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TCE EXPOSURE LAWSUITS

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Trichloroethylene (TCE) Exposure Litigation

SECURE COMPENSATION FOR YOUR ILLNESS

If you’ve been affected by TCE exposure, consult with an experienced attorney to explore your options for pursuing a lawsuit.

Studies have shown that acute and chronic (long-term) exposure to the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) can affect the human heart, central nervous system, liver, kidney, immune system, cervix and lymphatic system. Epidemiological studies have reported trichloroethylene exposure to be associated with several types of cancers and other serious disorders.

American Association for Justice logo. Workers may be regularly exposed in specific workplaces, and employers have a responsibility to protect employees and provide a safe work environment.

Should any employer fail in this regard and a worker falls ill as a result of workplace toxin exposure, an investigation may be necessary, a claim can be filed against the negligent company, and injured workers can be awarded proper compensation for related expenses and pain and suffering.

Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Toxic Tort Attorney, representing plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of civil litigation claims and TCE exposure injury lawsuits. Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 for a free legal consultation.

Uses of Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Most of the trichloroethylene used in the United States is released into the atmosphere from industrial operations in the vapor degreasing of metal parts. Trichloroethylene is used as an extraction solvent for greases, oils, fats, waxes, and tars; and also in consumer products such as typewriter correction fluids, paint removers, adhesives, spot removers, and rug-cleaning fluids.

TCE use was extensive through the 1970s mainly as a degreasing agent in metal-fabricating operations, mostly before the environmental concerns. TCE was banned as a food additive and in cosmetics in 1977. TCE has also had several uses in other industries like the following:

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ABOUT THE LYON FIRM

Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.

The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.

NO COST UNLESS WE WIN

The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.

Symptoms of TCE Exposure Injury

Coma and respiratory depression may occur with prolonged, high-level exposure. Serious ventricular arrhythmias can develop up to 24 hours after large TCE ingestion. Depending on the duration and intensity of exposure at the workplace, other symptoms may include:

  • Bronchial irritation
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness & Fatigue
  • Dyspnea
  • Euphoria
  • Fatal cardiac dysrhythmias
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Renal & hepatic damage
  • Respiratory depression
  • Seizures
  • Visual disturbances
  • Partial paralysis

Effects of Trichloroethylene Exposure

Toxicologists stress that the effects of exposure to any chemical depend on several factors, such as:

  • When you are exposed (during pregnancy, in infancy)
  • Amounts you are exposed to
  • Duration of Exposure
  • How you are exposed (inhaling, drinking, skin contact)

Toxic exposure can be very dangerous for any worker. Relatively short-term exposure to trichloroethylene may result in harmful effects on the nervous and lymphatic systems, liver, respiratory system, kidneys, blood, immune system, and heart.

Exposure to trichloroethylene in the workplace may cause scleroderma in some people. Some men occupationally-exposed to trichloroethylene have showed decreases in sex drive and reproductive hormone levels.

TCE Exposure Lawsuits

American courts have responded well to claims of toxic workplace exposure and have made employers accountable for the safety of workers and providing proper protective equipment for workers. Any failure to protect workers can lead to injuries and subsequent lawsuits.

A jury in Missouri awarded over $20 million to a 27-year-old woman who claimed she developed an autoimmune disorder from exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) that had been dumped illegally near her home by Schaeffler Group USA Inc., a manufacturer of ball bearings.

Thousands of claims were made against the U.S. government when residents of Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina, developed diseases linked to contaminants, including TCE. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), several hazardous chemicals and cancer-causing agents were found in the Camp Lejeune water supply. Some of these chemicals include the following:

  • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Vinyl Chloride (VC Exposure)
  • Benzene
  • Metals
  • Pesticides
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Tetrachlorethylene (PCE)

TCE can enter the human body in a variety of ways, including ingestion, inhalation and skin contact and may cause the following:

TCE exposure lawsuits have been ongoing for several years, with notable cases involving large settlements or verdicts against companies found liable for TCE contamination. Recent developments may include new scientific studies linking TCE to specific health outcomes, regulatory actions addressing TCE use and disposal, and settlements or court rulings in TCE exposure cases.

Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 to discuss the actions you may be able to take in pursuit of justice.

TCE Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease, Cancers, and Auto Immune Disorders

A study released in 2010 found that exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) is associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Workers exposed to TCE show significant changes in the normal balance of immune system regulators, according to the study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Those faced with workplace Trichloroethylene exposure had worked as machinists, dry cleaners, electricians, and mechanics. The researchers assessed the impact of TCE on exposed workers, including 35 printing plant workers.

Environmental monitoring tests confirmed that the workers involved in degreasing activities were directly exposed to TCE, and the workers also had higher average levels of a TCE metabolite in urine, compared with non-exposed workers. In addition to kidney cancer, lymphoma, and Parkinson’s, some studies have suggested that TCE exposure injury may also be linked to autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus and systemic sclerosis.

TCE Parkinson’s Lawsuits

For lawsuits related to TCE exposure and Parkinson’s Disease, here are some key points:

  • People who have developed illnesses from TCE exposure may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for their exposure. These claims often name employers who require workers to use TCE, as well as manufacturers and distributors of TCE.
  • Communities facing TCE contamination in their air, soil, or groundwater may also have legal options to hold companies responsible for the cleanup and health monitoring necessary to keep the community safe.
  • In August 2022, a bill was signed into law that would allow injured veterans, families, and civilians to file a claim if they experienced injuries as a result of TCE-contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
  • There have been several lawsuits related to TCE exposure, including cases against CPS Energy from Antonio, Texas, regarding employee exposure to the toxic chemical TCE, including wrongful death.
  • Residents of White Bear Township sued Gremlin Co., which manufactures fishing products and battery terminals. The company faces 95 lawsuits alleging it caused cancer, chronic illness, and death because of the release of TCE into the community.

Please note that this information is subject to change and it’s always best to consult with a legal professional for the most accurate and up-to-date advice.

Contact a Proven Toxic Exposure Injury Law Firm

Trichloroethylene or TCE is a volatile organic compound commonly used as a solvent in industrial processes such as metal degreasing, electronics manufacturing, and dry cleaning. People can be exposed to TCE through inhalation of contaminated air, ingestion of contaminated water or food, or skin contact with TCE-containing products.

Chronic exposure to TCE has been linked to various health issues, including neurological disorders, liver and kidney damage, immune system effects, and certain types of cancer (e.g., kidney cancer, liver cancer).

Why Hire The Lyon Firm

Joe Lyon has years of experience in securing justice for groups of plaintiffs harmed by corporate negligence and poisoning. TCE is classified as a hazardous substance due to its potential health effects. You deserve the maximum compensation to cover your medical bills and other losses after exposure.

Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 for a free and fully confidential consultation to discuss the best path forward.

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A Voice for Those who have suffered

Why are these cases important?

Toxic exposure cases help empower employees to fight for their right to be protected, satisfactorily informed, and to stay safe. They also bring awareness to challenge and higher the expectations of companies who are not serving their employees justly.

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FAQs

What types of claims are made in TCE exposure lawsuits?

Claims in TCE exposure lawsuits may vary but commonly include allegations of negligence, product liability, failure to warn, and environmental contamination. Plaintiffs may seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages.

Who can file a TCE exposure lawsuit?

Individuals who have been exposed to TCE and have suffered adverse health effects as a result may be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes workers exposed to TCE in occupational settings, residents of areas contaminated with TCE, and individuals exposed to TCE through consumer products.

What is the legal process for a TCE exposure lawsuit?

The legal process for a TCE exposure lawsuit typically involves several stages, including consultation with an attorney, investigation of the exposure and resulting health effects, filing a complaint or petition in court, pre-trial discovery (e.g., gathering evidence, depositions), negotiations or mediation, and potentially a trial if a settlement is not reached.

What evidence is needed for a TCE exposure lawsuit?

Evidence needed for a TCE exposure lawsuit may include medical records documenting the health effects of TCE exposure, expert testimony linking TCE exposure to the plaintiff’s health problems, documentation of the source and extent of TCE exposure, and evidence of the defendant’s negligence or liability.

Securing evidence and developing a case is your attorney’s job, not yours. Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 and let us handle this matter for you and your family.

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Toxic Exposure Information Center