Toxic Subtances and Exposure Lawyers & Attorneys

Sweeney Law Firm is experienced in representing individuals injured as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals or environmental contamination in Indiana. There are numerous sources of environmental contamination, including gas stations, machine shops, chemical plants, production facilities, chemical waste storage facilities, and landfills. When businesses release dangerous or toxic substances such as gasoline, industrial chemicals, or solvents into the air or water, people exposed to those substances can suffer serious health problems such as cancer and respiratory illness. 

Some dangerous toxins that people may come into contact with include:

  • Solvents are chemicals that can be found in numerous products, such as paint and glue. When inhaled, these dangerous chemicals may cause dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, low sperm count, problems with eyesight, brain damage, poor coordination, poor memory, and liver damage.
  • Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless chemical that cannot be detected by humans; so many people are unknowingly at risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. When a person has Carbon Monoxide poisoning they may suffer from brain damage due to the brain's lack of oxygen and in severe cases may die.
  • Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill vermin, weeds, and insects and can be found indoors and outdoors. When a person is exposed to pesticides they may experience difficulty with speech and eyesight, headaches, and poor organ function.

Thousands of storage tanks containing gasoline, oil, and other potentially toxic substances are buried throughout Indiana. Over time, these underground storage tanks can erode and develop leaks. When these containers leak, petroleum contaminants will eventually filter through the soil and into groundwater. Some of the contaminants commonly found in water supplies affected by leaking underground storage tanks include MTBE, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Many of these substances are classified as “known human carcinogens” by state and federal regulatory agencies. In addition, prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to central nervous system damage, respiratory illnesses, kidney disease, liver dysfunction, and blood disorders.

The Sweeney Law Firm has handled personal injury claims stemming from benzene exposure. Benzene is a widely used chemical that is colorless, slightly sweet smelling, and evaporates rapidly yet is highly combustible. Benzene is frequently used in the manufacturing of rubbers, paints, plastics, resins, drugs, pesticides, fumigants, dyes, synthetic detergents, paint removers, and other products. Benzene is also present in gasoline and tobacco smoke. Benzene ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume. Benzene is classified as a "known" human carcinogen under EPA Risk Assessment Guidelines. Numerous studies and reviews have linked Benzene to certain forms of cancer. In the United States, over 300,000 people are exposed to benzene per year. The most common form of benzene exposure occurs in the workplace. However, there have been incidents of gasoline leaks from underground storage tanks that have released benzene into the soil and water supplies.

The First Step in Pursing a Toxic Exposure Claim:

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals, call the Sweeney Law Firm now at (866) 793-6339 or submit the case form below. The initial consultation is free, and if we agree to accept your case, we will handle your case on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a settlement or recovery of funds. There is no reason to hesitate. Contact us today for a free initial evaluation of your case.