Monsanto Settles Contamination Claims

Approximately a year ago, the chemical giant Monsanto agreed to pay $93 million to handle claims of dioxin contamination as well as personal injury claims brought in a class action. The claims were brought by close to 25,000 people and more than 8,000 properties in West Virginia. For many years, Monsanto operated a chemical plant in Nitro, West Virginia which produced trichlorophenol. The company was accused of the illegal disposal of dioxin waste materials in connection with its operation. Dioxins are chemical compounds that are environmental pollutants and are highly toxic to humans. Short-term exposure to unsafe levels of dioxins can cause skin lesions. Long-term exposure to these compounds are linked to impaired liver function, impaired immune system, impaired endocrine system, impaired reproductive system, and impaired nervous system. Animals that are chronically exposed to dioxins develop cancer.

The settlement was approved by a West Virginia court judge for two types of categories. These consisted of a medical monitoring category and a property damage category. It also included close to 200 personal injury cases. Part of the settlement funds were directed to be used to the testing of individuals with additional funds to be used where dioxin levels exceeded safe levels. Other settlement funds were to be used to address property owners' claims of contamination.

Personal Injury and Toxic Tort Law Firm in West Virginia

Workers and the public residing in the area of chemical plants or other manufacturing companies that engage in negligence may have grounds for a toxic tort. This type of legal action is an injury, wrongful death, or property damage claim against the manufacturer. Manufacturers who fail in their duty of care to keep the environment safe for their employees and the surrounding communities may then be required to pay damages to address these toxic tort claims, as in the case above.

Toxic tort cases are generally difficult, complex, and long-drawn out affairs that require legal representation by a firm that concentrates on this field. In West Virginia, Hartley and O'Brien, PLLC is a toxic tort law firm that has gained a reputation for excellence. The firm has more than 30 years of experience. Its attorneys have won several million judgments for clients. Because of its high level of professionalism and effectiveness, it has achieved the highest rating of AV Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell, which ranks attorneys through peer reviews. If you believe you have a potential personal injury or toxic tort claim, contact the firm for a free case evaluation as soon as possible.