Queens Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyer

We Handle Chemical Exposure Claims in Queens and Throughout New York City

Exposure to a toxic chemical or other dangerous substances can cause a severe injury or illness to an unsuspecting person. The corporation or other party responsible for a toxic exposure may be legally liable for the injuries, illness, or other medical impairment suffered by the victims. At the law office of Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we represent clients exposed to chemicals in New York. Over the years, we have developed the necessary skills to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. We will fight aggressively to protect your interests.

We employ a strategic, aggressive, and persuasive approach to all of our cases. We don’t fear facing big companies or insurance companies. These are complex cases. You do not have to go through the claims process alone. We know all you want is justice for your injuries or illness. Let our experience work for you during this challenging time. To learn more about all of our services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (718) 843-0300. With an office in Queens, we represent chemical and toxic exposure victims in New York City and throughout the region.

Toxic Chemical Exposure: Understanding the Basics

Broadly defined, toxic exposure (toxic chemical exposure) is contact with a substance that is carcinogenic and has the potential to cause harm to a person. The New York State Department of Health emphasizes that toxic exposure can occur in a wide range of different circumstances. In some cases, toxic chemical exposure results in immediate, visible adverse health effects. Emergency medical attention may be required. In other cases, the harm caused by toxic chemical exposure may be far more gradual. It could be years or even decades before the victim starts to show harm. Some notable examples of toxic chemical exposure include:

• Asbestos;
• Toxic mold;
• Contaminated water contamination (pollution);
• Contaminated soil contamination (pollution);
• Dangerous industrial chemicals; and
• Dangerous metals (lead, mercury, etc).

Common Cases of Chemical Exposure in Queens, NY

Exposures of dangerous chemicals happen more frequently than many people think. Individuals who have been exposed to hazardous chemicals can develop severe, life-threatening conditions. Many times, chemical exposure cases are associated with workplaces and specific occupations. However, injuries and illnesses caused by chemical exposure can happen in many different settings. Typical examples of chemical exposure in Queens include:

Workplace Exposure

Over the years, there have been numerous cases involving exposure to dangerous chemicals in the workplace. Generally, some specific workers are at higher risk of developing a severe condition due to chemical exposure at the workplace. For instance, construction workers often have to work around – or directly with – chemical substances such as abrasives, thinners, and solvents. There have been many cases where these workers have been negligently exposed to these substances, which have led to severe injuries or the development of a critical health issue.

Similarly, pharmaceutical workers often work directly with chemicals. Part of their job requires using safety equipment to avoid exposure, contamination, and injuries. Unfortunately, many workers have been injured due to the negligence of their employers. Negligent exposure to dangerous chemicals has been significant concern over the years. Our Queens chemical exposure injury lawyers can help you.

Chemical Exposure at Home

Chemical exposure at home has also become a problem for many families in Queens. Exposure to dangerous chemicals can happen for two reasons: chemical materials used in construction, and chemical home products. Decades ago, housing developers used asbestos during the construction process. Asbestos has been known as a dangerous chemical that can cause severe injury to the lungs. Unsuspecting homeowners have been exposed to this harmful chemical without previous warning.

Additionally, many people have been injured or have been exposed to chemicals used at home. Many times, injured victims were not warned about the dangers of using “x” products, which led to injuries. If you have been exposed to chemicals at home, we may be able to help.

Environmental Exposure

Environmental exposure to dangerous chemicals happens when families or individuals are injured or develop a severe condition caused by negligent companies. There have been many cases where manufacturers and other businesses dump chemicals into water streams or release toxic fumes, causing devastating injuries and health issues to the people around them. If you were exposed and injured by chemicals, we may assist you.

What You Need to Know About Filing a Chemical Exposure Lawsuit in Queens, NY

Toxic Chemical Exposure (Workers’ Compensation Claims)

An individual facing a severe injury or suffering from a condition caused by exposure to chemicals in Queens can file a claim against the liable parties. Generally, you may have two options: a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim. Here is what you need to know about work-related toxic exposure injuries:

• Workers’ Comp Can Cover Toxic Exposure in New York: A workers’ compensation claim is available to workers who have been injured or have developed a health condition at the workplace. The workers’ compensation system usually provides medical and financial assistance to qualifying individuals. Conversely, a personal injury claim may be available to individuals exposed and injured by chemicals outside of their workplaces – or workers outside the workers’ comp system via an exception.
• Workers’ Comp Benefits are No-Fault, But Limited: Generally, workers who are exposed to chemicals at the workplace file their claim, following the rules set forth by the workers’ compensation system. However, there is a caveat. Workers who receive workers’ compensation benefits are often barred from filing a claim directly against their employers. This means that, as an injured worker, you may only get compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages. However, your workers’ compensation claim will not provide coverage for your pain and suffering.
• Third Party Liability Claims Offers Another Option: A worker exposed to toxic chemicals due to the negligence of any party other than their employer can file a type of personal injury claim called a third party liability suit. A personal injury claim may be available to workers outside of the workers’ compensation system. Generally, two exceptions may provide you with the basis for a personal injury lawsuit in Queens. Your employer may be exposed to responding directly to your losses if he or she denies you workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, your employer may be liable if he or she engaged in gross negligence.

Toxic Chemical Exposure (Personal Injury Claims)

Not all incidents of toxic chemical exposure are work-related. Quite the contrary, chemical exposure can happen in many other situations. A personal injury claim (tort claim) can be pursued against the at-fault party—most often a corporation. You may recover compensation for all of your losses through a personal injury claim. In these cases, the plaintiff has to prove the defendant’s negligence to get compensation.

You can achieve this by providing evidence demonstrating the existence of all the elements in your claim. These elements are known as a legal duty, breach, causation, and harm. If you can prove your case successfully, the court may grant you. In New York, toxic exposure victims can seek compensation for economic and intangible damages, including medical bills, long-term care costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability/disfigurement, and wrongful death. There is no way to determine how much compensation you can expect from your case. However, our Queens chemical exposure injury lawyers can help you understand how much your case may be worth.

Chemical Exposure Claims: Individual Lawsuits vs. Class Action Lawsuits

In some cases, a single individual is affected by toxic chemical exposure. For example, a single worker at a factor may be exposed to a dangerous and carcinogenic substance because of the negligence of a subcontractor. In other cases, the same incident of toxic exposure may impact many people at the same time. For instance, a corporation polluting the nearby groundwater supply with a toxic chemical could cause harm to many local families. While some toxic chemical exposure claims are pursued as individual claims, a class action lawsuit may be appropriate if a large number of people were affected by the same violation.

How Our New York Toxic Chemical Exposure Attorneys Can Help

Toxic chemical exposure claims are among the most complex types of tort cases. Big corporations and their insurers fight hard to limit their liability—even when there is clear wrongdoing. At the law offices of Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we have the professional skill that victims and their families can count on. Among other things, our Queens chemical exposure lawyers will:

• Answer questions and explains your options during a comprehensive review of your case;
• Investigate the toxic chemical exposure incident—gathering relevant evidence;
• Take care of legal paperwork and represent your interests in settlement negotiations; and
• Prepare a litigation strategy for your toxic chemical exposure claim.

Toxic exposure claims are highly fact-intensive legal cases. The specific circumstances always matter. Our firm is committed to ensuring that every client receives personalized support. You can rely on our Queens, NY toxic chemical exposure injury lawyers to put in the time and resources that your case requires.

Queens, NY Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyer Offering Free Consultations

At the law offices of Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, our New York City chemical exposure injury lawyers fight aggressively for victims. If you or a loved one was exposed to dangerous chemicals in Queens, NY, we may be able to assist. Backed by years of experience handling countless personal injury claims in NY, we can hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. We will work tirelessly to protect your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call the law offices of Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP today or connect with us online for your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (718) 843-0300. From our Queens law office, we handle toxic exposure claims in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island, and beyond.