In 2020, 22 of the natural disasters that occurred in the United States cost at least $1 billion in damages and repairs, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Environmental disasters are frightening for everyone, largely because they are out of our control and because they impact our homes, property, and health. These types of disasters are often caused by natural forces—but they can also be caused by a company failing to use correct pollution controls or effective procedures to ensure safety.  Errors can lead to a large-scale accident that greatly affects the surrounding environment and those that live in the affected areas.

 

If you are in an area that was affected by an environmental disaster, such as an oil spill or toxic gas leak, you are likely going to feel its effects. Citizens who are exposed to the disaster may develop health problems due to toxin exposure, and the areas affected will likely lose revenue and resources, resulting in major economic damage. To seek justice in these situations, get in touch with a qualified environmental damage lawyer and find out your rights to compensation.

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How Do Environmental Disasters Affect Everyday People?

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One corporation’s act of negligence significantly lowers the income of those who work in environmentally dependent industries. Many of the implicated workers are the only source of income for their families. Consequently, their overall wellbeing and that of the community suffers for years after the accident.

 

For example, the BP oil spill is still fresh in the minds of many Gulf Coast residents. Since the spill, the oyster industry has withered.  Loose oil kills the reefs that form the backbone of the Gulf Coast ecosystem and provide a habitat for sea creatures. Fishermen have been returning to shore with empty nets, according to NOAA.

 

Coastal communities are struggling and still waiting for compensation that was promised but is yet to materialize. When corporations ignore the rules and cause harm, they might offer little or no compensation for the people they harmed. It is up to the victims to stand up to these companies to receive fair treatment.  Speak with a qualified environmental disaster lawyer that has experience taking on multinational conglomerates and find out what your rights are to receive just compensation.

 

What is Environmental Property Damage?

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People often hear the term “environmental property damage” and assume it’s caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or even earthquakes.  While those natural disasters certainly do cause significant environmental property damage, these claims are usually not brought under the umbrella of environmental property damage.  This occurs when toxins or pollutants that have been improperly discarded or stored find their way into local communities from either improper disposal or a natural event. When chemical toxins seep into a town’s water supply or noxious waste spilled during a train crash blankets an entire area, the effects on the local community can be devastating.  These damages can cause severe or even life-threatening consequences for anyone who is exposed, even if for only a brief period of time.

 

How Much is my Environmental Disasters Case Worth?

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If your life has been dramatically affected by an environmental disaster caused by corporate negligence, you have the right to obtain compensation for your injuries.  Some of the more common types of damages that are awarded in environmental lawsuits include:

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• Emotional distress

• Lost quality of life

• Physical pain and suffering

• Loss of consortium

• Damage to your reputation

• Inconvenience

• Lost wages

• Diminished earning potential

• Skin scarring

• Disfigurement

• Medical expenses

• Medical equipment

• Property damages

• Loss of household services

 

It is also possible that the court may award you punitive damages. These are often awarded in cases where the liable party is found to have engaged in gross negligence or reprehensible conduct.  Punitive damages are the court system’s way of punishing the at fault party for this type of reckless conduct. 

These are just a few examples of the different kinds of damages that you may be able to recover in your environmental disaster lawsuit. 

 

What are Common Types of Environmental Disasters? 

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Here are just a few examples of some common types of environmental disasters and harmful impact they can have on your well-being:

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• Toxic waste

• Oil spills

• Hurricane destruction 

• Polluted air

• Contaminated water

• Lead paint

• Toxic mold

• Formaldehyde

• PFAS

• Lead poisoning

• Solvents

• Petroleum

• Fracking

• Medical Monitoring

• Toxic Emissions

• Groundwater Contamination

• Soil Contamination

• Property Damage

 

What is the difference between a natural disaster and an industrial disaster? 

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Natural disasters are disasters caused by natural forces, whereas industrial disasters are caused by activities of human beings. However, disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires can cause industrial disasters such as oil rig failures, gas leaks , water contamination, and many more.

Any type of major environmental disaster usually carries widespread and long-lasting consequences.  The ecosystem in the area may never be quite the same, which makes these types of cases different from the majority of personal injury cases that award damages to one individual or one family.  Environmental disasters can have a direct impact on thousands or millions of people in an affected region.  They may not only impact your future, but also the future of your children and their children, especially if the damages to the environment are irreversible.  Oftentimes, because the impact is so extensive to the community and those affected, these types of claims are grouped together and brought in a Mass Tort lawsuit. 

 

How can an Environmental Disaster Lawyer Help You?

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After an environmental disaster, the furthest thing from your mind might be contacting a lawyer.  You may be feeling many different emotions: fear, concern, stress, pain, anxiety, and many more.  While concentrating on your wellbeing and your family’s health should be primary focus, the stress that an environmental disaster brings can make that very difficult.  You may not be able to work.  An experienced environmental disaster lawyer can alleviate some of your stress by taking away the burden of having to deal with your damages claim.  Thereby allowing you to focus on getting you and your family the medical attention you deserve. 

A seasoned environmental lawyer can help with:

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• Figuring out who is responsible for the illness or injury you sustained.

• Analyzing the evidence obtained to support your claims in court.

• Obtaining expert witnesses to establish causation and damages.

• Calculating the true value of your family’s damages claim.

• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf and obtaining the compensation you deserve.

 

These are just a few of the responsibilities that your environmental lawyer will handle when taking on your case. To find out more about how our top-rated environmental disasters lawyers can help in your situation, click the link below to schedule a 100% free consultation.  You can also call us anytime at (305)-486-7468.

 

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