Have you or a loved one been injured in a hazardous chemical accident in Portland, Oregon?
If so, you deserve justice. Call our Portland hazardous chemical attorneys today at (971) 339-8080 for a free consultation.
Hazardous Chemicals in Portland
Portland is known for a thriving industrial sector that contributes greatly towards the economy, however, it is also detrimental as it contributes to environmental pollution and affects the city's health outcomes due to the use of hazardous chemicals.
Any accidental release or spill of dangerous chemicals within the city limits can affect industrial plants, transportation routes, or residential areas.
Over 825 hazardous chemical incidents have occurred in the U.S. since January 1, 2021. That is an average of one every other day. [1]
One example of toxic chemical exposure involves Bullseye Glass, a company located in SE Portland. Oregon officials discovered high levels of hazardous metals, such as arsenic and cadmium, in the air near the facility.
The level of metals found were 159 times the safety goal for arsenic and 49 times the safety goal for cadmium. The proximity of the facility to a daycare raised concerns about the potential impact on children's health. In 2016, the state department ordered the company to stop using several hazardous materials. [2]
Typical Hazardous Chemical Injuries in Portland
Chemical accidents can be devastating, and they can have long-term effects on health. Some injuries we have seen include:
- Burns: Chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents can cause severe burns upon contact with the skin or eyes.
- Inhalation Injuries: Breathing in toxic fumes or gases from chemicals can cause respiratory damage and irritation to the point of respiratory arrest. If inhalation results in a fatality, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed.
- Eye Injuries: Contact with hazardous chemicals can cause damage to the eyes, leading to irritation, burns, or vision impairment.
- Skin Irritation: Exposure to certain chemicals can cause skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions.
- Neurological Damage: Some toxic chemicals can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and confusion.
- Organ Damage: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
- Cancer: Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can increase the risk of developing cancer over time.
Compensation Available for a Hazardous Chemical Injury in Portland
Compensation for a hazardous chemical injury can cover a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover all medical costs related to the treatment of the chemical injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Income: If the hazardous chemical injury prevents you from working or results in a reduced capacity to earn income, compensation can cover lost wages and future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain and suffering as well as emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Disability: When a hazardous chemical injury results in a permanent disability, you may receive compensation for the loss of quality of life and future earning potential.
- Disfigurement: Visible scarring or disfigurement can be distressing and compensation can be awarded for the resulting physical and emotional impact.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded as a way to punish and deter similar behavior.
Common Causes of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma in Portland
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Hazardous Chemical Spill in Portland, Oregon?
Several parties can potentially be held liable for a hazardous chemical disaster in Portland, Oregon. The cause of the chemical leakage will determine which parties may be held responsible. Here are some common parties that could potentially be held liable:
- Property Owners/Operators: If the substance leak occurred on someone's property, such as a manufacturing facility, warehouse, or storage facility, the owner or operator of that property may be held liable if they failed to take appropriate precautions to prevent the accident or adequately maintain the premises.
- Manufacturers and Distributors: If the chemicals leakage accident was due to defective chemicals or improperly labeled containers, the manufacturers or distributors of those chemicals could be held responsible for their role in the incident.
- Contractors/Subcontractors: Construction or renovation projects involving hazardous chemicals may be involved, and contractors or subcontractors may be held liable if their actions contributed to the chemical substance injury.
- Transporters: If the chemical related incident occurred during transportation or handling, the responsible transporters or logistics companies may be held accountable.
- Government Agencies: Government agencies can be held responsible for not enforcing safety regulations for hazardous chemicals.
There was a chemical spill in May of 2023 that occurred on Interstate 5 at the 307 exit. These accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime. If you have been exposed to dangerous chemicals and have sustained an injury, consult our dedicated injury attorneys. [3]
Determining liability in a toxic substance incident can be complex, and it often requires a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Consult with our Portland hazardous chemical lawyer to assess liability and pursue your claim effectively.
Proving Fault for a Portland Toxic Tort Claim
To prove fault in a Portland toxic tort claim, our hazardous chemical lawyers will work to establish the following elements:
- Duty: To prove liability for toxic substance exposure, we will show that the responsible party had a duty to prevent harm, such as property owners, employers, manufacturers, or hazardous material handlers.
- Breach of Duty: To prove negligence, our lawyers will need to show that someone didn't take proper care to prevent harm, like mishandling hazardous materials or not following safety protocols.
- Causation: Our legal team will assist in proving the harm was caused by the toxic substance. A clear connection can be shown using medical records, expert opinions, and scientific studies.
- Damages: Our team will show that you experienced real harm from the chemical exposure, such as medical bills, missed work, pain, distress, and other related losses.
Our Portland personal injury lawyers will build a strong case, gather as much evidence as possible, including documents, photographs, witness statements, health records, and any available scientific research related to the toxic substance involved.
Statute of Limitations for Hazardous Chemical Accidents in Oregon
The Statute of Limitations for hazardous chemical accidents in Portland, Oregon is governed by the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and specifically falls under personal injury claims.
The general Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims in Oregon is two years. ORS 12.110. This means that a person injured in a hazardous chemical accident has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries.
However, there are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, if the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the Statute of Limitations is extended to three years, as per ORS 30.020.
There may be other factors that could potentially extend or shorten the Statute of Limitations. For instance, if the injured party was a minor at the time of the accident, the Statute of Limitations may be "tolled" or paused until they reach the age of 18 or older.
Consult with our hazardous chemical attorneys, who will provide accurate and tailored advice based on your specific circumstances.
Get a Free Consultation From a Portland Hazardous Chemical Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been affected by a hazardous chemical accident in Portland, Oregon, you need the expertise of a top-rated hazardous chemical law firm like Goldberg & Loren.
With over 32 years of experience and a proven track record of successful cases, our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed by toxic chemical exposure.
Our chemical injury attorneys:
- Understand the devastating impact that a hazardous chemical accident can have.
- Are committed to providing you with aggressive legal representation.
- Have successfully litigated hundreds of cases involving a wide range of hazardous chemicals.
- Will work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances of your chemical event and will identify liable parties.
The team at Goldberg & Loren consists of experienced hazardous chemical lawyers who are dedicated to fighting for justice and securing maximum compensation for those who have been harmed.
By choosing Goldberg & Loren, you can rest assured knowing that you have a dedicated legal team who will advocate for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Portland hazardous chemical lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evacuate the area and move to a safe location to minimize further exposure and potential harm. Identify and isolate the source of the spill to prevent the spread of the hazardous chemical. Emergency services should be contacted without delay to report the spill and seek assistance from trained professionals for containment and cleanup.
If you have been exposed to the chemical, remove contaminated clothing, thoroughly wash any affected skin with water, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Follow proper emergency response procedures and protocols to mitigate the risks and ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.
Chemicals can cause immediate irritation and long-term health problems, including damage to the nervous system, organs, and an increased risk of cancer or reproductive harm.
Sources:
[1] J. C. (2023, November 10). Day After Texas Fire, Report Reveals US Hazardous Chemical Incidents Occur Almost Daily. Common Dreams. https://www.commondreams.org/news/hazardous-chemical-accidents
[2] Oregon Health Authority : Bullseye Glass Co. : Environmental Health Assessment : State of Oregon. (n.d.). Bullseye Glass Co. : Oregon Health Authority. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/trackingassessment/environmentalhealthassessment/pages/bgfsite.aspx
[3] Koin. (n.d.). https://www.koin.com/news/portland/chemical-spill-in-semi-truck-delays-traffic-on-i-5/
We Represent Hazardous Chemical Injury Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
