Winston-Salem Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyer

Toxic substances can cause immediate injuries or long-term illnesses that impact every area of your life. In these high-stakes cases, you need a Winston-Salem chemical exposure injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal complexities.

The team, M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, provides experienced representation for victims of chemical exposure throughout Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas. With decades of legal experience, our team is ready to hold negligent corporations, employers, and manufacturers accountable for damages.

Chemical Exposure Injuries

North Carolina is not unfamiliar with chemical exposure, as the state’s drinking water systems tested positive for “forever chemicals,” impacting 2.5 million people. The state also ranks 13th in the U.S. for most asbestos-related deaths. This equates to 1,000 North Carolina residents dying from exposure to asbestos or suffering from mesothelioma.

Chemical exposure injuries occur when a person comes into contact with a toxic substance through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These injuries can happen suddenly through an accident, or they may develop over time due to chronic exposure in the workplace or environment.

Some common sources of chemical exposure might include:

Construction sites
Industrial and manufacturing plans
Cleaning and sanitation work
Contaminated groundwater or air
Household chemicals and pesticides
Defective consumer products

Substances that often cause issues include:

Asbestos
Lead
Ammonia
Mercury
Benzene
Chlorine
Pesticides and herbicides
Formaldehyde

Types of Injuries and Illnesses Associated with Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure can lead to many health problems. Symptoms may immediately present or may take months or years to manifest. Immediate presentation may take the appearance of skin burns, irritation, or trouble breathing.

Down the line, victims may experience respiratory problems, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Neurological and organ damage may also occur, while some individuals report reproductive and developmental disorders. In serious cases, victims of toxic exposure may suffer from blood disorders, mesothelioma, and other cancers.

Speaking with a Winston-Salem chemical exposure injury lawyer is crucial to receiving the compensation you need to recover or receive long-term care for your injury. M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, provides experienced legal counsel from start to finish. We perform a thorough investigation of your case to determine the depth of the injury and liable parties.

Liability in Chemical Exposure Cases

Proving liability in a chemical exposure case can be complex, as it often involves multiple parties. Evidence must be clear, and expert medical testimony may be necessary from toxicologists, industrial hygienists, and environmental scientists.

Some potentially liable parties may include:

Employers who fail to provide proper safety equipment or training
Manufacturers of the dangerous chemicals, if they fail to warn of the risks
Property owners who do not disclose known hazards
Contractors responsible for spills or unsafe storage
Government entities responsible for contaminated water or air

M. Reid Acree Jr. is a seasoned defense attorney and personal injury advocate. His experience allows him to investigate the root causes of exposure, identify responsible parties, and build a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

Whether the exposure occurred due to a workplace accident, environmental contamination, or a defective product, you still have legal rights. You may be able to receive compensation for:

Medical expenses, both past and future
Lost wages or the loss of earning capacity
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Disability or disfigurement

Many chemical exposure cases occur in the workplace. Injured workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of fault. These benefits would cover medical treatment, temporary or partial disability, permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation.

Workers’ comp does not cover all damages, however. If a third party, such as a chemical manufacturer, played a role in your exposure, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to receiving workers’ comp.

M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, can help you navigate both claims to help maximize your claim and promote your recovery.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is the Chemical Exposure Settlement?

A: Chemical exposure settlements vary widely by severity, the type of chemical, and the duration of exposure. Liable parties also impact settlement amounts. Minor exposure comes with a smaller settlement, while serious cases increase the compensation amount. Medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages are factors considered by insurers or courts. If the case involves a class action, the compensation may be divided among the plaintiffs.

Q: How Do I Sue for Chemical Exposure?

A: To sue for chemical exposure, you typically file a personal injury claim against the responsible party, such as the employer or manufacturer. The process requires gathering medical records, exposure evidence, and witness testimonies. Expert witnesses can link your injury to the chemical. A Winston-Salem chemical exposure injury lawyer can help you identify liable parties and prove negligence, failure to warn, or violation of safety regulations.

Q: How Do You Prove Chemical Exposure?

A: Proving chemical exposure requires demonstrating that you encountered a harmful substance and that it directly caused your injury or illness. Evidence may include medical records, workplace incident reports, and toxicology results. Expert witness testimonies can help with this determination. You must establish a clear link between the chemical and your health condition, often through scientific studies and exposure assessments.

Q: What to Do in Case of Chemical Exposure?

A: If you are exposed to a chemical, immediately move to fresh air and remove any contaminated clothing. Rinse your skin and eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Call 911 if the exposure is severe or causes difficulty breathing. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms aren’t obvious right away. Some effects can be delayed, but just as severe. Notify your employer if it occurred at work and file an incident report.