Sacramento Environmental Injuries and Toxic Exposure Attorneys

Environmental injuries and toxic exposure can exact a high toll on lives and property. Air, water, or land pollution from toxic substances causes injuries, disability, and/or death to individuals exposed to these toxins, and destroys families, neighborhoods, and communities.

Exposure to toxic substances can happen over a prolonged period — a chemical leak seeps underground, contaminating the surrounding area and groundwater.

Environmental injuries can also occur suddenly, such as when a truck carrying harmful chemicals crashes on a roadway or an accident happens at an industrial facility.

Types of environmental injuries we handle include:

• Chemical crashes and spills
• Hazardous waste crashes
• Industrial chemical accidents
• Illegal waste disposal
• Groundwater contamination
• Workplace accidents

The experienced attorneys at Kershaw Talley Barlow have successfully handled cases for hundreds of victims who have been exposed to toxic substances and harmful chemicals. We represented victims in the following cases:

• Sacramento River Spill Cases I and II, Coordinated Proceeding Nos. 2617 and 2620 (mass tort – involving a toxic spill in the Sacramento River in Dunsmuir, California following derailment of a Southern Pacific Rail Car in the Sacramento River; class certified for settlement purposes). Mr. Kershaw served on the plaintiffs’ litigation committee; set up and administered a claims office in Dunsmuir, California; and was instrumental in negotiating a $15.5 million settlement, which was approved by the court and distributed to the class.
• In re GCC Richmond Works Cases, C.C.P. No. 2906, California Superior Court, County of Contra Costa (toxic spill at General Chemical plant in Richmond, California involving 65,000 class members). Mr. Kershaw served on the plaintiffs’ management committee on behalf of plaintiffs he participated in administration and distribution of a $180 million common fund settlement to class members; and was instrumental in establishing a claims center in Richmond, California. 

Common Water Contaminants

Water contaminants come in many forms and can be found in both natural and man-made sources of water. It is important to understand the different types of water contaminants out there so that we can protect ourselves from harm.

Common types of water contaminants include heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, and chromium; bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella; organic compounds such as pesticides or volatile organic compounds (VOCs); chemicals used for industrial purposes such as PCBs; pharmaceuticals and other drugs; radioactivity from nuclear power generation facilities; harmful algal blooms caused by fertilizer runoff into bodies of water; sedimentation from agricultural runoff or erosion control measures; and more.

To ensure your safety when consuming drinking water, it is essential to know what could potentially be present in the source you're drinking from.

Nitrates

Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that can be found in fertilizer and sewage. When these nitrates enter drinking water, they can cause health problems for humans and animals alike. Nitrates can also interfere with the taste and odor of drinking water, making it unpleasant to consume. In addition to this, high levels of nitrate in drinking water have been linked to increased risk of cancer as well as other serious illnesses such as blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia). It is therefore important that communities monitor their drinking water for nitrate levels and take steps to reduce them if needed.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element that can be found in rocks and soil, as well as in certain foods. When it comes to drinking water, however, arsenic can become an alarming contamination issue. Arsenic levels in drinking water should not exceed 10 parts per billion (ppb) according to the Environmental Protection Agency's standards—but unfortunately, this isn't always the case. In some areas of the world where natural resources are limited or contaminated with arsenic, people may be drinking much higher concentrations of the toxin without even realizing it. This can lead to serious health risks such as cancer and organ damage if left unchecked.

Bacteria and Microorganisms

Bacteria and microorganisms in drinking water are a major concern for many people. These tiny organisms can cause serious illnesses such as gastroenteritis, dysentery and cholera if ingested. In addition to causing illness, they can also give off unpleasant odors or tastes, making the water unpleasant to drink.

Therefore, it is important that drinking water be properly treated to remove these bacteria and microorganisms before it is consumed. This treatment usually involves chlorination or ultraviolet radiation which kills off these harmful organisms while leaving beneficial ones intact. With proper treatment of drinking water, you can enjoy safe and clean sources of hydration without worrying about getting sick from bacteria or other contaminants present in untreated water supplies.

Lead

Lead in drinking water is a serious health concern that cannot be overlooked. Elevated levels of lead can cause numerous health problems in humans, particularly children and pregnant women. While lead contamination can come from a variety of sources, old pipes and plumbing fixtures are often the culprits of higher lead concentrations in drinking water. Because lead does not have a taste or odor, it can be difficult to detect without laboratory testing. As a result, it is crucial for homeowners and public water systems to take proactive measures to reduce lead exposure in drinking water.

Lead exposure can result in an increased risk of bone fractures, weakened immune system function, thyroid problems, and even certain types of cancer. For this reason, many people are concerned about the safety of drinking water and have begun looking for alternative sources such as bottled or filtered options.

Contact Us for Help

Victims cannot foresee exposure to these potentially deadly substances and are unable to protect themselves from the detrimental effects. It may take several years before knowing if toxic exposure has caused damage. If you were exposed to a dangerous pollutant or toxic substance, even if you are not currently showing any symptoms or signs of injury, contact a complex litigation attorney at Kershaw Talley Barlow  for a full investigation of your potential claim.

You can contact our attorneys by calling us toll-free at (916) 520-6639 for a free and confidential case review, or fill out and submit the contact form on this page.