If land or facilities are contaminated with toxins or pollution due to the negligence of a nearby corporation, the home and property owner may be entitled to compensation for damages to personal property, public nuisance and any injury resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. It is important to hire a skilled property contamination lawyer to investigate the root cause of pollution to see whether third parties may be held liable.
It is not uncommon for the defendants of such lawsuits to include oil and gas companies, government land operators, miners, and other manufactures. These cases are particularly important to Daly & Black as we are advocates for protection of the environment, private property, and strongly oppose corporate entities that continuously endanger the health and lives of thousands of American citizens. The lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. stand ready to help you obtain compensation for any losses you may have suffered as a result of such contamination.
Property could be contaminated by:
- Industrial waste, resulting in a condition called brownfields
- Lack of vegetation that causes more intense flooding and runoff
- Fuel spills such as gas or oil
- Radon, asbestos, mold, or other indoor contaminants that prohibit a building’s interior from being used
- Hazardous waste in the groundwater
Who Are the Offenders
Oil companies are among the most obvious offenders of failing to uphold environmental integrity. However, many other companies and industries in the United States regularly pollute private properties, causing major damage to land, homes and the health of Americans. The following entities have recently been named in property damage claims:
- Municipal Landfills
- Military Installations
- Steel Plants
- Industrial Farms
- Fertilizer Companies
- Oil Processing Plants
- Local Gas Filling Stations
- Dry Cleaners
- Fracking Companies
- Oil and Gas Companies
- Injection Wells
Why We Fight These Cases
The goal in any property contamination suit is to restore the land, compensate the property owners, and penalize the reckless, negligent corporation who was responsible for the damage.
The contamination of surface water, groundwater, and soil is a serious matter, and involves environmental experts to properly assess the situation and create a cleanup and remediation plan. Quick reaction to environmental damage is necessary to control the risks, and begin legal action against the responsible parties.
Environmental pollutants that cause harm to personal health include fertilizers and pesticides, sewage, lead, heavy metals, chemicals, asbestos, and petroleum-based substances.
Due to the large amount of contamination the U.S., it is difficult to know how many properties and residents are affected, though current legal and medical records suggest the problem is more widespread than previously thought.
Because the contaminants include a range of substances, health complications can vary widely. Some contaminants cause property damage and little discomfort, while others may be potentially life-threatening. Common injuries and illnesses caused by environmental contamination may include:
- Heart disease
- Severe allergic reactions
- Certain forms of cancer
- Immune deficiency
- Nerve damage
- Lymphoma
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Neurological problems
- Developmental disabilities
- Reproductive damage—birth defects
What to Do If You Suspect You Have A Claim
If you suspect you may have a claim, you must hire skilled advocates with the resources to test the area for suspected pollutants, and determine the extent of damage to persons or property. It is also important to hire a law firm that has the resources to take on the corporate wrongdoers. You should not try to fight these cases on your own, and need skilled counsel to navigate you through the process. Call Daly & Black, P.C. today to learn more about your situation and the legal options you have available if you suspect you have a property contamination case.