On February 3, 2022, a Norfolk Southern Railway train that was carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The chemicals, which include vinyl chloride (a known carcinogen), have been found in the Ohio River in recent weeks, which has killed or injured hundreds of fish, coyotes, birds, and other animal species along the river. Because the river supplies drinking water to over 5 million people, there is growing concern for those who have been exposed to the water supply since the accident.
In addition to the chemicals from the train, a controlled burn was conducted by officials in order to prevent a deadly explosion. This procedure released phosgene and hydrogen chloride into the air, which are toxic to humans. It’s also worth noting that in 2019, an article published by the Natural Resources Defense Council called the Ohio River one of the most polluted bodies of water in the United States. In essence, the water supply wasn’t safe to begin with, but the problem is worse than ever with the recent accident and the controlled burn, which is continuing to release chemicals into the air.
As personal injury attorneys, we are acutely aware of the physical and mental health issues that are linked to contaminated drinking water. If you believe that you suffered bodily harm from the chemicals in the Ohio River, contact us right away to learn about your rights and legal options.
Toxic Chemical Exposure: Symptoms and Long Term Health Effects
Contaminants in the water supply produce a wide variety of health symptoms, depending on the type of chemical, the level of exposure, and many other factors. However, even short-term exposure can cause serious health issues, like respiratory distress, miscarriage, and constant headaches. If the patient is exposed to the contaminated water for a long period of time, they may end up with severe illnesses, like cancer, brain injury, damage to the internal organs, and even death.
Another issue that’s often overlooked is the link between toxic chemicals and mental health disorders. For example, there are studies indicating that clinical depression may be caused by long-term exposure to toxic chemicals, due to their impact on the patient’s brain. Other psychological disorders that can be caused by environmental contaminants include insomnia, anxiety, anti-social behaviors, and severe moods swings.
That’s why it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as you start to have major changes in your health or personality. Along with getting the help you need, seeing a doctor will provide you with medical records, which are necessary in the event you decide to pursue a toxic chemical spill injury claim.
Who is Responsible for this Accident?
The investigation on this accident is still on-going, but so far, we know that the derailment was caused by a defective axle on one of the train cars. As for who is to blame for this condition, it’s most likely Norfolk Southern Railway, since they are responsible for the maintenance of their trains. However, it’s possible that the manufacturer of the axles may at fault, which is sadly common due to these companies taking short cuts and trying to save money.
Another angle we must explore, especially in the upcoming months, is the actions of the water supply company in response to the accident. Some of these companies have already started water treatments as a precautionary measure, while others have held back, citing that there is no cause for concern just yet. Considering the toxicity of these chemicals, we would argue that any and all preventive measures should be taken to provide a clean and safe water supply. If exposure to these toxins causes injury to residents and visitors in the area, the water company may share liability with the train company, even if they are not directly responsible for the accident.
Our lawyers are keeping an eye on this case as it develops, but rest assured that we have the knowledge and experience to go after the parties that have harmed you.
Compensation for Ohio River Injury Victims
Our lawyers are more than ready to bring you the settlement you deserve if you suffered health complications due to the Ohio River toxic chemical spill. Based on your specific injuries, you can receive much more than the cost of medical treatments. Here is a list of the damages you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses, including physical therapy and other rehabilitative services
- Lost wages or lost earning potential (if you can’t return to your job or work at all)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Legal fees
- Punitive damages
Contact us right away so that we can discuss these categories in detail and help you take action on a claim for compensation.
Average Case Value for Toxic Chemical Exposure Lawsuits
The amount you can receive from a lawsuit is based on circumstances that are unique to your injuries and how they’ve affected your life. Thus, it’s impossible to say what these cases are worth on average. However, past verdicts and settlements for toxic chemical exposure indicate that these are high value cases – mainly in the 6 to 7 figure range. Payments of $1.5 million to over $10 million are possible, especially if you have disabling injuries that impact your ability to work or perform basic tasks. If you’re interested in obtaining a case value that’s specific to your losses, schedule a free case review at your earliest convenience.
How Long do These Cases Take to Settle?
Achieving a settlement can take just 30 days for some cases, while others will take 2 or more years to resolve. There are many reasons for the wide variation in case timelines, so we can’t say right now how long these cases will take to settle. If the manufacturer admits liability and is eager to negotiate a fair settlement, we may be able to recover your payment within 6 months. However, major corporations are generally slow to admit fault, so it’s possible that the case resolution process can take one or more years. If you’d like to learn more about the process of settling a toxic chemical exposure lawsuit, don’t hesitate to call us.
Statute of Limitations – Deadline to File a Lawsuit
All cases of personal injury must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is typically 2 years from the date of an accident or the date of discovering an injury that was caused by another individual / entity. Because the effects of contaminated water do not manifest right away, it can be tricky to figure out exactly when the statute of limitations begins for one of these cases. Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to determine the length of time you have left for a lawsuit.
The Personal Injury Lawyers of Normandie
Polluted water supplies and their devastating impact on communities throughout the world is a well-documented problem that’s gone on for many years. In most cases of polluted water supplies, there is a responsible entity that can be blamed for leeching chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals. No matter who is responsible, victims have the right to demand justice in the form of monetary compensation. However, it’s essential to have a lawyer by your side, who is experienced in toxic chemical injury claims.
The personal injury lawyers of Normandie have decades of experience in the representation of injury victims for all types of catastrophic injuries. We know the legal process inside and out when it comes to these lawsuits, so you can depend on us to recover every penny you deserve. However, there is no cost to you whatsoever if you decide that we are the right law firm to represent you. Your legal fees are covered by the party you are suing, which means we get paid by the defendant at the same time you receive compensation. What happens if we don’t win your case? You walk away without any responsibility for our expenses, thanks to the Zero Fee Guarantee.
If you have any questions or concerns that we can assist you with, contact us to speak with an experienced toxic chemical exposure attorney.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
My Mother was Pregnant at the Time of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
What is the Required Time Spent at Camp Lejeune to Participate in Water Contamination Lawsuits
Lawyer for Renal Toxicity Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
