Houston Toxic Exposure and Lead Poisoning Attorneys

If you sustained injuries or developed an illness from toxic exposure, do not hesitate to contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC. You might be entitled to compensation from the negligent party. We could represent you in your case and seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other incurred costs.

Substances like asbestos and lead can cause significant medical problems. Prolonged or consistent toxic exposure increases the risk of injuries, illnesses, and death. Unfortunately, the harmful effects might not appear until years after the exposure. Some symptoms aren’t immediate. It takes time for the substance to build up in the body and cause health issues.

At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we have a team of experienced and skilled Houston premises liability attorneys. When you hire us, we will investigate to determine who is responsible for the exposure and pursue compensation from them on your behalf. We will fight to hold them liable for their misconduct.

Call The DJF Law Firm, PLLC at 832-529-3476 for your free consultation today and learn about your available legal options.

Parties at Risk of Toxic Exposure

Anyone could encounter toxic substances or chemicals that harm them. However, specific groups of people have a higher likelihood of inhaling dangerous particles or coming in direct physical contact with toxins.

The individuals most often at risk of exposure to toxic substances include:

Maritime workers
Farmers
Welders
Oil rig workers
Manufacturing employees
Commercial painters
Miners
Sanitation workers
Medical providers
Construction workers
Auto repair employees
Refinery workers

People who live near oil refineries, factories, and similar properties could drink contaminated water or breathe in toxic particles in the air. You should contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC immediately if you believe your illness or injury is from toxic exposure.

Toxic Substances and Resulting Medical Conditions

Medical conditions can result from exposure to toxic substances, such as:

Asbestos – The cement, construction, and textile industries commonly use asbestos. Microscopic particles could make their way into a person’s airway, causing lung damage. Prolonged exposure could lead to mesothelioma.
Ammonia – Exposure to ammonia causes immediate nose, mouth, and eye irritation. It can also lead to respiratory issues from inhaling the fumes.
Benzene – Benzene is a popular liquid used in manufacturing processes. Exposure can occur from ingestion, inhalation, or direct contact with the skin. Blood cancers, such as leukemia, could develop after long-term exposure.
Lead – Lead can accumulate in a person’s body and cause severe health conditions. Lead poisoning is often difficult to detect until dangerous amounts of the metal are in the blood.
Toluene – Consumer products, such as metal cleaners, paint, and adhesives, contain toluene. It is a liquid in its natural state but becomes a vapor when exposed to room temperature air.
Hydrogen sulfide – Hydrogen sulfide is dangerous in high concentrations. Exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, respiratory issues, and other debilitating symptoms.
Cadmium – Cadmium is a toxic metal that could affect multiple bodily systems, including neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory.

You could experience a range of symptoms whether you touch, ingest, or inhale a toxic substance. Exposure can lead to various medical issues, such as:

Mesothelioma
Lymphoma
Nerve damage
Skin rashes
Leukemia
Birth defects
Lung damage
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Chemical burns
Lead poisoning
Brain damage
Vision loss
Reproductive problems in women
Throat injuries
Respiratory illnesses
Kidney failure
Asthma

Long-term complications could occur that require ongoing medical treatment. You might suffer a physical or mental impairment or become disabled. Toxic exposure often causes limitations that interfere with a person’s daily routine.

Emotional strain is common after toxic exposure. Even if you recover from the injury or illness, you could experience long-lasting psychological trauma. Some people seek therapy to cope with what they experienced. It can be challenging trying to move forward after a traumatic event.

Compensation for Toxic Exposure

Multiple parties could be at fault for exposing you to a harmful substance. You could file an insurance claim or lawsuit depending on who is liable for your medical condition.

The compensation you receive in your toxic exposure case might cover:

Medical and hospital expenses
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of household services

You could seek exemplary damages if you file a lawsuit against the negligent party. This financial award punishes the defendant for their actions. You must show clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s malice, gross negligence, or fraud.

You might be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death case if someone else’s negligence caused your loved one’s death from toxic exposure. Only the surviving spouse, child, or parent is allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The personal representative of the deceased’s estate could also file, but only if no surviving family members initiate a lawsuit within three months of the death. Additionally, the personal representative can’t bring legal action if any surviving family members ask them not to.

When you pursue a wrongful death case, you could recover compensation for:

Mental pain and anguish
Lost inheritance, including what the deceased likely would have saved and left to surviving relatives if they survived
Lost care, services, maintenance, support, advice, and counsel the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, comfort, love, and society
Lost earning capacity

Statute of Limitations for Toxic Exposure

You must follow state law if you want to sue someone for toxic exposure. In Texas, the statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe to initiate a lawsuit against the at-fault party. That means you must file suit within two years of the exposure date if you want to seek compensation.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases also allows a two-year timeframe for filing a lawsuit. However, the period begins on the date of the victim’s death instead of the date of exposure.

Contact Us

The DJF Law Firm, PLLC understands the uphill battle you face after toxic exposure. It can be overwhelming thinking about pursuing a case while treating your medical condition. You can count on our legal team to take over and handle every aspect of your claim or lawsuit.