Enviromental Accident in Texas Law

Environmental Accidents under Texas Law

Our natural resources are a precious commodity. Environmental accidents such as oil, gas or chemical leaks that contaminate water, soil or cause damaging air pollution can pose a grave health risk to the public. Often the effects of environmental damage take years to become evident. Long-term exposure to toxic substances resulting from environmental accidents can cause cancer or other forms of damage ranging from infertility and birth defects to severe brain and organ damage.

Environmental accidents can also result in business loss, diminished property values, damaged crops, and danger to wildlife as well health hazards to human beings.

There are many forms of environmental hazards ranging from asbestos in homes, schools and workplaces, toxic molds, oil and petrochemicals, pesticides, lead poisoning, benzene exposure, etc.

Employers have a duty under law to provide safe working conditions for employees. If an employer intentionally or negatively exposes employees to a dangerous toxin or fails to provide adequate safety equipment to employees that work with dangerous chemicals, they may be subject to a toxic tort lawsuit under Texas environmental liability laws.

When a catastrophic leak or explosion occurs at a chemical plant, refinery or other manufacturing facility that processes dangerous chemicals, nearby residents may be exposed to airborne toxins. Unlawful or careless discharge of dangerous chemicals may also lead to contamination of groundwater or lead to the development of surface toxins.

If you have been injured due to an environmental hazard or if your business or property has been affected by the environmental negligence of a company or corporation you may be entitled to damages under a toxic tort claim. Toxic torts are often difficult to pursue due to the fact that you may be fighting powerful corporations and big business. Proving damages and correlating liability may require the testimony of numerous experts from many fields of science and environmental study.