Greensboro Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyer

Exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to devastating health problems and even death. A Greensboro chemical exposure injury lawyer can help you and your loved ones in the event you are exposed to dangerous chemicals because of the negligence of others. Our team understands the life-altering impact of toxic exposure and works to get justice on your behalf.

With extensive experience in personal injury law, the team at M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, is committed to helping injured individuals recover the compensation they need to move forward. Whether your exposure occurred at work, due to a defective product, or through environmental contamination, we make sure the responsible parties are held accountable.

What Is Chemical Exposure?

Chemical exposure occurs when a person encounters hazardous substances, such as toxic gases, industrial chemicals, or contaminated water. Contaminated water has been a problem for North Carolina residents, with 49 drinking water systems in the state testing positive for forever chemicals.

North Carolina also reported 277 emergency chemical releases. The state also hosts 47 coal ash dump sites, which can leak into soil and water.

Exposure to chemicals can happen through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or eye contact. Chemical exposure injuries often occur in the following environments:

Workplaces, especially in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, or cleaning industries
Residential exposure, such as mold, lead paint, and cleaning products
Public utilities or municipal water systems
Industrial accidents, including leaks, spills, or explosions
Environmental contamination, such as soil, groundwater, or air pollution

Even a brief exposure can result in severe health consequences. The lack of safety protocols or protective equipment can make matters worse.

Common Settings for Toxic Exposure

Chemical exposure can occur in many places. Workplaces, particularly manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and cleaning industries, are common contributors to chemical exposure. Industrial accidents may also be responsible for leaks, spills, and explosions that harm residents.

Chemical exposure can even occur in your own home. Your house may contain certain toxic molds or lead paint. Even cleaning products can be defective or mislabeled, or prolonged usage can cause health concerns.

Brief exposure to toxic chemicals can still greatly impact your health.

Types of Hazardous Substances

Many chemicals can cause serious health problems, especially if there’s prolonged high-level exposure. Some of the most dangerous chemicals include:

Asbestos is linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Silica dust causes silicosis and other lung diseases.
Lead is especially harmful to children and can impact brain development or cause anemia.
Benzene is a carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood disorders.
Pesticides and herbicides can lead to neurological damage, cancer, and birth defects.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are found in firefighting foam and non-stick products. These are linked to cancers and immune system damage.
Toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds can be harmful if inhaled for long periods.

If you suspect your illness or injury was caused by chemical exposure, you need the help of an experienced Greensboro chemical exposure injury lawyer. M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, holds a reputation for his tenacious advocacy, strategic litigation skills, and compassionate service.

Legal Options for Victims of Chemical Exposure

If you’ve been exposed to toxic chemicals, you may have one or more legal claims available to you. M. Reid Acree Jr. can evaluate your case and pursue the appropriate legal strategy.

Some of the legal options you may pursue include:

Workers’ compensation. Suppose you were exposed to chemicals while at work. You may be able to pursue workers’ comp. Benefits include medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation. The North Carolina Industrial Commission or the NC Department of Insurance handles workers’ comp claims in the state.
Personal injury claim. If a third party, such as a manufacturer, contractor, or property owner, was negligent, you can pursue a personal injury claim. Compensation should cover past and future medical expenses, lost wages or loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional damage, and loss of enjoyment in life.

Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be liable for your injuries.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered Chemical Exposure?

A: Chemical exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with hazardous substances through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or injection. It can happen in workplaces, homes, or the environment. It may involve liquids, gases, or solids. Common chemicals include asbestos, benzene, lead, pesticides, and industrial solvents. Exposure can cause short-term issues or long-term problems that lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, neurological damage, or cancer.

Q: How Do I Calculate My Settlement Amount?

A: To calculate a chemical exposure settlement, considerations of both economic and non-economic damages are considered. Economic damages could include lost wages, all medical costs, and the cost of future medical needs related to your exposure. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of your overall quality of life. If gross negligence played a role in the incident, you may be awarded punitive damages. Be sure to keep detailed records of your diagnosis, treatment, and expenses to help support your claim.

Q: What Is the Toxic Exposure Bill?

A: Toxic exposure bills include those like the PACT Act in the U.S., which broadens veteran benefits for those exposed to toxic substances, such as burn pits and Agent Orange. Other bills focus on industrial regulations, compensation rights, or environmental cleanup. These laws help hold corporations responsible by ensuring victims receive medical care and the financial support they need to recover.

Q: What Assets Are Exposed to Lawsuits?

A: In a toxic exposure lawsuit, defendants, such as companies, property owners, or individuals, may have their personal or business assets exposed to legal judgments if found liable. These might include real estate, business holdings, or investments. Some assets are protected under state exemptions, however. For businesses, improper separation of personal and corporate finances can result in personal liability.