Toxic Exposure Attorneys in McAlester
Holding Oil Field Businesses Accountable for Toxic Damage
Oil field drilling and fracking come with many dangers. One of those dangers is exposure to toxins from energy products, waste, and a wide variety of hazardous chemicals. Some chemicals are inherently toxic. Other chemicals become toxic when used in combination with oil, gas, or other chemicals. It is the job of the site owners, operators, and contractors who use these chemicals to be aware of the dangers toxic substances may cause. Workers should be properly warned and properly protected.
When protection and safety are ignored, our McAlester toxic exposure attorneys are adept at handling your legal claims. We have been helping injury victims for more than 60 years to get compensation for cases of negligence and safety violations of oil field operators. Our lawyers work with chemical experts to confirm that those in charge of the project failed to protect their workers and neighbors. We also work with respiratory doctors, skin doctors, and others to make sure all of the victim’s injuries are addressed – short-term and long-term.
OSHA & NIOSH Records of Dangerous Toxins
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that tracks hazardous materials used in oil field drilling locations. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is another U.S. Department of Labor agency that tracks dangerous substances. Both agencies conduct constant investigations and provide updates and press releases regarding toxins for oil field businesses to review.
Both agencies also make recommendations for safety in dealing with these toxins that every site should follow. Oil field businesses have a duty to make sure their workers understand these recommendations, are properly trained, are given the right tools, such as breathing masks, and that the workers indeed use their training and tools while working.
To learn more about your rights, phone (918) 505-7741 or complete our contact form. We see clients at our office in McAlester, or at your home if your illness limits your mobility.
The Dangers of Oil Field Toxins
Chemical concerns at oil and gas sites include the air you breathe, the water you drink, radioactive waste, and waste from drilling. Toxins can come from the drilling rigs themselves, generators, engines, boilers, storage tanks, vehicles, and skimmers. Abandoned wells, waste pits, and drill equipment can also cause toxins to escape.
Some of the known pollutants include lead, benzene, xylene, and toluene. Other dangerous chemicals are nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
Many workers and residents are repeatedly exposed to these dangerous substances but don’t experience pain or symptoms until the damage has already been done. Toxic exposure damage is often irreversible. Many times, the diagnosis of toxic exposure takes months or even years.
Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause many problems including:
- Death
- Catastrophic illness
- Cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung disorders
- Breathing difficulties, such as asthma
- Nerve damage
- Skin disorders
- Liver damage
Types of Toxic Claims
Depending on factors such as the worker’s status, who is liable, and how the exposure happened, our McAlester toxic exposure lawyers bring different claims.
Some of the common claims include:
- Workers’ compensation. Our toxic exposure attorneys in McAlester bring claims against employers when toxins cause an occupational illness. It is not necessary to show fault. It is necessary to show that the illness is work-related. Cases must be brought before the statute of limitations expires. Because a diagnosis can take years, it is essential to review your claim with skilled legal counsel as soon as you suspect an illness or immediately after a worker dies.
- Personal injury claims. Here, our firm sues owners, contractors, subcontractors, and other businesses that failed to use reasonable care. We also sue manufacturers and sellers of products that cause harm.
- Toxic tort class action lawsuits. We bring class action lawsuits when multiple people are harmed by the same toxins.
- Social Security Disability. Workers who become disabled because of toxins have the right to claim this governmental benefit if they have a sufficient work history.
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We offer no-obligation case evaluations.
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Our clients have unlimited accessibility to us.
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Our firm has secured millions in verdicts and settlements.
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We serve injury victims across Southeast Oklahoma.
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Our attorneys have 60+ years of legal experience.
Schedule a Free Consultation By Calling (918) 505-7741 Now
Toxic exposure cases are extremely complex. At Stipe Law Firm, our McAlester toxic exposure lawyers have the resources and experience necessary to pursue and litigate these claims. We work tirelessly to hold wrongdoers accountable for your suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
