Toxic Chemical Exposure Lawyer in Houston

scientist with a white protective suit against radiation

Exposure to toxic chemicals can result in devastating and deadly injuries. People who survive toxic chemical exposure are often left with physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives. These people deserve justice, accountability, and support in their time of need.

At The Callahan Law Firm, we are proud to represent people whose lives have been affected by exposure to toxic substances. We take a limited number of cases so we can provide our clients with the attention and service they deserve. We fight hard to pursue the compensation they need to live full, rewarding lives following a toxic chemical accident.

If you were injured due to a toxic substance exposure incident, contact The Callahan Law Firm today to speak with a toxic chemical exposure lawyer in Houston. Consultations are free, so learning more about your options won’t cost you anything.

High-Risk Jobs for Exposure to Toxic Substances in Houston

Some jobs are more likely to result in exposure to toxic substances than others. Houston workers in the following industries are at greater risk of chemical exposure:

Oil refinery workers
Chemical plant workers
Chemical lab workers
Auto repair workers
Industrial plant workers
Manufacturing workers
Healthcare workers
Miners
Welders
Painters
Sanitation workers
Construction workers
Farmworkers

Common Types of Toxic Chemical Exposure

Many chemicals are toxic if inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin. Some examples of the most common potentially toxic chemicals Houston workers encounter are:

Asbestos
Ammonia
Benzene
Cadmium
Carbon monoxide
Chlorine
Ethylene oxide
Glyphosate
Hydrogen sulfide
Lead
Pesticides
Toluene
Toxic Metals

Injuries and Consequences of Toxic Exposure in Houston

Individuals exposed to toxic substances can suffer various injuries and illnesses, depending on the specific substance and length of exposure. Common injuries sustained by victims of toxic exposure in Houston include:

Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in a range of applications because of its heat-resistant and insulating properties. It most commonly affects the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testes. If it is caught early, treatment may be able to extend the patient’s life. However, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
Asbestosis – Asbestosis is a serious lung condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fiber-like material that was once used in buildings for insulation, flooring, and roofing.
Cancer – Toxic exposure to a carcinogenic can lead to many types of cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Respiratory problems – Inhaling toxic substances can lead to respiratory problems ranging from breathing problems to severe diseases like black lung.
Chemical burns – Some toxic substances can cause chemical burns when they contact the skin or are inhaled. Chemical burns can be extremely painful and leave victims with permanent scarring, deformities, and physical limitations.
Nervous system disorders – Exposure to toxic substances can damage the nervous system, including nerve and brain damage. That can make it harder for patients to care for themselves or participate in their favorite activities and pastimes.
Organ damage – Exposure to toxic chemicals can damage internal organs, such as the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and reproductive organs.
Wrongful death – Sadly, thousands of victims of chemical exposure die from their injuries.

Liability for Chemical Exposure in Houston

If you suffered an injury after exposure to a toxic substance, you might be able to hold the responsible party liable for your resulting losses, including your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, physical impairment, and more.

Who might be liable for a toxic exposure injury? To answer that question, a toxic tort lawyer will need to understand the details of your exposure and conduct an investigation into the incident. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, the following entities could be liable for a chemical exposure injury:

Your employer – If you suffered a toxic exposure injury at work, your employer could be responsible for your injuries. Most employers have workers’ compensation insurance that covers employees injured in workplace accidents and their injuries regardless of fault. This insurance typically prevents injured workers from suing their employers, unless the accident causes loss of life. However, Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and employers who choose not to can be held liable through a lawsuit. A chemical exposure lawyer can determine the best legal avenue for holding your employer accountable after toxic chemical exposure.
A property owner – If you were exposed to toxic chemicals as a guest or customer at a home or business, the premises owner might be liable for your injuries.
A business or corporation – There are times when corporations cause chemical exposure injuries through their negligent actions. Examples include large oil spills, water system contamination, and toxic gas leaks into the air. A toxic tort attorney can gather evidence that connects your injuries to the corporation’s negligence and hold it accountable for your losses.
A product manufacturer – Manufacturers can be held liable when their products contain toxic chemicals that result in exposure injuries. One notorious example is Monsanto, the maker of Roundup weed killer, which included a toxic carcinogenic ingredient that harmed landscapers, farmers, and gardeners.

Like all personal injury cases, those involving toxic chemical exposure hinge on the concept of legal liability – that is, proving another party caused your injuries and should be held financially responsible for their consequences. To establish liability, your attorney will put forward a compelling case built around evidence such as:

Photos and videos of the accident scene and injuries
Evidence linking other people’s injuries to the same exposure
Hospital records
Employment records
Surveillance video footage
Eyewitness testimony
Expert testimony

Your attorney can then file an insurance claim or chemical exposure lawsuit against the liable parties. Most lawsuits result in a settlement in which the responsible corporations and their insurance companies pay a certain amount of money in exchange for the injured person dismissing any lawsuit and releasing the claim. If the defendant refuses to settle for a reasonable amount that is acceptable to you, your lawyer can take your case to court and fight for your rights at trial.

Potential Types of Compensation for Chemical Exposure Injuries

A successful chemical exposure claim or lawsuit can provide you with compensation for a variety of losses, such as:

Medical expenses, including hospital stays, medication, surgery, physical and occupational therapy, medical equipment, and other treatment necessitated by your injuries
Lost wages from time missed at work
Loss of earning capacity
Physical pain and suffering
Physical impairment
Mental and emotional anguish
Loss of consortium
Disfigurement
Loss of companionship and society
Loss of enjoyment of life

Contact Our Experienced Houston Chemical Injury Attorney for Help

If you suffered a toxic chemical exposure injury in Houston, contact The Callahan Law Firm as soon as possible. Our toxic torts lawyers understand the devastating impact of chemical exposures and have the knowledge, skill, and resources to help you and your family pursue the compensation you deserve.