DuPont Sued Over Chemical C8

Last November, it was reported that DuPont is now facing three personal injury lawsuits stemming from its use of the chemical known as C8. The lawsuits assert that the chemical was released at its Washington Works plant which is located in Washington, West Virginia. The plant is the site of the second biggest DuPont manufacturing facility in the world. Hundreds of products that are used by the construction and automotive industries are manufactured at the plant along with many consumer products ranging from paint to sports equipment. C8, also known as perfluorooctanoate, is a chemical used in making fluoropolymers, which are synthetic industrial coatings.

The lawsuits contend that the plaintiffs now suffer negative conditions from exposure to C8. A medical and science panel established earlier by DuPont showed that C8 exposure could cause such diseases as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It has been reported that 80,000 people who live in six water districts in the area have been exposed to C8 through contaminated water. Last October, nine other people filed lawsuits against DuPont claiming they had developed cancer and other diseases from drinking water contaminated with C8 through the local DuPont plant.

Personal Injury Law Firm in West Virginia,

The above news story is an example of toxic tort claims, where injuries and even deaths of innocent people can be traced back to dangerous chemical exposure. These types of toxic tort claims are a special type of case handled under personal injury law. Often they involve life-threatening diseases such as the cancers mentioned in connection with C8 exposure.

If you have been exposed to toxic products, substances, or environments in the state of West Virginia which have led to health damage or disease, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Where manufacturers or other parties are shown to be negligent or careless when it comes to workers or the surrounding communities in which they operate, they may be held responsible for the harm they have caused. Hartley and O'Brien, PLLC is a personal injury firm that has been representing the injured for 30 years. The firm has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. To learn more about the firm and how they can help you with a toxic tort case, contact the law offices to discuss your situation or fill out a free case evaluation form online.