{"id":358057,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/toxic-torts.html"},"modified":"2023-08-29T12:05:22","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T17:05:22","slug":"toxic-torts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/toxic-torts.html","title":{"rendered":"What Are Toxic Torts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Are Toxic Torts?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Toxic torts<\/span> are civil claims brought by people who suffer illness or injury after being exposed to harmful chemicals or hazardous substances<\/span>. These cases often involve workplace exposure, dangerous products, or environmental contamination<\/span>. They require proving both the exposure and the link between the toxin and the harm.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the mid-20th century, toxic chemicals<\/span> were everywhere. People didn\u2019t think much about them. These rising industrial chemicals were not considered particularly dangerous. That perception quickly changed as people became ill from chemical exposure<\/span>. Toxic chemicals<\/span> in the groundwater and soil were the cause of health problems, illness, and death.<\/p>\n

Proving that manufacturers and users of toxic products are liable for the harm caused has been an ongoing battle. Toxic tort<\/span> litigation<\/span> increases yearly for people and their loved ones harmed by toxic substances<\/span><\/a> and for environmental damage caused by their use.<\/p>\n

Tort claims are complex and time\u2011sensitive. A toxic tort<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> near you can help evaluate your situation and pursue fair compensation for your illness or injury.<\/p>\n

Toxic Torts<\/span>: The Basics<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0tort\u00a0is a civil wrong \u2014 an injury to a person\u2019s body, financial situation, or other interest \u2014 caused by another\u2019s\u00a0negligence or carelessness<\/a>. Torts differ from criminal acts, in which the person intends to cause harm. Unlike criminal courts that punish the wrongdoer, civil courts restore the plaintiff to their position before the injury by financial compensation or other remedy.<\/p>\n

A toxic tort<\/span> is a tort involving exposure to a\u00a0toxic substance<\/span><\/a>. Toxic exposure<\/span> may involve workplace exposure, dangerous medication, or environmental exposure caused by improper disposal of hazardous waste. The victim may file a toxic tort<\/span>, or family members may file a wrongful death suit.<\/p>\n

A mass tort<\/span> is a tort action in which multiple people have the same cause of action against a single defendant. In a mass tort<\/span>, the parties sue collectively for individual damages.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0class-action<\/span> suit<\/a>\u00a0occurs when the number of litigants is so great that individual lawsuits would take too long or lead to duplicative cases. In a class-action<\/span> suit, one plaintiff represents the class. The results are binding on all class members and all future cases.<\/p>\n

A toxic tort<\/span> claim<\/span> is like a personal injury<\/span> claim, but proving causation<\/span> in chemical exposure<\/span> is more complicated than in a car accident<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Types of <\/span>Toxic Torts<\/span><\/h2>\n

Toxic tort<\/span> claims<\/span> arise from any exposure to toxic substances<\/span>, including consumer products<\/span>,\u00a0pharmaceuticals<\/a>, household products, and workplace chemicals. Toxic tort<\/span> claims<\/span> may include:<\/p>\n