St. Louis Chemical Exposure Lawyer

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we are committed to representing individuals and families harmed by exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in toxic chemical exposure litigation, advocating for clients affected by environmental pollution, asbestos exposure, lead poisoning, and other serious injuries.

We understand the complexities of proving negligence in cases involving dangerous chemicals and are dedicated to holding negligent corporations accountable.

Our firm has a proven track record of success in complex cases, securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We serve a diverse clientele, including industrial workers, community members, and families impacted by harmful substances.

Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the public health implications of chemical exposures and work tirelessly to achieve justice for those affected.

With a focus on personalized representation, we guide our clients through every step of the legal process.

Our toxic chemical exposure attorneys:

• Ted N. Gianaris: With nearly 30 years of experience, Ted has secured over $36 million in compensation for victims of toxic exposures and catastrophic injuries. He has successfully represented clients in cases involving asbestos exposure, environmental pollution, and occupational diseases, earning recognition as an Illinois Super Lawyer and an AV-rated attorney.
• Suvir Dhar: Specializing in toxic exposure and catastrophic injury cases, Suvir has advocated for hundreds of workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and blood cancers. Licensed in Illinois, Missouri, California, and Arizona, he brings a wealth of experience in representing working-class individuals against negligent corporations.
• Dirk Hennessey: An experienced trial lawyer, Dirk represents clients injured by toxic exposures, railroad negligence, and unsafe working conditions. He has achieved significant verdicts, including a $3.515 million jury award against a major railroad company, demonstrating his commitment to justice for those harmed by corporate negligence.
• Joshua A. Edelson: A skilled toxic exposure lawyer, Joshua handles a wide variety of complex personal injury cases, including toxic exposure claims. His practice focuses on representing individuals and mass client groups affected by hazardous chemical exposures and environmental pollution.

Our team at Gianaris Trial Lawyers is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation for clients affected by toxic chemical exposures.

We combine extensive experience with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those suffering from serious injuries due to hazardous chemicals.

If you’ve been exposed to toxic substances and developed cancer or other serious health problems, you may be eligible to pursue a toxic exposure claim.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in seeking justice and compensation.

Types of Toxic Chemical Exposure Cases We Handle

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, our toxic tort lawyers are dedicated to representing individuals and families affected by exposure to hazardous chemicals.

We handle a wide range of complex cases involving dangerous substances that have led to serious health issues.

Our team is committed to holding negligent companies accountable for the harm caused by toxic materials in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and communities.

We understand the intricacies of proving negligence in these cases and work diligently to secure justice and compensation for our clients.

Our experience encompasses a broad spectrum of toxic exposure scenarios, meaning we can effectively advocate for those impacted by environmental pollution and occupational exposure.

Whether it’s contamination of drinking water or exposure to harmful pesticides, our firm is equipped to tackle these challenges head-on.

We are particularly experienced in cases involving asbestos fibers and other toxins that have long-term health implications – specifically in the context of railroad work.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive legal support to those suffering from the consequences of exposure to hazardous waste and dangerous substances.

Types of toxic chemical exposure cases we handle:

• Asbestos Exposure: Advocating for clients suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases due to the use of asbestos-containing products in residential and industrial settings.
• Benzene Exposure: Representing clients that have been diagnosed with rare blood disorders and cancers after exposure to benzene, diesel fuel and diesel exhaust.
• Pesticide Exposure: Handling cases where individuals have developed blood cancer due to exposure to harmful pesticides in agricultural and residential use areas.
• Drinking Water Contamination: Pursuing claims against entities responsible for contaminating water supplies with toxic chemicals, leading to serious health problems.
• Occupational Exposure: Assisting workers who have been exposed to toxic substances in the workplace, resulting in chronic illnesses or injuries.
• Neighborhood Pollution: Challenging companies that have released hazardous emissions and waste into the environment, affecting the health of nearby communities.
• Exposure to Forever Chemicals: Addressing cases involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and human body, leading to various cancers.
• Chemical Spills and Accidents: Litigating cases arising from chemical spills or accidents that have resulted in immediate and long-term health effects and/or death.
• Industrial Facility Emissions: Taking action against industrial facilities that emit harmful pollutants, impacting the health of workers and surrounding communities.
• Solvent Exposures: Litigating cancer cases arising from the use of solvents and parts washers in the railroad, petroleum and other industrial sectors.
• Railroad Industry Exposures: Fighting for railroaders diagnosed with cancer after occupational exposures to diesel exhaust, silica, asbestos, creosote, solvents and other hazardous products.

Our Toxic Exposure Attorneys are committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation to those affected by toxic chemical exposures.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to exposure to hazardous chemicals, contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers for a free consultation.

We are here to help you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

St. Louis has long been a hub for heavy industry, with a legacy of chemical production, nuclear processing, and manufacturing that has left a lasting impact on the environment and public health.

From oil refineries and steel mills to chemical plants and uranium processing facilities, the region’s industrial activities have contributed to widespread contamination and exposure to hazardous substances.

Communities and workers in the area have faced increased risks of serious illnesses due to prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants.

One of the most notable contributors to this legacy is the Mallinckrodt Chemical Company, which played a significant role in the Manhattan Project by processing uranium for nuclear weapons.

The company’s operations led to the accumulation of radioactive waste, some of which was improperly stored near residential areas, resulting in long-term environmental contamination and health concerns for nearby residents.

Monsanto, another major industrial player based in St. Louis, has a history of producing hazardous chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and herbicides like Roundup.

The company’s activities have been linked to environmental pollution and health issues in surrounding communities.

The region’s oil refineries and steel mills have contributed to air and water pollution, exposing workers and residents to harmful substances.

The cumulative effect of these industrial operations has made St. Louis a focal point for toxic exposure cases and environmental health concerns.

Specific chemical exposure events and negligent companies in the St Louis area have included:

• Mallinckrodt Chemical Company: Processed uranium for nuclear weapons, leading to radioactive waste contamination in areas like Coldwater Creek.
• Monsanto: Produced PCBs and herbicides, contributing to environmental pollution and associated health risks in local communities.
• Times Beach, Missouri: A town evacuated due to dioxin contamination from waste oil sprayed on roads, highlighting the dangers of improper chemical disposal.
• Weldon Spring Ordnance Works: A site used for uranium processing and explosives manufacturing, now a Superfund site due to extensive contamination.
• Doe Run Company: Operated a lead smelter in Herculaneum, Missouri, leading to elevated blood lead levels in local children and widespread soil contamination.
• Wood River Refinery (Roxana, IL): This refinery has been implicated in environmental contamination, including benzene spills and other petroleum hydrocarbon releases. Investigations and remedial efforts have been ongoing to address these issues.
• East St. Louis Industrial Pollution: The city has faced environmental burdens from chemical plants, waste incinerators, refineries, and power plants, leading to disproportionate exposure to toxic substances among residents.
• U.S. Steel Granite City Works: This steel mill has been a significant source of industrial emissions, contributing to air pollution in the area.

Addressing the consequences of toxic exposure remains a critical concern for affected communities and underscores the importance of holding negligent companies accountable.

Health Conditions Potentially Linked to Toxic Exposure in St Louis

People living near industrial facilities or working in high-risk occupations may suffer long-term health consequences due to exposure to hazardous substances.

Toxic chemicals in the air, soil, water, and workplace environments have been linked to a variety of diseases impacting vital organs, the nervous system, and multiple forms of cancer.

The following health conditions have all been associated with toxic exposure in St. Louis:

• Parkinson’s Disease: Linked to exposure to certain pesticides and solvents that may damage the central nervous system.
• Mesothelioma: Caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, often from older buildings or industrial job sites.
• Lung Cancer: Associated with diesel fumes, asbestos, and other airborne carcinogens found in industrial areas.
• Liver Cancer: Can result from prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals and solvents used in manufacturing.
• Bladder Cancer: Often related to chemical dyes, aromatic amines, and solvents used in industrial processing.
• Kidney Cancer: Associated with exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent found in many St. Louis-area waste sites.
• Testicular Cancer: Linked to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in contaminated drinking water.
• Other Cancers: Including stomach, colon, and blood cancers, which may arise from chronic or high-concentration chemical exposure.

In Missouri, individuals who suffer injuries or illnesses due to exposure to toxic chemicals, such as asbestos, lead, pesticides, or industrial solvents, may pursue legal action under personal injury or wrongful death statutes.

These cases, often referred to as toxic torts, involve proving that the exposure resulted from someone else’s negligence, such as a corporation’s failure to provide adequate safety measures or warnings.

Missouri law allows affected individuals or, in the case of a deceased victim, their family members, to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The legal process for these complex cases involves several critical steps, which experienced attorneys handle to build a strong claim.

Steps in the legal process:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: The process begins with a thorough consultation where attorneys assess the details of the exposure, the substances involved, and the resulting health issues to determine the viability of the case.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Attorneys collect evidence, including medical records, employment history, safety reports, and expert testimonies, to establish a link between the exposure and the injury or illness.
3. Identifying Responsible Parties: Determining all potential defendants, such as manufacturers, employers, or property owners, who may be liable for the exposure due to negligence or failure to warn.
4. Filing the Lawsuit: A formal complaint is filed in the appropriate court, outlining the allegations against the defendants and the damages sought.
5. Discovery Phase: Both parties exchange information through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests to build their respective cases.
6. Settlement Negotiations: Attorneys may engage in negotiations to reach a settlement that adequately compensates the victim without the need for a trial.
7. Trial: If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial, where evidence is presented, and a judge or jury determines liability and damages.
8. Appeals: If necessary, the decision can be appealed to a higher court for review.

Toxic chemical exposure litigation requires specialized legal knowledge and experience.

Our attorneys are highly skilled in this area of law, and are equipped to handle the nuances of these cases

We aim to make sure that victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Gathering Evidence for a Chemical Exposure Lawsuit

Building a strong chemical exposure case requires clear, well-documented evidence showing the connection between your illness and the hazardous substances involved.

Whether the harm resulted from long-term exposure or a short-term exposure event, our legal team works to prove the source of the toxic material and its health impact.

Evidence can also help establish common symptoms and the medical treatment needed for the serious illness you or your loved one developed.

Forms of evidence include:

• Medical Records: Documentation of diagnosis, medical treatment, and progression of the serious illness.
• Employment and Location History: Details showing where and when long-term exposure or short-term exposure may have occurred.
• Expert Medical Opinions: Specialists can link toxic exposure to specific health outcomes and explain causation.
• Environmental Reports: Government or private findings showing contamination at job sites, homes, or nearby industrial areas.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from coworkers, neighbors, or family members familiar with the conditions of exposure.
• Symptom Logs and Journals: Notes tracking common symptoms, flare-ups, or treatment challenges over time.

Types of Damages in Chemical Exposure Cases

In a chemical exposure lawsuit, damages refer to the monetary compensation victims seek for the harm they’ve suffered due to another party’s negligence.

These cases often involve individuals who have developed a serious illness from skin contact, breathing in toxic chemicals, or ingestion of hazardous substances.

The types of damages available depend on the extent of the exposure, the impact on the person’s health, and the losses they and their families have endured.

Common types of damages in chemical exposure cases include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills, hospital stays, cancer treatments, prescription medications, and ongoing care related to the serious illness.
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If the illness interferes with a person’s ability to work or results in job loss, damages may cover both missed wages and long-term loss of earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by chronic illness or disfigurement.
• Wrongful Death: For family members who lost a loved one due to toxic exposure, damages may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award additional damages to punish negligent companies or entities that knowingly exposed victims to dangerous chemicals.

Each case is unique, and our attorneys evaluate all factors to fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.

Determining whether you qualify for a chemical exposure lawsuit depends on several factors, including your history of exposure, your medical diagnosis, and the link between the hazardous substance and your condition.

Victims may include industrial workers, residents living near polluting facilities, or family members affected secondhand through contaminated clothing or household water.

To qualify, you typically must prove that you were exposed to a toxic substance due to someone else’s negligence—such as a company’s failure to warn, contain, or safely manage dangerous chemicals.

Medical documentation of your illness or condition, such as cancer, neurological damage, or organ failure, will be critical to support your claim.

You may also need expert testimony to establish causation between the substance and your illness.

Legal claims can arise from both short-term exposure events and long-term exposure over years.

If a loved one has passed away from a condition linked to toxic exposure, you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers works with victims across St. Louis and the Midwest to evaluate these claims.

We help you gather the necessary records, consult medical and environmental experts, and fight to hold negligent companies accountable.

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we are committed to representing workers, families, and communities across St. Louis who have suffered harm from toxic chemical exposure.

From industrial workers exposed on the job to residents living near hazardous sites, we understand the lifelong toll these exposures take—and we fight to hold negligent corporations accountable.

Whether you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, a serious illness, or the loss of a loved one, our experienced team is here to help you pursue justice and full financial recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to get in touch with our Toxic Chemical Exposure Attorneys.