If you've been injured through exposure to dangerous chemical substances -- including carcinogenic agents, lead, benzene, silica, harmful solvents, hazardous waste, and pesticides -- in the environment, on the job, or in consumer products, a toxic torts lawyer can provide the legal advice and guidance that you need.

Due to the serious ongoing effects that toxic exposure can have on your life and the lives of your family members, it is vital to discuss your situation with a chemical exposure lawyer as soon as possible.

What Are Toxic Torts And How Can Personal Injury Lawyers Help?

A "toxic tort" is the more formal term for when someone suffers a serious injury as a result of exposure to toxic materials. In these situations, injury lawyers work with their clients to investigate the circumstances of the chemical exposure, file claims in state or federal court, and stand up against corporations and insurance companies who deny wrongdoing. Toxic exposure lawyers can help you get the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills, ongoing medical expenses, and other costs after you've been exposed to harmful chemicals.

The Dangers Of Toxic Chemical Exposure

Toxic exposure is not just a legal issue, it is a health-related issue with serious ramifications. Whether as a result of environmental contamination, faulty products, or any other cause, the consequences of toxic exposure may include:

Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and related health effects in asbestos exposure cases.
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Birth defects.
Silicosis (a lung disease that is caused by exposure to silica dust).
Lead poisoning, which can come from exposure to lead paint and a variety of other materials that used to regularly contain lead.
Bone marrow issues, blood cell damage, leukemia, and other forms of cancer from benzene exposure.

Sometimes, an exposure injury is so severe that it leads to the loss of a loved one. In these situations, a personal injury attorney can help you file a wrongful death claim against those who caused the loss.

Free Consultation With A Toxic Exposure Attorney

Get a free case evaluation of your toxic exposure case to understand what options are available to you if you or a loved one have been exposed to toxic substances. Discuss your personal injury case or exposure injury with a toxic tort law firm in this directory to find out how you can hold those responsible for your serious injury or loss accountable for their actions. If you secure legal representation from the listed law firms, your communication with them will be protected by the attorney-client relationship and rules regarding client communication.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

In Illinois, a general estimate of the per-hour cost for a lawyer can range from about $130 to $400 per hour, depending on location, expertise and the complexity of the case in question.

In some cases, attorneys may opt to offer clients a flat-rate fee instead of a per-hour fee. This typically arises in criminal defense law as well as certain divorce court proceedings. A fee for a misdemeanor defense is usually far less than the flat fee for a felony defense. Representation on issues related to juvenile offenses and traffic offenses may cost you less than the representation on situations involving corporate law or bankruptcies.

Finally, certain lawyers, such as personal injury lawyers, typically offer clients representation based on contingency. If you win a settlement from such a case, such as slipping and falling at a business establishment and incurring a serious injury, your personal injury lawyer will retain a percentage of your total settlement, rather than charging you any per-hour or flat-rate fees.

If you cannot afford representation in a legal matter, legal aid may be an option to consider.

What Types of Cases Can an Illinois Lawyer Help With?

While an Illinois lawyer can take on cases of any sort, the most common criminal cases in Illinois involve simple assault or aggravated assault, sexual assault, violations of the Controlled Substances Act, burglary (business and residential), driving while under the influence (DUI) and severe violent crime such as homicide and armed robbery.

Illinois lawyers are also typically called upon to represent parties in marital disputes leading to divorce or separation, the custody battles common to such cases, and other civil proceedings.