Louisiana Benzene/Toxic Chemical Attorneys
The Law Firm of Landry & Swarr in New Orleans
Louisiana workers are sometimes at risk of contracting diseases resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals, such as benzene, asbestos, and others, in an occupational setting. Trade workers like pipefitters, painters, gasoline distribution workers, and refinery workers are all at a higher risk of encountering such harmful chemicals. And prolonged exposure can lead to long-term injuries or illnesses such as cancer, leukemia, chronic lung disease, and neurological problems.
Benzene Exposure
Exposure to benzene, for example, has been linked directly to leukemia, a potentially fatal cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Because benzene and other chemicals are easily absorbed into the body via airborne droplets, it is the responsibility of employers to ensure the safety of their employees by taking measures to minimize their exposure. The U.S. government, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Louisiana law sets strict exposure limits for anyone working around these chemicals. U.S. and Louisiana courts consider a failure to comply with these limits, and a failure of employers to protect their employees, as negligence.
Given the serious health effects of toxic chemical exposure, finding a Louisiana attorney and law firm that understands the symptoms and effects of long-term exposure to these harmful substances is critical. At Landry & Swarr in New Orleans, we believe our experience with other occupational exposure cases, such as those involving asbestos and the development of mesothelioma and benzene exposure cases, gives us unique insight & capabilities in dealing with your toxic chemical case.
Exposure
to Other Toxic Chemicals
Louisiana workers may also be exposed to toxic chemicals other than benzene and asbestos in manufacturing processes, factories, shipyards, oil refineries, HVAC work, construction work, carpentry, plumbing, welding, and many more professions. The most common exposures involve asbestos, mercury, lead, carbon monoxide, industrial alcohol, pesticides, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide, and many more.
Initial exposure to these toxic chemicals – in any amount – can cause immediate and measurable symptoms including:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Trouble breathing
- Allergies
- Memory loss
- Neurological problems
- Difficulty swallowing
- Reproductive problems
Other, more severe long-term symptoms may develop gradually with prolonged exposure. These symptoms can include:
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Neurological and brain injuries
- Poisoning
- Lung problems
- Death
The Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976
Established by the EPA, the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 gives the EPA the authority to require reporting, record-keeping, chemical testing, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures when in use. The TSCA also established clear guidelines for the handling and disposal of toxic chemicals. Its overall mission is to protect the public from “unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment” by regulating the manufacture, sale, and use of chemicals.
If you believe you have experienced prolonged exposure to a toxic chemical like benzene or asbestos in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation.
Call Today to Discuss Your Case
Our Louisiana toxic chemical attorneys strive to help you as a victim or your loved one who has been exposed to a toxic chemical with the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and medical expenses. If you or a loved one has experienced an immediate or long-term injury and you believe it is the result of exposure to a toxic chemical, misuse of a toxic chemical, or faulty disposal of a toxic chemical, you can contact us for legal advice and to discuss whether you have a case. Request a free consultation with our law firm today.