Environmental contamination can have devastating effects. If you’ve been impacted by it, a lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
Environmental contamination can affect communities, businesses, and individuals alike. When pollutants infiltrate air, water, or soil, they not only pose serious health risks but also diminish property values.
The lawyers at Keilty Bonadio have over 50 years of combined experience. If you or your community is grappling with the effects of environmental contamination, a Baltimore environmental contamination lawyer can help you pursue justice.
What Does an Environmental Contamination Lawyer Do?
An environmental contamination lawyer specializes in cases involving pollution and environmental damage. They advocate for individuals, communities, and businesses impacted by environmental hazards, such as chemical spills, toxic waste, or industrial emissions.
Their role includes:
- Investigating the source and extent of contamination
- Negotiating with responsible parties and insurance companies
- Filing lawsuits against negligent parties
- Ensuring compliance with federal and state environmental regulations
- Advocating for stronger environmental protections
If you’ve been harmed by an environmental hazard, an environmental contamination lawyer in Baltimore can help you seek justice.
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How Can an Environmental Contamination Attorney Help Me?
An environmental contamination lawyer from our team can provide invaluable assistance by leveraging their connections and their knowledge of environmental law. More specifically, they can:
- Identify liable parties, including corporations or government agencies
- Calculate the financial and medical impact of contamination
- File legal claims or pursue class-action lawsuits
- Help secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property devaluation, and other damages
An environmental contamination attorney in Baltimore can ensure that your claim is handled professionally and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Much Is My Environmental Contamination Claim Worth?
The value of an environmental contamination claim depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of damages: The extent of the contamination’s harm to your health, property, or business will greatly affect the value of your claim.
- Number of affected parties: Large-scale effects often result in higher compensation.
- Liability of the defendant: Clear evidence of negligence or wrongdoing can strengthen your claim.
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Victims of environmental contamination can pursue various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs associated with treating illnesses or injuries caused by contamination, such as hospital bills, medication, and ongoing therapy.
- Property damage: You can seek compensation for the loss of property value or the cost of repairing or replacing contaminated property.
- Lost income: You can be reimbursed for wages lost due to health issues or disruptions caused by the contamination.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for the emotional distress and physical pain caused by exposure to harmful substances.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing an environmental contamination claim is typically three years.
For personal injury claims, the three-year period starts from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered the injury caused by contamination. For property damage claims, the clock also begins ticking when you become aware of the damage.
If you fail to file your claim within this window, you may lose your right to seek compensation. An environmental lawyer can make sure you file on time.
How Do I Know if I Have a Case?
Whether you have a valid case often depends on whether you can demonstrate:
- Evidence of contamination in your area
- Proof that contamination directly caused harm to you or your property
- Identifiable responsible parties who failed to prevent or mitigate the damage
An attorney can help determine whether you have a viable case.
How Do I Prove Negligence?
Proving negligence in environmental contamination cases involves demonstrating:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a responsibility to prevent harm.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to uphold this responsibility.
- Causation: The breach caused the contamination and subsequent harm.
- Damages: The harm resulted in quantifiable losses, such as medical expenses or property damage.
Your lawyer may work with environmental experts to demonstrate negligence.
How Does the Environmental Contamination Claims Process Work?
The claims process typically involves:
- Investigation: Identifying the source and scope of contamination.
- Filing a claim: Submitting a formal complaint against the responsible party.
- Discovery phase: Gathering evidence through depositions, document requests, and expert analysis.
- Settlement negotiations: Attempting to resolve the case without a trial.
- Trial: If negotiations fail, the case is presented in court.
Common Legal Strategies
Environmental lawyers use a variety of strategies to hold at-fault parties accountable, including:
- Tracing liability chains: Identifying all parties responsible for contamination, from manufacturers to waste handlers.
- Injunctions: Seeking court orders to stop harmful practices immediately.
- Documenting violations: Gathering evidence of regulatory non-compliance or negligence.
- Engaging expert witnesses: Utilizing environmental scientists, toxicologists, and other experts to strengthen a case.
Common Types of Environmental Contamination
Common forms of contamination include:
- Water pollution: Contaminants such as lead, mercury, or pesticides can infiltrate drinking water, making it unsafe for consumption.
- Air pollution: Emissions of toxic gases or particulate matter from industrial facilities can degrade air quality, posing health risks to nearby populations.
- Soil contamination: Harmful chemicals, such as petroleum products or heavy metals, can seep into the ground and affect agricultural productivity and property safety.
- Hazardous waste: Improper disposal of toxic substances can create long-lasting environmental hazards for nearby communities.
Speak With a Baltimore Environmental Contamination Attorney Today
Environmental contamination cases can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. A Baltimore environmental contamination attorney from Keilty Bonadio can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to secure justice.
Schedule a free consultation today to start building your case.