Benzene Exposure: What It Is and What It Does
Many Workplace Environments Use Benzene Benzene is a solvent used in a variety of industrial operations. It is a naturally occurring chemical found in wild fires, volcanic eruptions, and other similar processes. Benzene is one of the most widely used chemicals in the United States. Benzene is used in processes of making several materials, including: […]
Talc Powder Use Linked to Ovarian Cancer – Baby Powder Lawsuits on the Rise
Conventional wisdom regarding talc powder is that it’s marketed as baby powder so it must be safe. However, recent lawsuits have alleged that long-term genital talc use is linked with ovarian cancer. The link between talc powder and ovarian cancer dates back to the 1970s when researchers discovered talc particles embedded in ovarian and cervical […]
Radioactive Remains of Gas Drilling Dumped in West Virginia Landfills
In the natural gas industry, waste left over after horizontal drilling operations is colloquially referred to as “drill cuttings”. These cuttings typically contain significant levels of radiation emitting materials such as radium, uranium, and radon. Radium, a substance known to increase the risk of lymphoma, bone cancer, and blood disorders, is known to be particularly […]
Types of Chemical Exposures and How to Prevent Them
How can you be exposed to dangerous chemicals? You may encounter any number of hazardous chemicals while on the job or at home. Safety education, training, warning labels, and instructions are readily available and required by law in most circumstances. Understanding the general principles of chemical exposure and prevention may not only help you protect […]
Progressive Massive Fibrosis Among Coal Miners
The coal industry’s importance to our area is well-known across the nation. We are known for the mining work that helps provide energy to the entire nation, as well as the hard-working men and women who do that work. Unfortunately, Mining Is Dangerous Work. In addition to the risk that comes along with working with […]
West Virginia Railway Worker Brings Suit for Development of Rare Blood Disease After Chemical Exposure
Hartley Law Group, PLLC, along with Johnstone & Gabhart, recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a railway worker employed by Railserve, Inc. who developed a rare blood disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after being exposed to a number of chemicals while moving and loading railway cars at DuPont’s Belle Works in Kanawha County, West […]
VICTORY FOR INJURED WORKERS IN WV SUPREME COURT
Deborah Harris filed suit against CSX Transportation, Inc. asserting that her deceased husband’s work on the railroad, and particularly his exposure to diesel exhaust, caused his development of multiple myeloma and ultimate death. CSX moved to exclude Mrs. Harris’ expert witnesses, asserting that they did not follow a proper methodology and “good science” in concluding […]
W. Va. State Screen Printer Files Lawsuit Resulting from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) Diagnosis
Hartley Law Group along with The Segal Law Firm and Warner Law Offices recently filed a civil lawsuit in Marshall County, West Virginia Circuit Court on behalf of a screen printer employed in the West Virginia Division of Highways sign shop. Prior to his employment with the State of West Virginia, plaintiff had previously worked […]
What is a Toxic Tort?
A toxic tort is a particular type of personal injury lawsuit in which the injured person claims that his or her exposure to a chemical caused their injury or disease. People are typically exposed to a chemical substance from either pharmaceuticals, consumer products, from toxic substances in the environment or the home, or from chemical […]
4 Things to Consider When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Toxic chemical exposure, particularly exposure that occurs on the job can cause life-altering, if not life-threatening injuries for the victim. Whenever someone’s health, safety and well being have been adversely affected by such a situation or another preventable accident, it’s absolutely vital that the injured work with an attorney who is uniquely qualified to handle […]
