Chicago 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 challenges 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: A dedicated trial lawyer 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.

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 experienced 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 that 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.

Chicago’s evolution into a major industrial center brought significant economic growth but also led to widespread environmental contamination and public health challenges.

The city’s extensive network of steel mills, oil refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities has exposed workers and nearby communities to hazardous chemicals and pollutants.

These exposures have resulted in adverse health effects, including respiratory illnesses, cancers, and other serious conditions.

A few notable examples of industrial pollution and chemical exposure in Chicago:

• Altgeld Gardens (“Toxic Donut”): Located on Chicago’s far South Side, this public housing development was surrounded by numerous landfills and industrial facilities, leading to high levels of hazardous waste exposure for residents.
• Pilsen and Little Village Neighborhoods: These predominantly Hispanic communities have faced significant air and soil pollution from nearby industrial operations, including lead and other heavy metals, resulting in elevated health risks.
• Crawford and Fisk Coal Plants: Situated in residential areas, these plants were major sources of air pollution, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems among local populations.
• General Iron Metal Shredding Facility: The relocation of this facility to Chicago’s Southeast Side raised concerns about environmental racism and increased pollution in already overburdened communities.
• MAT Asphalt Plant in McKinley Park: Community members have reported air quality issues and health concerns related to emissions from this asphalt plant located near homes and schools.
• Chicago Pile-1 (CP-1): The world’s first nuclear reactor was constructed under the University of Chicago’s Stagg Field, marking the beginning of nuclear radiation exposure concerns in the area.
• Former Carnotite Reduction Company Site: This site processed uranium ores, leading to residual radioactive contamination and subsequent cleanup efforts to protect public health.
• Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station: Located southwest of Chicago, this facility experienced radioactive leaks, raising concerns about nuclear radiation exposure in surrounding communities.

Health Conditions Potentially Linked to Toxic Exposure in Chicago

Chicago’s extensive industrial history has led to widespread exposure to hazardous chemicals among workers and residents.

Industries such as steel manufacturing, chemical processing, and transportation have contributed to environmental contamination, resulting in various health issues.

Exposure routes include inhalation of airborne pollutants, skin contact with toxic substances, and ingestion of contaminated water or food.

These exposures can lead to both acute and chronic health conditions, some of which may not manifest until years after the initial contact.

Health conditions associated with toxic chemical exposure:

• Mesothelioma: A rare cancer primarily caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, commonly found in older buildings and industrial materials.
• Lung Cancer: Linked to prolonged exposure to airborne carcinogens such as asbestos, diesel exhaust, and industrial solvents.
• Bladder Cancer: Associated with exposure to aromatic amines and chemicals used in dye and rubber industries.
• Kidney Cancer: Connected to exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent used in metal degreasing and dry cleaning.
• Liver Cancer: Linked to exposure to vinyl chloride, a chemical used in the production of PVC plastics.
• Testicular Cancer: Potentially associated with exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), found in various industrial applications.
• Stomach Cancer: May result from ingestion of contaminated water or food containing hazardous substances like arsenic.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Linked to exposure to pesticides and solvents such as TCE, affecting the nervous system.
• Toxic Encephalopathy: A condition resulting from exposure to solvents and heavy metals, leading to cognitive impairments.
• Skin Disorders: Including dermatitis and chemical burns, often caused by direct skin contact with hazardous chemicals.
• Birth Defects: Exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy, such as lead and mercury, can result in developmental issues in children.

If you or a loved one has experienced any of these health conditions and suspect a link to chemical exposure, it is important to consult with medical professionals and consider legal options to address potential negligence.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers provides free, no-obligation consultations to any person who believes someone else’s negligence may have contributed to a cancer diagnosis or other serious illness.

Contact us today.

Illinois law allows individuals who suffer harm due to chemical exposure to pursue compensation through personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and relevant tort law, victims may hold negligent parties accountable for releasing hazardous substances that cause serious health problems.

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) permits a family member to file suit if a loved one dies as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals.

Claims can be based on negligence, strict liability, or failure to warn, depending on the nature of the chemical and the circumstances of exposure.

Plaintiffs may need to prove that a defendant’s conduct led to exposure and that this exposure caused recognizable harm, often supported by medical treatment records and expert testimony.

The statute of limitations for chemical exposure injury cases in Illinois is generally two years from the date of injury or the date when common symptoms reasonably should have led to discovery of the illness.

Because these cases often involve complex scientific data and long-term exposure patterns, our attorneys handle every aspect of the investigation and litigation to protect your rights.

Whether you are an injured worker, a sickened resident, or a grieving family member, Gianaris Trial Lawyers will work to build a compelling case.

The steps in a chemical exposure case in Illinois typically include:

1. Medical Evaluation: Seek immediate medical treatment and obtain records that detail your condition, symptoms, and possible chemical causes.
2. Consult a Lawyer: Meet with our attorneys who handle chemical exposure cases to assess your claim and legal options.
3. Investigate Exposure: Determine the source, duration, and extent of exposure through work history, environmental records, and scientific analysis.
4. Identify Liable Parties: Pinpoint which companies, landlords, employers, or other entities may be responsible for the exposure.
5. Collect Evidence: Compile documentation, including chemical reports, expert opinions, and witness statements.
6. File the Lawsuit: Initiate a legal complaint in an appropriate Illinois court within the statute of limitations.
7. Pretrial Discovery: Exchange evidence with defendants, take depositions, and prepare arguments.
8. Settlement or Trial: Attempt to negotiate a fair resolution or proceed to trial to obtain compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

If you or someone you love is suffering from an illness linked to toxic exposure, contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers for experienced legal help.

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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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.

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