The Trichloroethylene Exposure Lawsuits
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent and known cancer-causing agent. It is now also the subject of several lawsuits alleging that individuals who work closely with TCE suffered life-altering injuries as a result of their exposure. Some of these lawsuits have been filed by individuals who suffered severe injury while other lawsuits have been filed by communities seeking recovery for cleanups related to TCE contamination.
The TCE lawsuits
Lawsuits are currently being filed against companies that manufacture TCE. It is used as a degreaser for metal parts and is classified as a probable human carcinogen. TCE exposure is linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, kidney cancer, and liver cancer. TCE also has a toxic effect on the central nervous system, male reproductive system, and immune system. It is linked to birth defects, auto-immune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and scleroderma. Inhaling high concentrations of TCE can lead to pulmonary arrest and death.
Who is liable for these injuries?
There are three types of companies that are currently facing lawsuits. Those are companies that manufacture TCE, companies that transport TCE, and companies that use TCE. Each of these types of companies have, in the past, contributed some liability to TCE injuries. This includes environmental contamination of areas surrounding plants, injuries to workers, and injuries to the general public.
More companies are moving away from the use of TCE where possible. However, dozens of companies still use or manufacture the product. Today, there are regulations in place to limit the product of TCE and enforce mandates on how it is to be disposed of and safely used. Nonetheless, TCE contamination in groundwater remains a major problem nearby plants that still use the chemical.
In one case, a company with the unfortunate name of Water Gremlin managed to pollute water with TCE. The State of Minnesota fined them nearly $7 million for the cost of the ensuing cleanup.
What should I do if I was injured by TCE?
TCE lawsuits are currently being litigated by attorneys across the country. Plaintiffs who have suffered serious injuries related to TCE can file lawsuits against companies responsible for the contamination. They can recover damages related to their past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. Families with deceased victims of TCE can file wrongful death lawsuits against negligent companies.
Case study
A Missouri woman was awarded over $20 million after a jury found a TCE company liable for her autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatitis, which is generally thought of as a virus, actually only means inflammation of the liver. In this case, the liver became inflamed after the victim was exposed to TCE. It was her own immune system that began attacking her own liver resulting in hepatitis. The company that was forced to pay the sum had dumped hundreds of tons of TCE near her childhood home. The jury awarded the plaintiff punitive damages in the amount of $13 million and $7 million in compensatory damages.
Talk to a Tampa Toxic Exposure Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to a negligent company’s attempts to dispose of a dangerous chemical, you may be entitled to recover damages related to your injuries. Call the Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Matassini Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your injuries in more detail.
