Pittsburgh Environmental Pollution Lawyers

Toxic Exposure Lawsuits After Environmental Disasters

Environmental pollution can affect entire communities or mostly afflict an individual based on where they live and their pre-existing medical conditions. In either situation, chemical waste released into the air, ground, and water can cause severe health problems, property damage, and even death.

If you or a loved one have been affected by environmental pollution, you deserve justice. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our team of Pittsburgh environmental pollution attorneys is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve after such unthinkable and unforeseeable harm. We are a trusted law firm for our commitment to protecting the rights of individuals who've been harmed by corporate negligence, government misdeeds, and environmental contamination. With our deep knowledge and experience, we can build a strong case on your behalf and fight aggressively for your rights.

Wondering if you can file an environmental pollution or toxic exposure lawsuit? Start by contacting us online or dialing (844) 383-0565.

Causes of Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution is a major issue faced by communities nationwide, including here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is often caused by corporate negligence and government inaction that fails to control and penalize those corporations. Chemical waste, toxic spills, and illegal dumping are just a few examples of how companies can pollute the environment and harm nearby communities, often gradually over many years.

Four major causes and types of environmental pollution are:

• PFAS exposure: PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they never fully break down in the environment. These chemicals are used in a range of products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. They are also found in the soil, air, and water at microscopic yet unsafe levels. Exposure to PFAS can lead to a range of health problems, including cancer, immune system problems, and developmental delays in children.
• Soil contamination: Soil contamination occurs when hazardous substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, are introduced to the soil. These substances can come from a variety of sources, including industrial sites, landfills, and agricultural practices. When these substances build up in the soil, they can harm plants and animals and may also contaminate groundwater.
• Water contamination: Water contamination occurs when hazardous substances, such as chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals, are present in a water supply and at levels that cannot be safely removed through traditional water treatment methods. This can happen due to industrial runoff, sewage discharges, and oil spills. Water contamination can cause health problems such as cancer, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Air pollution: Air pollution occurs when harmful substances, such as particulate matter and gases, are released into the air. Sources of severe air pollution can include unsafe industrial processes and large-scale chemical spills that are burned off, such as what happened in East Palestine, Ohio. Exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues.

These are just a few examples of the types of environmental pollution that can occur. It is crucial to monitor our environment and hold companies accountable for their actions to protect the health and well-being of our communities. If you or a loved one has suffered from environmental pollution, you can help keep corporations and government entities in check by starting an injury claim. Change tends to happen the quickest when the defendant’s bank account is in jeopardy.

Injuries & Illnesses Caused by Environmental Pollution

Exposure to environmental pollution can have serious consequences for human health. Chemical waste, industrial runoff, and toxic spills can lead to a range of injuries and illnesses, from skin irritations to cancer. It is essential to understand the potential health risks associated with environmental pollution to not only protect yourself and your communities but to also make sure that your case is built correctly.

Five of the most severe injuries and illnesses that can be caused by exposure to environmental pollution include:

• Cancer: Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins found in environmental pollution can increase a person's risk of developing various types of cancer. For example, exposure to benzene, a chemical commonly found in gasoline and industrial settings, is linked to an increased risk of leukemia.
• Neurological disorders: Exposure to environmental pollution can also impact the nervous system and lead to neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
• Respiratory problems: Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to certain chemicals, like asbestos and lead, can also harm the respiratory system and lead to lung cancer.
• Birth defects: Pregnant women who are exposed to environmental pollution may have a higher risk of giving birth to children with birth defects, such as heart defects and neural tube defects.
• Developmental delays: Exposure to environmental pollution can also lead to developmental delays in children, including delays in cognitive and motor skills.

These are just a few examples of the severe injuries and illnesses that can be caused by environmental pollution. If you or a loved one have been exposed to environmental pollution and are experiencing health problems, it is important to seek medical attention and then ask for legal help from our Pittsburgh environmental pollution lawyers. A successful claim could pay for the medical treatment costs associated with those health problems, among other damages.

Property Value Loss Caused by Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution doesn't only affect your health, but it can also significantly impact property values. When a property is located in an area contaminated by environmental pollution, its value can decrease dramatically. This decrease can occur due to several reasons, such as the high levels of health risk associated with the property, the costs associated with cleaning up the pollution, and the stigma attached to living in a polluted area.

In an environmental pollution claim, you can demand compensation for the lost value of your real estate property. Compensation can be calculated based on the difference between the value of the property before and after the pollution occurred.

Legal Help Isn’t Far – Just Call (844) 383-0565

If you have been affected by environmental pollution, whether it be health problems, property value loss, or other damages, our Pittsburgh environmental contamination attorneys are here to help. We can build a strong case on your behalf and help you demand the compensation you deserve. Our mission is to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions and negligence, so we can protect your health and that of our communities.

Discuss your legal options during a FREE initial consultation to take the first step toward justice.