June 9, 2011

Personal Injury Lawsuits Filed By Those Injured From Exposure to Benzene

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys read reports that indicate that as many as 238,000 workers may be exposed to a chemical known as benzene on a daily basis. Occupations involving oils, various pesticides, and other liquids are particularly apt to spend time around the substance. Painters, chemical workers, pesticide manufacturers, tankermen, truck drivers, and a variety of other employees often face significant benzene exposure over their workday.

Recently some of those workers have contacted a Benzene injury lawyer who filed and won damages based on the adverse consequences of benzene exposure. A variety of medical studies have begun finding evidence linking benzene with cancer. Specifically, those who were highly exposed have an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia. In addition, a study examining 74,000 workers at 672 factories in 12 cities found that even those exposed to somewhat lower levels of benzene had elevated risks of hematologic neoplasms (the types of cancer that affect the blood bone marrow, and lymph nodes). Newer studies have also considered the role of the substance in causing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Just as with asbestos lawsuits, there is usually a “latency” period between the time that one is exposed to the substance and the time that they begin to suffer disease from the chemical. This means that many victims of this exposure may not be aware of their vulnerability or, if they do develop cancer, fail to consider the role that their workplace exposure may have had.

Continue reading "Personal Injury Lawsuits Filed By Those Injured From Exposure to Benzene" »

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Posted In: Toxic Torts

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June 4, 2011

Determining the source of the deadly E.coli outbreak

Last week, a deadly E.coli outbreak hit the media and many were questioning who and/or what caused this awful product liability. You may have heard a lot about E.coli, but our Chicago personal injury attorneys realize that many people may not know that it is an infection that is caused by Escherichia coli bacteria that resides in the intestine. It is most often caused due to undercooked beef, but outbreaks can also occur where unhealthy eating habit is practiced or when food or water contaminated with that bacteria is consumed. Signs and symptoms of E.coli include bloody diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramping, vomiting, fever, bloating, and loss of appetite.

Continue reading "Determining the source of the deadly E.coli outbreak" »

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Posted In: Food Poisoning , Toxic Torts , Wrongful Death

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February 9, 2011

Carbon monoxide sickens dozens at hockey game

Every so often, a serious carbon monoxide poisoning makes the national news. This week, fifty four individuals received personal injuries after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning during a youth hockey tournament. Several teens, children, and adults were treated for varying degrees of severity of carbon monoxide poisoning. Luckily, none of the patients faced life-threatening injuries. Several individuals were released, but a couple of people were held for further treatment.

In situations like this, when an accident or injury occurs to a visitor on another person’s property, the property owner may be held legally responsible, or liable, if the victim can prove that the owner’s negligence led to the personal injury. Injuries on properties can include those from exposure to toxic or hazardous substances such as lead or mold, slip and fall accidents, dog bites or maulings, or drownings. Premises liability plantiffs must prove that the property owners either failed to maintain the property or created unsafe conditions which caused the personal injury, knew about the unsafe hazard but did not alert visitors or tenants to this fact, was not careful concerning unsafe conditions which might attract children, or took actions or neglected conditions that caused damage to a neighboring property.

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Posted In: Building safety , Land Owner liability , Smoke Detectors , Toxic Torts

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August 7, 2010

BP faces as much as $17.6 billion in civil fines for Gulf oil spill

Now that BP is finally on the verge of capping its well, the source of the largest oil spill in United States history, the oil company’s focus must now shift toward the cleanup of the Gulf and the expensive civil liability fines that it faces stemming from the disaster. Based on a federal panel of experts’ estimate earlier this week, BP could face up to $17.6 billion in civil penalties from the 4.1 million barrels of oils leaked from it well into the Gulf.

Environmental lawyers familiar with such toxic tort cases opine that BP is likely to negotiate a lower penalty. Nonetheless, the fines could still hurt the company’s ability to pay for the cleanup costs. Under the Clean Water Act, oil owners are liable for fines of $1,100 per barrel spilled even if it did nothing wrong. The penalty jumps to $4,300 per barrel if BP was grossly negligent, which would include making conscious decisions that increased the likelihood of an incident while engaged in a risky business, such as deepwater drilling. BP Chairman expressed doubt about the fines being that high, stating that BP and the government have a mutual interest in a lower number because, according to BP Chairman, the government does not want to push BP into insolvency.

The civil fines, discussed above, which fall under United States environmental laws are distinct from costs that BP currently faces to clean up the spill. Additionally, they are separate from costs that BP faces for compensating the personal injury victims of the disaster.

Click on the Business Week link to read more about the liability fines facing BP.

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Posted In: Current Issues , Personal Injury , Toxic Torts

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June 8, 2010

BP’s investors rattled by cleanup costs and lawsuits

The Chicago injury lawyers are watching the heart-wrenching stories stemming from the BP oil spill in the Gulf that is devastating the environment, citizens, and animals. The New York Times is reporting now that BP shareholders are fleeing the company’s stock amid concerns about the ultimate bill for cleanup costs, injury lawsuits, fines, and damage to BP’s reputation. The stock is falling as the largest oil spill in America history continues to move on with uncertainty.

Last week, the United States Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. announced that federal authorities have begun opening civil and criminal investigations into the Deepwater Horizon explosion. BP officials stated that they have already paid $36 million to settle claims of economic loss and damage under the Oil Pollution Act, the 1990 law that was initiated after the Exxon Valdez disaster. More than 26,000 economic loss claims have been submitted. The law caps some varieties of damages at $75 million, which is a source of obvious contention. A Democrat has drafted legislation to raise that cap. While BP continues to be a strong corporation, but BP could potentially turn into a takeover target if the stock slide continues. Additionally, the company has insisted that they are well prepared to spend more than $75 million and already have.

Clearly, injury lawyers are planning injury and every other type of lawsuit in federal and state courts alike, seeking justice for victims of personal injury, lost business, and environmental damage. Under tort law, the injury lawsuits are not limited or barred by the Oil Pollution Act.

Click the link to read the entire article about the injury lawsuits that BP will face.

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Posted In: Toxic Torts

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February 10, 2010

2 stores pull necklaces on concern over toxic cadmium

Teen fashion clothing store Aeropostale and Saks outlet stores have pulled from its shelves necklaces that had high levels of toxic metal in them. Environmental groups tested the necklaces and the necklaces showed to have high levels of cadmium, which could be harmful to consumers. Aeropostale has gone one step further, saying that no cadmium will be acceptable in its jewelry and suppliers will have to prove that products are clean with independent lab testing. Lately, cheap metal jewelry warn by children and often imported from China have been the focus of federal regulators, lawmakers, and retailers because of potential product liability.

To read more about the cadmium in jewelry, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Product Recalls , Toxic Torts

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December 24, 2009

Workers awarded $100 million in personal injury lawsuit

The attorneys at Levin & Perconti just came across an article describing a large federal jury verdict to workers who received personal injuries. A jury has awarded multi millions to ten workers in a personal injury lawsuit. The personal injury victims alleged that they sustained personal injuries as a result of contamination. Ten workers for a British Petroleum PLC plant (probably known to you as “BP”) have been awarded millions in the personal injury lawsuit jury verdict against the BP company. The Associated Press (AP) has reported that the BP workers were awarded millions by a federal jury last week, after alleging that they sustained personal injuries from contamination within the plant.

Continue reading "Workers awarded $100 million in personal injury lawsuit" »

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Posted In: Toxic Torts , Verdicts and Settlements , Workers' Compensation

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December 12, 2009

Mining company settles for $1.79 billion

After a lengthy four year long legal battle, a mining company has settled hazardous product liability claims with the government for a record $1.79 billion. The hazardous waste pollution occurred across 19 states. The settlement was announced by federal agencies last week.

Continue reading "Mining company settles for $1.79 billion" »

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Posted In: Asbestos and Mesothelioma , Products liability , Toxic Torts , Verdicts and Settlements

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December 5, 2009

Study finds BPA in 90% of newborns

The attorneys at Levin & Perconti recently read a troubling article regarding a study released by Environmental Working Group. The Group found that nine of ten babies tested were born with bisphenol A (BPA) in their systems. This troubling finding has renewed calls for the chemical to be banned.

Continue reading "Study finds BPA in 90% of newborns" »

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Posted In: Products liability , Toxic Torts

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August 31, 2009

Illinois sues power generator over emissions

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that the Justice Department and the State of Illinois has filed an injury lawsuit against a company in Illinois that runs six coal-fired power plants. The safety lawsuit claims violations of the federal air pollution law. Emissions from the plants can cause health problems including heart attacks, breathing difficulties, and premature deaths.

To read more about the Illinois lawsuit against the power generator.

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Posted In: Current Issues , Toxic Torts

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August 21, 2009

Airplane air may not be safe

According to a recent MSNBC article, numbers of air travelers have complained of experiencing tremors, crippling headaches, and other neurological problems after breathing strong fumes in flight. Numerous studies now blame the personal injuries from the airplanes on a “bleed air system” which is used on almost all commercial jets. The plane’s engines suck in fresh air from outside and circulate it. But, if there are oil leaks in the engine, the system can actually pump toxic fumes through the cabin.

To read more about the safety of airplane air.

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Posted In: Current Issues , Toxic Torts

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July 26, 2009

Jury returns $1.25 million verdict to sulfuric acid spill victims

A personal injury defendant was ordered by a jury to pay damages of more than $1.25 million to six people personally injured from a sulfuric acid spill. The defendant has been found liable for personal injuries such as skin burns, eye irritations, and respiratory and eye problems sustained. The toxic tort leak occurred in 2004, stemming from a cracked pipe at a chemical plant.

To read more about the $1.25 million verdict.

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Posted In: Toxic Torts , Verdicts and Settlements

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July 23, 2009

Settlement reached over 2004 mercury spill

Residents who filed a personal injury lawsuits alleging that they were exposed to mercury and sickened when a building was vandalized in 2004 have reached a settlement. The settlement finalized last week involves an undisclosed sum of money and resolves a 2006 personal injury lawsuit.

To read more about the mercury spill settlement.

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Posted In: Toxic Torts , Verdicts and Settlements

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July 14, 2009

Town buried in ash still suffering injuries

More than six months after a town was buried in coal ash spilled from a power plant. The spill released potentially cancer-causing chemicals and radioactive materials, according to CNN.com. Some residents have reported new personal injuries since the chemical disaster. Reports from the EPA, however, have said that the general environment is now safe.

To read more about the ash spill.

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Posted In: Toxic Torts

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July 12, 2009

FDA and USDA announce broad food safety initiatives

The Obama administration has ordered new action to improve the nation’s food supply and reduce outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli. The rules call for better coordination between agencies, such as the FDA and USDA. The rules aim at reducing salmonella infections from raw or undercooked eggs by 60%.

To read more about the food safety initiative.

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Posted In: Food Poisoning , Products liability , Toxic Torts

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July 12, 2009

Chinese drywall concerns focus on radioactive substance

The latest product liability concerns regarding the tainted Chinese drywall focus on radioactive substances that could have been included in the product. A radioactive byproduct is commonly used in Chinese-made drywall, but is banned in the U.S. However, no preliminary tests have found it in any problem drywall.

To read more about the Chinese tainted drywall.

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Posted In: Products liability , Toxic Torts

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July 7, 2009

Product liability lawsuit alleges toxic plane air caused illness

A products liability lawsuit filed by a veteran flight attendant states that she has been suffering personal injuries, such as balance and vision problems, arm tremors, and prickly sensations. Her liability lawsuit alleges that her illness stems from a flight that had a misty haze type of smoke on board the aircraft. The lawsuit alleges that the plane had a design flaw in inadequate filters and sensors.

To read more about the toxic air lawsuit.

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Posted In: Products liability , Toxic Torts

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June 10, 2009

$52.5 million settlement reached in nuclear plant explosure claims

After almost 15 years of product liability litigation, a $52.5 million settlement has been reached with 500 claimants who said they suffered personal injuries or property damage because of their exposure to radioactive emissions.

To read more about the $52.5 million injury settlement.

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Posted In: Products liability , Toxic Torts , Verdicts and Settlements

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June 10, 2009

Toxic tort victims left out of GM bankruptcy plan

Asbestos-injury plaintiffs are saying that the government-backed plan to sell GM may be unconstitutional since they were left out of negotiations. The toxic tort plaintiffs have asked for an official committee in the bankruptcy case and argue that they cannot be bound by a reorganization of which they were not participants.

To read more about the toxic tort victims’ claims.

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Posted In: Asbestos and Mesothelioma , Toxic Torts

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April 29, 2009

Barge worker files personal injury lawsuit after exposure to toxic chemicals

A man seeking more than $75,000 in damages has filed a personal injury lawsuit against a marine shipping company. The personal injury victim, a barge worker, was exposed to benzene and other hazardous and toxic chemicals and the exposure resulted in severe and disabling injuries.

To read more about the exposure injuries.

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Posted In: Toxic Torts , Workers' Compensation

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The purpose of this blog is to deliver news and information that is relevant to our areas of practice. The news and information reported on this blog represent the legal actions of attorneys throughout the United States. Our firm does not claim to represent plaintiffs in all of the lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts reported, only those noted as Levin & Perconti cases.

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