At The Gibson Law Firm, we are committed to representing individuals and communities harmed by corporate negligence resulting in toxic exposure. Our experienced toxic tort attorneys have established a strong reputation for holding corporations accountable when they place profits over people's safety. Based in Houston, Texas, we have the expertise, resources, and dedication to take on even the most complex toxic tort cases, seeking justice for those suffering from life-altering injuries and illnesses due to toxic chemical exposure.
What Are Toxic Torts?
A toxic tort is a legal claim arising from exposure to harmful chemicals, substances, or waste that results in injury or illness. These cases typically involve negligent release of toxic substances such as chemicals, industrial waste, or other hazardous materials that cause harm to individuals or groups of people. The release may result from a single catastrophic event like a chemical plant explosion or from long-term exposure such as environmental contamination of air, soil, or water.
Toxic tort cases often involve widespread pollution affecting multiple victims, making them particularly complex. The harm may include damage to property rights through pollution or direct physical harm to people, resulting in chemical burns, respiratory conditions, cancers, or other serious diseases. Due to the large number of affected individuals and the complexity of these cases, toxic torts frequently evolve into class-action lawsuits to consolidate litigation costs and ensure orderly resolution.
Types of Toxic Tort Cases We Handle
At The Gibson Law Firm, our experienced attorneys handle a wide range of toxic tort cases, providing comprehensive legal representation to individuals and communities throughout Houston and beyond.
Silicosis from Silica Dust
Silicosis is a debilitating and often fatal lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust. Workers in industries such as construction, mining, sandblasting, and manufacturing are particularly at risk. Employers and manufacturers have a responsibility to protect workers from silica exposure through proper safety equipment and protocols. When they fail in this duty, we step in to hold them accountable for the devastating health consequences suffered by victims.
Our attorneys thoroughly investigate silicosis cases, working with medical experts to establish causation between workplace exposure and your illness. We pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished quality of life, and other damages resulting from this preventable occupational disease.
Benzene Exposure
Benzene is a known carcinogen commonly found in petroleum products, solvents, and various industrial chemicals. Exposure to benzene has been strongly linked to leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders. Workers in oil refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities face significant risks, as do communities living near facilities where benzene releases occur.
The Gibson Law Firm has substantial experience representing victims of benzene exposure. We understand the complex scientific evidence involved in these cases and work with leading experts to demonstrate the connection between benzene exposure and our clients' illnesses. Our goal is to secure the resources our clients need for medical treatment and to provide financial security for affected families.
Contamination Cases
Environmental contamination can devastate entire communities when industrial facilities, waste disposal sites, or other operations allow hazardous materials to leach into soil and groundwater. These contaminants can spread through neighborhoods, affecting homes, schools, and businesses, causing property damage and serious health problems for residents.
Our firm has a proven track record of holding corporations responsible for environmental contamination. We conduct thorough investigations, gather scientific evidence, and work with environmental experts to build compelling cases that demonstrate the extent of contamination and its impact on our clients' health and property values.
Chemical Spills
Chemical spills can occur during transportation accidents, industrial mishaps, or improper handling of hazardous materials. These incidents often result in acute exposure to toxic substances, causing immediate injuries as well as potential long-term health effects. Communities affected by chemical spills may face evacuation, property damage, and ongoing health concerns.
The Gibson Law Firm moves quickly to represent victims of chemical spills, working to secure immediate relief while also building cases for long-term compensation. We identify all responsible parties in the chain of custody and pursue claims against manufacturers, transporters, and facility operators whose negligence contributed to the spill and subsequent damages.
Chemical Plant Explosions and Releases
Houston's industrial corridor has witnessed numerous chemical plant explosions and toxic releases that have caused devastating injuries, fatalities, and widespread contamination. These catastrophic events often result from safety violations, inadequate maintenance, or operational negligence.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of industrial disasters. We conduct rigorous investigations into the causes of explosions and releases, often uncovering patterns of safety violations that preceded the incident. By holding chemical companies accountable for their negligence, we not only secure compensation for our clients but also promote safer industrial practices that protect all Houstonians.
Landmark Case: Union Pacific Railroad Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The Gibson Law Firm is currently leading a significant wrongful death lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad and its environmental consultants, representing dozens of Houston residents from the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods. This landmark case alleges that Union Pacific failed to properly manage a toxic plume of creosote contamination that has devastated these communities for decades.
The contamination stems from Union Pacific's Englewood Railyard, where a wood treatment plant operated until 1985, using creosote as a wood preservative. This chemical, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, was dumped into waste pits and seeped into the ground, forming a plume that has moved beneath residential properties. State health officials have identified higher-than-expected rates of lung, bronchus, esophagus, and larynx cancers in areas surrounding the rail yard.
Jason Gibson, founder of The Gibson Law Firm, has been instrumental in bringing this case forward, stating: "Union Pacific, for all these years, has been taking a wait and see approach, hoping nobody would figure this out." The lawsuit details how children played on contaminated ground near creosote pits, with visible rainbow sheens forming in ditches and on the ground when it rained.
This case exemplifies our firm's commitment to environmental justice and corporate accountability. We stand with affected community members like Regina Martin-Morgan, who lost both parents to cancer and has been fighting for justice in the neighborhood where she grew up.
The Toxic Tort Litigation Process
Pursuing a toxic tort case is a complex process that requires specialized legal knowledge and significant resources. At The Gibson Law Firm, we guide our clients through every step:
- Initial Investigation and Case Evaluation: We begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your exposure, gathering evidence about the source of contamination, the parties responsible, and the resulting injuries or illnesses. Our team works with scientific experts to establish the link between exposure and health effects.
- Medical Assessment and Documentation: Proper medical documentation is crucial in toxic tort cases. We coordinate with healthcare providers and medical experts to ensure all related conditions are properly diagnosed and documented. This evidence forms the foundation of your claim for damages.
- Determining Liability: Toxic tort cases often involve multiple potentially responsible parties, including manufacturers, distributors, property owners, and employers. We identify all liable parties to maximize your potential recovery and ensure that all responsible entities are held accountable.
- Class Action Consideration: When toxic exposure affects multiple individuals, a class action lawsuit may be appropriate. Our attorneys have extensive experience in class action litigation and can determine whether your case should be pursued individually or as part of a larger group.
- Expert Witness Coordination: Toxic tort cases rely heavily on expert testimony from toxicologists, epidemiologists, industrial hygienists, and medical specialists. We work with a nationwide network of respected experts who can powerfully communicate complex scientific concepts to judges and juries.
Negotiation and Litigation
While we prepare every case for trial, we also engage in strategic negotiations when appropriate. Our reputation as aggressive litigators often motivates defendants to offer fair settlements rather than face us in court. However, we never hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to secure justice.
Compensation in Toxic Tort Cases
Victims of toxic exposure may be entitled to significant compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage and diminished property value
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In wrongful death cases, loss of companionship and funeral expenses
In cases involving particularly egregious corporate misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.
Why Choose The Gibson Law Firm for Your Toxic Tort Case?
The Gibson Law Firm stands apart as a leader in toxic tort litigation for several compelling reasons:
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully represented numerous individuals and communities affected by toxic exposure, securing substantial verdicts and settlements that provide our clients with the resources they need to address their injuries and rebuild their lives.
- Scientific Knowledge: Toxic tort cases require attorneys who understand complex scientific and medical concepts. Our legal team stays current on the latest scientific research and works closely with top experts in relevant fields to build strong, scientifically sound cases.
- Resources to Take on Major Corporations: Taking on corporate giants requires significant resources. The Gibson Law Firm has the financial strength to fund complex litigation, cover the costs of extensive scientific testing, and retain the best experts in the field.
- Personalized Attention: Despite our firm's substantial resources, we provide personalized attention to every client. We understand that toxic exposure cases involve deeply personal health concerns and life-altering consequences, and we treat each client with the compassion and respect they deserve.
If you or your community has been affected by toxic exposure, contact The Gibson Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced toxic tort attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don't face the aftermath of toxic exposure alone. Let the experienced toxic tort attorneys at The Gibson Law Firm advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.