If you suffered injuries or an illness linked to exposure to a toxic substance, you may have a legal case against the party or parties responsible. You may want to work with an Oakdale toxic substances lawyer who can determine fault and liability, prove your related damages, and navigate the legal process on your behalf while you focus on getting better.
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., our team has a history of successful financial recoveries for clients with a wide range of environmental exposures to toxic substances. Speak with a member of our team about your case for free today. Call (631) 600-0000 now.
Environmental Exposure to Toxic Substances on Long Island
The New York State Department of Health lists several toxic substances that may be all too common in the city and on Long Island, including radon in the basements of older homes, lead contamination, exhaust from vehicles, and chemicals in landfills. Any of these may cause medical concerns or even permanent damage or death. They are just a few of the toxic substances you could come into contact with at any time.
We assist clients whose exposures include:
- Chemical spills
- Lead paint
- Coal ash or fly ash
- The 2010 “Deepwater Horizon” oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
- Staph infections including MRSA
- Exposure related to hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
We may also be able to build a case based on other environmental exposure to toxic substances. If you have questions or believe you have a case, call our law firm today at (631) 600-0000 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
Identifying the Liable Party or Parties in a Toxic Substances Case
In many toxic substance cases, one of the most difficult parts of building a case to hold the liable party responsible is actually identifying the party that caused the exposure. However, we cannot move forward with a case until we confirm the liable party or parties. Without this information, we cannot hold anyone accountable and recover compensation.
Our toxic substances attorney has worked with clients who suffered toxic exposures before, and this may give us an advantage. We know where to look to determine fault. For example, some parties that might be responsible for an exposure to a toxic substance include:
- The company that produced, manufactured, or owned the toxic substance
- The company that transported the toxic substance
- The company using the toxic substance, such as a construction company or an industrial corporation
- Landlords and other property owners who allowed toxic substances to remain on site as is often the case with lead paint
- A manufacturer who did not warn the public their product includes a toxic substance
If you experienced injuries or an illness after exposure to a toxic substance on Long Island or in New York City, Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. may be able to help. We review toxic substance exposure cases for free and handle them for our clients with no out-of-pocket costs. Contact us for a free consultation.
Pursuing Damages for Injuries Caused by Exposure to Toxic Substances
Because there are so many toxic substances and each comes with its own dangers, there is no way to put a price on your toxic substances case before we conduct an investigation and gather evidence to show your injuries, prognosis, ongoing care needs, expenses, losses, and other damages. The factors that may influence the value of your case include:
- The strength of the case against the liable party
- The type of toxic substance involved
- The length and severity of exposure
- The illness or injury you suffered
- The required treatments
- Its lasting effects
The recoverable losses in a toxic substance case will depend on the damages we document but may include:
- Medical treatment and care costs
- Wages and benefits lost when you could not work
- Reduced income if you cannot return to work
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages
You may be able to pursue wrongful death damages if your family member passed away because of an environmental exposure to a toxic substance. For example, thousands of people pass away each year from breathing in asbestos fibers that later caused mesothelioma or another cancer.
Statute of Limitations on Toxic Substances Cases
In general, the time limits that usually apply to toxic substance cases in New York are the same statutes of limitations in other personal injury cases. Per CPLR 214(5), victims who suffer injury or illness caused by an environmental toxic exposure have three years to settle their claim or file a lawsuit.
If your loved one passed away because of the exposure to a toxic substance they experienced, you may only have two years to file a wrongful death action under EPTL 5-4.1.
There are, however, some exceptions to these statutes, and different rules may apply if your exposure occurred at work. We can help you understand the deadlines in your case and help you meet them if you notify us about your case in time.
Contact a Toxic Substances Attorney to Learn More
If you required medical treatment or hospitalization as a result of exposure to a toxic substance, you may be able to take legal action against the party or parties responsible for your exposure. An Oakdale toxic substances lawyer may be able to identify those who caused your injuries or illness and build a strong case against them. You may be able to recover a payout for your exposure-related losses.
In addition to Oakdale, we may be able to meet with you about your case elsewhere on Long Island or in the five boroughs of NYC. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. now at (631) 600-0000 to get started. We will evaluate the merits of your toxic substance case for free.
