Toxic Substances Information Center

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Classes of Toxic Tort Cases

Toxic tort cases span across a diverse group of areas, from hazardous waste clean-up liability under CERCLA to products liability cases to exposure to dangerous substances in the workplace. To gain a better understanding of what a toxic tort is and the breadth of cases that can be filed as a toxic tort claim, please review the information below. If you or a loved one has suffered injury from exposure to a toxic substance, contact an attorney in your area. A toxic tort lawyer can help you understand your options and explain your legal rights.

Categories of Toxic Torts

The following list is not meant to be exhaustive, but to give you a sense of the types of cases that have given rise to toxic tort litigation.

• Medical Devices and Prescription Drugs: this group has one of the highest potentials for toxic tort litigation. From Vioxx® and breast implants to Accutane® and Paxil®, when people are injured by a medication or the implantation of a medical devise, there is a potential for a toxic tort case.
• Chemicals and Pesticides: injuries from contact with hazardous chemicals and pesticides can develop after one isolated incident or from long-term exposure. Some of the more well-known harmful substances that have given rise to toxic tort litigation include lead, benzene and PCBs.
• Industrial Materials: this category refers to products that are sold for use in the workplace for blue-collar and white-collar workers. Asbestos and manganese from welding rods are two well-known examples of toxic substances in industrial materials.
• Consumer Products: consumer products can include everything from pet food to children's toys to cigarettes. Lead and tobacco are two of the most publicized issues litigated in consumer products.
• Hazardous Wastes: those who have suffered personal injury and property damage from improper disposal, storage or treatment of hazardous wastes may be able to recover damages from the company, transporter, manufacturer and other parties.
• Catastrophic Events: this category refers to instances when people are injured in catastrophic events, like a chemical or nuclear plant explosion.

Conclusion

Exposure to a toxic substance can damage your personal property, devalue your land and lead to illness and disease. Exposure can happen in your home, at work or school, from a medical procedure or drug, from the food you eat or the toys you buy for your children. Contact an attorney in your area today if you have been harmed by a toxic substance. An attorney experienced in toxic tort litigation can evaluate your claim and help you prepare your case.

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