In today's society, many of us may be exposed to a variety of different chemicals either through work, at home, or elsewhere. Some may have also heard the term toxic tort and wondered what it refers to. Essentially, the area of the law referenced as toxic torts refers to harm, such as injury or death, caused by a chemical or other toxic or dangerous substance. A tort is a general legal term used to refer to categories of harm that may allow individuals wrongfully harmed, such as injured or killed, to recover damages for the harm.
Toxic tort cases are often mass tort cases and may lead to class action lawsuits on behalf of groups of injured or otherwise harmed, individuals. Individuals, and groups of individuals, who have been exposed to a toxic, or dangerous, the substance may wish to seek relief through a toxic tort claim against the party responsible for the harm. A variety of different parties, from manufacturers to landowners or employers, may be responsible for the harm caused by exposure to a dangerous substance. Those who carelessly caused the harm handled dangerous substances that could not be safely managed or concealed the risk of the dangerous substance may be liable to victims harmed by the dangerous substance.
Toxic tort litigation can be extremely complex but may be significantly important to injured victims and their families. Wrongful exposure to toxins can lead to serious injuries and death. Victims who pursue a toxic tort claim may be able to receive damages for illnesses and harm suffered and may also find a sense of relief in seeing those responsible for the harm experience accountability.
Toxic tort claims, and other types of claims of this nature, can be complex and governed by deadlines, as well as other considerations. Whenever the public has been significantly harmed, it is important to keep in mind that the legal process offers remedies and options to protect consumers from harm.
