Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by tanya

Toxic Tort Claims

Multiple Medical Conditions May Result From Toxic Waste

 

Legal actions brought by those who have suffered harm due to exposure to hazardous substances are called toxic tort claims. The type of substances may include chemicals, pollutants, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or other toxic materials. Typically, they are present in the environment, workplace, consumer products, or drugs.

Toxic waste may contaminate soil, water or the air. Exposure to hazardous waste can result in various health conditions, both acute and chronic. These can range from cancers to skin disorders and gastrointestinal disease.

If you are seeking compensation, First Personal Injury may be able to help.

 

Contamination and Exposure

The basis of a toxic tort claim is that you were exposed to a harmful substance due to the negligence of another party.

Toxic tort cases often involve:

 

• Environmental exposure such as water contamination, air pollution
• Workplace exposure such as asbestos or industrial chemicals
• Pharmaceutical drugs such as defective medications causing severe side effects
• Consumer products such as lead-based paint or harmful pesticides

 

Because toxic exposure often results in long-term health issues, you must prove that the substance that you were exposed to directly caused your medical condition. However, this often requires extensive scientific evidence and medical expert testimony.

 

Common Sources of Toxic Exposure

 

There are various sources of hazardous exposure. Some of the most common include:

 

Workplace Exposure

 

Many toxic tort claims originate from occupational exposure. This is because workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and mining often handle hazardous substances. Some common workplace toxins include:

 

• Asbestos – Used in construction and insulation, asbestos fibres can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
• Benzene – Found in industrial chemicals, benzene exposure has been linked to leukaemia.
• Silica dust – Common in mining and construction, inhaling silica dust can lead to silicosis and lung damage.
• Pesticides – Agricultural workers frequently exposed to pesticides may develop neurological disorders or cancer.

 

Environmental Exposure

 

Toxic chemicals in the air, water, and soil can lead to serious public health crises. Examples include:

 

• Water contamination – Chemicals like lead and arsenic have been found in drinking water supplies. This may cause developmental issues, cancer, and organ damage.
• Air pollution – Exposure to smog, industrial emissions, and other airborne pollutants has been linked to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems.
• Hazardous waste dumps – Living near toxic waste sites can increase the risk of cancer, birth defects, and neurological conditions.

 

Consumer Products

 

Everyday products may sometimes contain toxic chemicals that can lead to health problems. Some well-known examples include:

 

• Lead-based paint – Common in older homes, lead poisoning can cause developmental issues in children.
• Talcum powder – Some talc-based products have been linked to ovarian cancer due to asbestos contamination.

 

Health Conditions Caused by Toxic Exposure

 

Exposure to hazardous substances may cause a wide range of medical conditions, depending on the type, amount, and duration of exposure. Common health issues may include:

 

Cancer

 

Many toxic substances are carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer. Common cancers associated with toxic exposure include:

 

• Lung cancer – Caused by asbestos, radon, and industrial chemicals.
• Leukaemia – Linked to benzene exposure.
• Mesothelioma – A rare cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure.
• Bladder and kidney cancer – Associated with exposure to contaminated drinking water, such as the Camp Lejeune water contamination case.

Respiratory Diseases

 

Toxic chemicals and pollutants can severely impact the lungs and respiratory system. Some common conditions include:

 

• Asthma – Exacerbated by air pollution, mould, and industrial chemicals.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – Linked to long-term exposure to smoke, dust, and industrial fumes.
• Silicosis – A lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, common in construction workers.

 

Neurological Disorders

 

Some toxic substances may damage the nervous system, leading to serious neurological conditions. These include:

 

• Parkinson’s disease – Exposure to pesticides and industrial chemicals has been linked to Parkinson’s.
• Developmental disorders – Lead exposure can cause cognitive impairments and learning disabilities in children.
• Peripheral neuropathy – Certain chemicals and heavy metals can damage the nerves, leading to chronic pain and muscle weakness.

 

Birth Defects and Reproductive Issues

 

Some toxic substances can cause severe reproductive harm, leading to infertility, miscarriages, and birth defects. Examples include:

 

• Foetal alcohol syndrome – Caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
• Endocrine disruption – Chemicals like BPA and phthalates found in plastics can interfere with hormone function.
• Congenital disabilities – Exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, and radiation can cause severe birth defects.

 

Make A ‘No Win, No Fee’ Claim

 

If you would like to find out more about claiming compensation, at First Personal Injury, we work with experienced personal injury lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Our expert team will guide you through the claims process to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or complete our online contact form.