McAllen Chemical Exposure Lawyers

Serving Residents Throughout Hidalgo County and all of Texas. Mcallen, Alamo, Edinburg, Harlingen, Hidalgo Mission, Palmview, Pharr, San Juan, Weslaco

Were You Exposed To Chemicals At Work?

Chemical and toxic exposure is a significant occupational hazard for workers who regularly come into contact with hazardous substances such as trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, polyvinyl chloride, arsenic, cadmium, and other heavy metals commonly used in industrial settings.

Prolonged exposure will often result in severe health conditions, including mesothelioma (often linked to asbestos exposure), acute myeloid leukemia, lead poisoning, various forms of cancer, and other life-altering diseases.

If you or a loved one has been affected by chemical and toxic exposure at work, consulting our experienced personal injury attorney Ricardo A. Garcia. He can help you obtain justice, and max settlement due to your employers negligence.

The consultation is always free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case and obtain a settlement.

Common Toxic Chemicals Workers Are Exposed:

Toxic and chemical exposure usually occurs when they enter your body through inhalation, skin contact, or accidental ingestion. Exposure can happen suddenly or over a long period, which may or may not lead to immediate injuries such as burns or poisoning, or causing chronic illnesses that may not become apparent until years later.

• Asbestos:. Exposure to benzene, another dangerous chemical, has been linked to severe health complications including acute myeloid leukemia, immunodeficiency, reproductive issues, and various other conditions.
• Lead While it can be particularly devastating to infants and toddlers, lead poisoning is toxic to all ages, which leads to developmental disabilities and other neurological problems.
• Manganese: Exposure can cause a condition called ‘manganism,’ which is similar in many aspects to Parkinson’s disease, with exposure often resulting from activities like welding, smelting or other metalworking processes

Who Is At Fault?

If you have been exposed, it is our job to find the party liable so that we can see compensation for your injury. When we work with chemical or toxic injuries, we often see the employer being negligent for the safety of their employees. Some of the most common causes of exposure are:

• Inadequate Safety Measures: Employers are legally required by the state of Texas to provide a safe work environment. When companies cut corners on safety protocols—such as failing to provide proper protective gear, maintain ventilation systems, or conduct regular safety training—employees are often affected.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Many industries use hazardous chemicals like asbestos, benzene, heavy metals, and industrial solvents. These substances, if not handled correctly, can lead to serious health problems.
• Cumulative Effects: Some toxic substances build up in your body over time. Low-level, repeated exposure might not cause immediate symptoms, but over months or years, this accumulation can lead to severe health issues like cancer, respiratory diseases, or neurological damage.

Common Hazardous Substances and Their Health Effects

• Asbestos: is widely recognized as a hazardous substance, with mesothelioma-related litigation emerging as the largest class-action lawsuit in American history
  • Description: A fibrous material once common in building materials.
  • Health Effects: Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases, including asbestosis and a deadly cancer called mesothelioma, which can appear decades after exposure.
• Benzene
  • Description: A chemical widely used in industrial settings and as a component in gasoline.
  • Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia, as well as immune system problems and reproductive complications.
• Manganese
  • Description: Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral used in various industrial processes, including steel production, welding, and battery manufacturing. While it is an essential nutrient in small amounts, high-level exposure—particularly through inhalation of manganese dust or fumes—can be hazardous.
  • Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to manganese can lead to neurological disorders, such as manganism, which manifests with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, muscle stiffness, and impaired motor skills. Additionally, inhaling manganese in industrial settings can contribute to respiratory problems.
• Heavy Metals
  • Examples: Lead, mercury, cadmium.
  • Health Effects: These metals can cause neurological damage, organ failure, cognitive issues, and other serious health conditions. For instance, lead exposure is known to cause kidney damage and cognitive impairments.
• Other Industrial Chemicals
  • Examples: Ammonia, formaldehyde, various cleaning agents, and industrial solvents.
  • Health Effects: These chemicals can lead to skin irritations, respiratory problems, and long-term illnesses like cancer or chronic organ damage.

Who Is Responsible For Your Toxic Exposure And Injuries?

When a toxic exposure injury occurs, we are here to determine who is responsible. They will be found negligent, and therefore liable for damages.  From thorough investigation to witness statements and expert testimony, we have the experience and resources to help you recover full and just compensation.

The most common techniques used to find a liable party are as follows:

• Investigating the Work Environment: We gather all relevant safety records, incident reports, and employment histories to understand how and when the exposure occurred.
• Identifying Safety Lapses: We look for evidence that your employer or third parties (such as chemical manufacturers or contractors) failed to follow safety regulations.
• Expert Testimony: We work with expert witnesses, including toxicologists and industrial hygiene professionals, to scientifically link your exposure to the hazardous substances and your subsequent health problems.
• Tracing the Source: Whether it’s a faulty piece of equipment, a lack of proper training, or a contaminated product, our team diligently traces the source of the exposure to hold the right parties accountable.

Who Pays For Damages and Costs

Understanding who is responsible for covering your costs is a key part of any toxic exposure case:

• Workers’ Compensation: Most workers are covered by workers’ compensation, which pays for medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault. However, these benefits are often limited and may not cover the full extent of your injuries or future medical expenses.
• Third-Party Claims: In cases where negligence is clear—such as when a manufacturer fails to warn of a product’s dangers or when an employer ignores safety regulations—you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. This can potentially cover additional expenses such as pain and suffering, long-term disability, and full wage replacement.
• Combined Claims: In some situations, you might be eligible for both workers’ compensation and a personal injury lawsuit, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available to cover current and future needs.

How To Obtain Compensation For Injuries Related To Toxic Exposure

If you have been harmed by toxic exposure, you have several legal paths available:

• Workers’ Compensation Claims: File for benefits that cover your immediate medical treatment and a portion of your lost income.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits: In cases of gross negligence or when third parties are involved, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover more comprehensive damages, including pain and suffering.
• Toxic Tort Claims: These specialized lawsuits address cases where long-term exposure to toxins has resulted in severe health conditions. They can be more complex but may offer higher compensation due to the nature and severity of your injuries.

How We Can Help You Fight Back

Toxic exposure cases are among the most complex personal injury claims. Here’s why our experienced legal team is the right choice for your case:

• Experience: We have over 30 years of experience in the field of personal injury law. We have helped thousands recover substantial settlements through negotiations and trial.
• Expertise in Complex Cases: We understand the intricate connection between toxic exposure and long-term health issues. Our team has a proven track record of successfully handling these challenging cases.
• Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned—from collecting safety records and employment histories to working with expert witnesses—to build a strong case linking your exposure to your injuries.
• Aggressive Representation: Employers, manufacturers, and insurance companies will often try to minimize or deny responsibility. We are here to help you fight back aggressively and secure compensation you deserve.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case, which will allow you to focus on your health without worrying about legal expenses.
• Compassionate Support: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a toxic exposure event can have on your life.  Our team is here to provide not only expert legal guidance but also the support and empathy you need during this challenging time.

Don’t Wait to Protect Yourself

Because toxic exposure litigation is complex and nuanced, you will need to find an occupational disease specialist or physician with experience managing  toxic exposure health issues, which will ensure a proper diagnosis.

If you have been exposed to toxic chemicals in the course of your work, or if you think that you might have been, please contact our McAllen based injury lawyer Ricardo A. Garcia today! He will not only review your case for free, he will also help you find a doctor that can recognize the symptoms of toxic injury, so that we can document your illness for litigation purposes.

Get the Help You Need Today

If you or a loved one has suffered from toxic or chemical exposure at work, don’t wait to get help. Every day counts when it comes to gathering evidence and meeting legal deadlines.

Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule a FREE consultation with board certified personal injury attorney Ricardo A. Garcia.