Toxic Torts & Environmental Injuries

Toxic Tort Attorney Lafayette Louisiana

Our firm has extensive experience in representing individuals who have been injured by exposure to toxic and other dangerous substances, such as groundwater contamination. Other toxic or environmental injuries can result from forms of energy, and devices, including asbestos, chemicals and cosmetics, hazardous waste, medical products and devices, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, radiation and electromagnetic energy. We represent clients in recovering money damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, individually or as part of a class action.

Joseph R. Joy, III, represents 36 victims of toxic chemical exposure in connection with an incident which occurred at a school in central Florida. Between the months of November, 1992, and February, 1993, contractors wearing space suits similar to those in the movie "Outbreak" sprayed a chemical-foam sealant containing Isocyanate on the school roof during normal school hours. It is alleged that no one was warned of the dangers of exposure to the chemical, nor was there any indication that the material "falling from the rooftops" and infiltrating the ventilation system was a dangerous chemical known as "Isocyanate". Isocyanate is a neurotoxin that has been proven to cause pulmonary hypersensitivity, lung dysfunction, and various other health problems.

It is alleged that some of the chemicals were located on the school ground in 55-gallon drums with the skull and crossbone sign. The plaintiffs claim that the drums were accessible to children in grades Kindergarten through Eight. According to some reports, the chemical foam being used to coat the roof was dripping down the sides of the building and coming in contact with the children's clothing and skin. One kindergarten student, a client of Mr. Joy's, had to be brought to the nurse's station after recess to be "washed up", that is, to have the chemical removed from his clothing and skin so that he could return to class.

Mr. Joy filed suit on behalf of the 36 victims, most of whom have suffered and continue to suffer from various health problems including chronic bronchitis, headaches, sporadic asthma attacks, neurological damage, dizziness, breathing problems, memory loss, psychological problems such as depression and mood swings, and nausea. Isocyanates are also believed to cause irritation to mucous membranes, skin disorders, including severe allergic reactions to common household cleansers and personal hygiene products, as well as severe damage to the respiratory system. All of these cases settled.

For a complete article by Lynn DeLong regarding the concerns of exposure to isocyanate, click here.

Contact Lafayette, Louisiana toxic tort lawyer Joseph Joy for a free case evaluation.

Lafayette, Louisiana toxic tort and environmental injuries lawyer Joseph Joy serves clients in all of Louisiana, including Lafayette, Lake Charles, Morgan City, Opelousas, Carencro, Crowley, Jennings, Welsh, Broussard, New Iberia, Patterson, Berwick, and Morgan City.