We’ve all seen the cartoons where the villain was created from a vat of toxic waste. While toxic waste in the real world doesn’t make you a supervillain, it can cause irreparable damage to residents and the environment. If you or someone you know has been a victim of one of the toxic dump sites, you may be eligible for compensation, even if you are not a current New York resident.
To secure the compensation you deserve, you should speak with a New York toxic dump site injury lawyer with Levine And Wiss PLLC. Our firm has a long track record of supporting New York residents and our community. Our New York personal injury lawyers and staff believe that everyone should have a voice.
Defining Toxic Waste
Companies, organizations, and individuals generate all kinds of waste in daily functioning. Most of this waste is harmless and can be recycled, incinerated, or otherwise disposed of. However, in some cases, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) has defined what waste is categorized as hazardous and at what point it qualifies as toxic waste:
- Harmful or fatal when ingested
- Harmful or fatal when absorbed through skin or other membranous tissue
- Leaches into soil or water when disposed of on land
The primary concern of toxic waste is its ability to leach into other substances like groundwater. This includes substances like heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, or mercury. There are different ways to check for hazardous waste output, and New York City Regulations provide a full list of over 500 substances in Part 371 for reference.
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Toxic Waste Dump Sites in New York
As the center of the Industrial Revolution, New York has experienced pollution and waste dumping in the last two centuries. The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a program known as Superfund, which is responsible for the cleanup and management of previously determined hazardous and toxic waste dump sites. Many previously identified sites have been cleaned up, and the EPA has determined they are safe for reuse.
Many sites have been cleaned up or were affected so long ago, and the responsible parties are long. However, in early 2024, local news station PIX 11 reported that Grumman dumped hazardous waste materials in Bethpage Community Park in the Town of Oyster Bay. Specifically, several 55-gallon drums of hazardous waste were found encased in concrete and buried when workers attempted to drill a test well.
Beyond these current events, dozens of other locations in New York are considered to be contaminated by hazardous or toxic waste. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list known as the National Priority List, which includes 84 sites, including neighborhoods, landfills, well fields, and industrial areas. Some of these sites may result from something beyond the owner or operator’s control, but this could be avoided by diligence and care in most cases.
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Health Effects from New York Toxic Dump Sites
Local and federal government agencies have regulations and standards in place to prevent careless disposal of hazardous and toxic materials for a reason. These materials can cause lethal or life-altering symptoms in those who reside in or visit the affected communities. Many people may not even experience symptoms for a while after, such as cases involving cancer from carcinogen exposure.
Some of the components you may find in hazardous and toxic waste can include polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). While most people endure daily exposure to some of these, areas near a toxic waste dump may mean higher exposure rates. The CDC acknowledges a link between PFAs and certain medical conditions, and some of the health effects of PFAS may include:
- Breast Cancer
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Lower antibody response
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- A small reduction in birthweight
- Association with birth defects and developmental delays in lab animals
- Heavy metal poisoning
More Research Needed
More research is needed to establish a stronger link between these chemicals and specific results or illnesses. A quick Google search will show several studies conducted over the years due to a higher-than-expected rate of breast cancer among residents of Long Island. These studies have not been conclusive, and more research is needed.
Even among CDC research, it is noted that a large portion is conducted on animals, who may respond very differently than humans. The effects, or lack thereof, in animals can provide some guidance on what to look for in humans. However, there is still much that is unknown.
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Recovering from a New York Toxic Waste Injury
Unfortunately, illness sustained from residing, visiting, or working near a toxic dump site in New York is unlikely to be as black and white as sustaining a broken arm in a car accident. In many cases, it can be challenging to prove that your cancer today is from living near a toxic dump site in New York five years ago. This is where a New York toxic dump site injury attorney can become crucial to your case.
When you work with Levine And Wiss, PLLC, we have an experienced toxic dump site injury lawyer in New York who may be able to help you identify symptoms that might be related to exposure to toxic chemicals. In addition to helping you identify your specific injuries sustained because of exposure, they may also be able to help you maximize your awarded compensation by helping you claim all appropriate damages. Some of these costs you may incur because of your injury can be things such as:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Special Damages
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Call Today and Speak with a Toxic Dump Site Injury Attorney in New York
If you are uncertain of whether your injuries and illnesses are due to exposure from a toxic dump site, you may benefit from calling for a free case consultation to discuss the details of your case with a toxic dump site injury attorney in New York.
If you are facing an illness like lead poisoning or cancer, the costs can quickly become overwhelming. If this is caused by negligent waste disposal, you deserve compensation, and the entity responsible should be held accountable.
Everyone needs support during vulnerable times. If you are unsure, even after a free case consultation with a New York toxic dump site injury lawyer, you can look at our reviews online.
When you trust your case will be handled with kindness and compassion, you can look at our case results to speak to effectiveness. These will show you our six and seven-figure settlements and that we fight for our clients’ rights.
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