Louisiana chemical spill type of incident that leads to toxic tort cases

May 04, 2013 (Press-News.org) Louisiana chemical spill type of incident that leads to toxic tort cases

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Economic activity comes at a price. From traffic accidents that stem from the transportation industry to hazardous chemical spills, many productive industrial pursuits have the potential to cause harm.

When individuals are injured or even killed by such activities, those responsible for causal safety oversights have a duty to provide just compensation. A personal injury lawsuit based on injury caused by exposure to a dangerous chemical is known as a toxic tort.

A recent incident out of Louisiana is a good example of the type of mishaps that often lead to toxic tort claims.

Scent of burning tires and oil as hydrogen sulfide and benzene spill from pipeline

On April 3, residents of Chalmette began complaining of a strong and unusual scent. The odor was purportedly similar to that of burning tires and oil. Sure enough, the ExxonMobil refinery located in the town went on to announce a chemical leak that resulted from a break in a pipeline.

It is unclear exactly which chemicals were released and in what quantities. However, ExxonMobil has admitted that at least 100 pounds of hydrogen sulfide escaped through the broken pipeline, as well as 10 pounds of benzene; hydrogen sulfide is a highly poisonous gas, and benzene is a colorless liquid that is a known carcinogen.

Exposed to a hazardous substance? A toxic tort lawyer can help

Toxic tort cases arising out of incidents like the recent Louisiana chemical spill can be complicated. For one thing, the negative effects of exposure to a toxic chemical might not manifest for months or even years. Sometimes victims are not even aware they have been endangered by chemical exposure, and without compelling evidence, it can be very difficult to link a health condition to a past exposure. In addition, while toxic tort cases are sometimes brought by individual plaintiffs, many of them involve multiple victims or even entire communities; the added complexities of a class action toxic tort can be overwhelming for lawyers who lack experience with this type of case.

While any number of incidents can lead to a toxic tort claim, some of the most common toxic tort cases revolve around liquid chemical spills, toxic substances used as building materials in housing units and inhaled poisons that are inadvertently released into the air through explosions or some other method of release. If you or a family member has been near a toxic site and suffered harm as a result, you need legal representation.

An experienced toxic tort attorney can uncover the evidence you need to prove that hazardous substances released by an industrial entity caused your injury or illness. Strong legal representation will help ensure that you receive every penny to which you are entitled. If you have been harmed by a toxic exposure, get in touch with a toxic tort lawyer today to begin building your case.