West Virginia Lawyers Fight for Victims of Environmental Contamination
Charleston firm pursues justice for individuals and communities exposed to dangerous substances
West Virginians have suffered over the years from the effects of a wide variety of chemicals that contaminated and poisoned the environment, causing a litany of problems for the health of individuals and the well-being of whole communities. The Charleston, West Virginia-based environmental contamination lawyers at Calwell Luce diTrapano PLLC understand the devastating impact contamination can have, and we stand ready to fight in court for victims nationwide.
What is environmental contamination?
Chemicals related to environmental contamination are substances that can endanger the health of those exposed to them or that are dangerous if not handled safely. Contamination occurs when these chemicals escape safe confinement and mix with the air, food sources, or water we consume or make us ill in some other way. Specific harmful substances include coal sludge, arsenic, lead, mercury, pesticides, gasoline, diesel, asbestos, dioxins, ethylene oxide, paint, cleaning products, and other toxic chemicals. If you become sick, or know someone who is harmed or dies, as a result of contamination, we are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve from the liable party(ies).
Common causes of environmental contamination
Environmental contamination can often be traced to one of the following causes:
- Industrial operations
- Coal mining
- Chemical spills
- Release of toxic chemicals into the air
- Truck accidents
- Train derailments
Many instances of contamination are the avoidable result of someone’s negligence. With the help of expert witnesses, we can determine what caused an instance of contamination and whether its victims are entitled to legal compensation.
Impact of environmental contamination on communities
Chemicals related to environmental contamination can cause enormous damage to communities as a whole, by contaminating the air, water and soil, posing widespread health risks, reducing real estate values, and depressing the local economy. We will pursue claims for injuries caused by community-wide contamination.
Impact of environmental contamination on individuals
Even small-scale contamination can have a devastating effect on exposed individuals such as damaging their health, causing pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In the worst-case scenario, toxins can kill. The attorneys at Calwell Luce diTrapano PLLC have the knowledge and experience you need for effective legal representation if you or a family member suffer any of these ill effects as a result of environmental contamination.
Filing a lawsuit for exposure to environmental contamination
Environmental laws and regulations, enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WV Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), impose requirements that should, in theory, prevent environmental contamination. When a company violates those laws and regulations, or otherwise negligently releases chemicals into the environment, they may be liable for the resulting injuries to communities and individuals exposed to them. Individuals may bring suits on their own behalf, but if there are a large number of victims, one or more victims might pursue a mass tort claim or class action in which common questions of fact can be resolved in one proceeding. Regardless of whether we represent an individual or a whole community, our Charleston, West Virginia-based environmental contamination lawyers consult with expert witnesses to establish a connection between the contamination and the deleterious effects suffered by the community.
Consult with our Charleston environmental contamination lawyers
For more information on how the experienced attorneys at Calwell Luce diTrapano PLLC can help when you are the victim of environmental contamination, call us at 304-400-6558 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
