When most people think of danger they think of sudden, spontaneous events, of accidents, assault and crime, or acts of nature. If they consider disease at all it is probably in the context of a virulent outbreak or an epidemic. However, the frightening reality is that an equally dangerous, much more pernicious threat may be lurking right in their daily lives in the form of toxic exposure.
Understanding Toxic Exposure
Toxic exposure happens when a person becomes exposed to a toxic chemical or substance and suffers an ill effect to his or her health as a result. The toxic exposure will not necessarily occur as the result of a high profile, easily noticeable leak or accident. In fact many toxic exposures happen gradually, over time, as the individual goes about daily life. The toxic substance could be present in the air they are breathing, the water they are drinking, or on the surfaces they are touching. It could happen at home, at work, or at school and it may take months or even years to manifest as an observable disease or health condition.
However, it is important to realize that gradual exposure and a delayed onset in symptoms in no way indicates that toxic exposure isn’t serious. The tragic reality is that many people exposed to a toxic substance will die or become gravely ill, often experiencing prolonged suffering, costly medical bills, and a decrease in quality of life. If this happens as the result of health code violations, negligence, or other misconduct on the part of an employer, landlord, manufacturer, distributor, or other responsible entity then it is important for victims to defend their legal rights.
Types of Toxic Exposure
Toxic exposure often presents in one of the following ways:
Occupational Exposure – This occurs while the victim is at work. As might be expected industrial and factory workers are often at an increased risk of toxic exposure in the form of fumes, harmful chemicals, or equipment and machinery that release toxic substances as a byproduct. However, employees in other, seemingly safer settings, could also be at risk from toxic exposure in office products, insulation, or ventilation systems. Asbestos is a commonly cited occupational toxin.
Home Exposure – Toxic exposure could occur in the home as a result of harmful substances in the air being breathed, the water, liquid, or food being consumed, or in products such as household cleaners. Toxic mold and lead paint are both commonly cited as culprits in at-home toxic exposure.
Pharmaceutical – In a cruel twist of irony sometimes the medications people take to treat diseases or manage chronic conditions may themselves result in ill health effects. There may be dangerous, even deadly side effects. Many drugs have been subject to recall and sometimes the effects of a dangerous drug take years to reveal themselves.
Dies & Parkhurst Helps Toxic Exposure Victims Win Justice
Proving toxic exposure is often very difficult because the origin of diseases and health conditions may be unclear and could arise from multiple sources. Many toxic exposure cases require expert testimony from medical professionals or scientists as well as a carefully constructed legal strategy. The expert attorneys at Dies & Parkhurst have the background and skills necessary to represent toxic exposure victims and help them win the legal justice they deserve.
