Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
According to a recent article, a significant spill of firefighting foam occurred in Brunswick where 1,450 gallons of foam concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water. This event, which took place on August 19 in Hangar 4 of the former Navy base, represents the largest recorded discharge of the foam in Maine’s history. The foam contains harmful chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are associated with health risks, including cancer.
Following the spill, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised the public to avoid or limit consumption of freshwater fish from four nearby bodies of water. Remediation efforts are underway, with foam being removed from four retention ponds and affected aircraft undergoing a final cleaning. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, are found in various products, including firefighting foam. The Environmental Protection Agency has recently proposed new limits on PFAS in drinking water to address the health concerns associated with these chemicals.
What Are Toxic Torts?
A toxic tort is a legal claim for harm caused by exposure to a dangerous substance. These substances can include chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, or even naturally occurring toxins like asbestos or mold. Unlike other personal injury cases, toxic torts often involve prolonged exposure to harmful substances, which can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly when and how the exposure occurred.
Toxic tort claims can arise from a variety of situations, such as:
- Occupational Exposure: Workers exposed to toxic chemicals or materials in the workplace, such as asbestos in construction or benzene in manufacturing.
- Pharmaceuticals: Harmful side effects or long-term health consequences from taking prescribed medications.
- Environmental Contamination: Exposure to polluted air, water, or soil due to industrial activities, improper waste disposal, or accidents.
- Consumer Products: Use of everyday products containing harmful substances, such as lead paint or certain cleaning products.
Common Examples of Toxic Tort Cases
- Asbestos Exposure: One of the most well-known toxic tort cases involves asbestos exposure, which can cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Many people in Maine, particularly those who worked in construction, shipbuilding, or other industries, have been affected by asbestos exposure.
- Chemical Spills and Contaminated Water: In Maine, cases involving contaminated groundwater or drinking water due to chemical spills or leaks from industrial facilities are becoming more common. These cases often involve dangerous substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health problems.
- Pesticide Exposure: Agricultural workers and nearby residents may suffer from illnesses due to pesticide exposure. These cases can involve both short-term exposure to highly toxic chemicals and long-term exposure to lower levels of harmful substances.
- Defective Drugs: Patients may suffer adverse effects from pharmaceuticals that were inadequately tested or had undisclosed risks. These cases require a thorough understanding of medical records and pharmaceutical regulations.
Challenges in Toxic Tort Cases
Toxic tort cases are inherently complex due to several factors:
- Proving Causation: One of the most challenging aspects of toxic tort litigation is proving that a specific substance caused a particular injury or illness. This often requires extensive scientific evidence and expert testimony.
- Delayed Symptoms: Health issues related to toxic exposure may take years or even decades to manifest, making it difficult to establish a direct link between exposure and injury.
- Multiple Defendants: In many toxic tort cases, multiple parties may be responsible for the exposure, such as manufacturers, employers, or property owners. Identifying all potential defendants and their degree of liability can be a complicated process.
How Peter Thompson & Associates Can Help
If you or a loved one has been harmed by toxic exposure, you need experienced legal representation to help you navigate these complex cases. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges presented by toxic tort claims. Our team is dedicated to investigating every detail of your case, working with scientific experts, and aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.
We handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Conducting thorough investigations to identify responsible parties and gather evidence.
- Collaborating with medical and scientific experts to establish causation.
- Negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing litigation to achieve a fair settlement or court verdict.
- Providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Contact Us Today
If you believe you have been harmed by toxic exposure in Maine, don’t hesitate to reach out to Peter Thompson & Associates. Our experienced team is ready to help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Visit our website or give us a call at 207-874-0909
By addressing the complexities of toxic torts and the potential paths to justice, Peter Thompson & Associates aims to empower Maine residents to stand up for their rights in the face of harmful exposure.