibers that can lead to respiratory issues—including cancer—when inhaled. Even a limited amount of exposure can have lasting consequences. While this material was largely removed from buildings decades ago, exposure is still possible.

Time Limits on Filing a Tort Claim

Plaintiffs have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit with the help of a Newport Beach toxic tort attorney. A lawyer could ensure you comply with the deadline in these cases, which is known as the statute of limitations.

Typically, you have two years from the date of exposure to file a toxic tort lawsuit, but you could have additional time if you did not immediately discover your illness. For wrongful death actions, the two-year window begins to count down on the date of a person’s passing.

Talk to a Newport Beach Toxic Tort Attorney Today

If you are living with health issues after coming into contact with hazardous materials, you could be entitled to a financial award. Instead of resolving your case on your own, reach out to a Newport Beach toxic tort lawyer today and schedule a private consultation.