When a person or group of people file a claim stating that a dangerous chemical, pharmaceutical drug or other type of substance has caused them harm or extreme danger, it is known as a toxic tort case.
These cases often occur when a person suffers from serious issues after being exposed to harmful chemicals on the job or after coming in contact with substances that were not known to be harmful at the time.
Some common types of toxic tort injuries are caused by the following:
- Industrial workers being exposed to harmful chemicals such as asbestos, silica, benzene or beryllium
- Doctors prescribing pharmaceutical drugs that cause serious, unintended side effects
- Consumer products, such as pesticides, causing severe harm to the user
- In cases of home exposure, dangerous substances such as mold affecting the residents
A toxic tort case can be brought against an individual, manufacturer or any number of potential defendants.
AllLaw.com gives examples of several toxic torts. These include a “company that dumped the pollutants in the groundwater, a manufacturer of asbestos, a landlord who didn’t properly make sure an apartment was free from mold or lead paint, or the manufacturer of a dangerous drug.”
Those who have been affected by toxic torts generally recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Check out our Workplace Safety Resources to learn more about building your case.