A Law Firm that Protects Vulnerable Individuals
Toxic chemical exposures can lead to long-lasting consequences for the health of innocent workers, bystanders, and other consumers.
The most recent chemical exposure events to rock the nation’s communities include a solar panel warehouse fire in a cold storage facility in LA’s Boyle Heights area, the Garden Grove, California chemical storage tank emergency, and a fatal chemical leak in West Virginia.
When you or a loved one is left with grave injuries, medical expenses, and other consequences from exposure to toxic materials, a chemical exposure accident attorney from California can help.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical exposure accidents can involve individuals being exposed to solvents, industrial cleaners, air pollutants, asbestos, and other hazardous materials
- Most recently in California, communities have had to be evacuated or put under shelter-in-place orders due to these incidents
- Chemical exposures can lead to serious burns, organ damage, and the development of respiratory conditions and skin diseases, among other things
- BD&J chemical exposure accident attorneys in California are ready to fight for you
What is a Chemical Exposure?
A chemical exposure occurs when someone comes into contact with a toxic substance in their environment, whether it be through the workplace or other property, as well as in the products they consume.
Industrial accidents, fires, the dumping of toxic waste, and defective products can lead to these exposures. Solvents, industrial cleaners, adhesives, etc.
What Are the Most Common Chemicals that Cause Illness or Injury?
The most common chemicals to cause illness or injury include:
- Solvents
- Industrial cleaners
- Adhesives
- Disinfectants
- Pesticides
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Toxic mold
- Air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde
Recent Examples of Chemical Exposures
- June 2026 – A solar panel fire broke out on a Boyle Heights cold storage warehouse. Nearby residents were forced to shelter-in-place, and people were advised to keep pets indoors, shut off air conditioners, and keep doors closed to protect from any hazardous materials arising from the heat.
- May 2026 – Over 50,000 Orange County residents were evacuated from their residences when a large tank carrying 6,500 gallons of a highly toxic chemical known as methyl methacrylate (MMA) became unstable and heated up quickly, leading authorities to fear an inevitable explosion. While working crews were able to stabilize the situation and prevent an explosion, citizens have already started to pursue legal claims for negligence and any ensuing damages from the mass evacuations.
- April 2026 – A chemical leak of the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide at a West Virginia silver recovery site resulted in the death of two workers at the plant, and over 30 people were rushed to the hospital. Shelter-in-place orders were enacted for a couple of hours, and an expansive decontamination operation took place.
While most of these events have been close calls, negligence and unsafe conditions for workers and other locals should not be the norm. A chemical exposure accident attorney can walk you through your legal options after a similar incident.
Call us now to connect with a California chemical exposure accident attorney.
How Do I Know I Have a Case with a California Chemical Exposure Attorney?
If you were exposed to chemicals and harmful substances on a worksite, through the use of certain products, or by living in an area that suffered a chemical exposure due to commercial vehicles, warehouses, or similar, you may be eligible.
If you dealt with chemical exposure symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Rashes
- Stomachaches
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
Or develop long-term chemical exposure health consequences like cancer, skeletal or muscular effects, and more, then you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the negligent parties that had a hand in your injuries.
Serious Injuries from Chemical Exposure Events
Toxic substances can have serious consequences on workers, pedestrians, and other individuals exposed to them. Some of the most common injuries from chemical exposure events include:
- Burns
- Poisoning
- Organ damage
- Development of respiratory conditions, neurological conditions, and skin diseases
- Catastrophic injuries, like disfigurement, severe burns, and amputations
- Development of different cancers, such as kidney cancer and stomach cancer
2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that there were over 820 fatal injuries within a year in the workforce due to exposure to harmful substances and environments.
How Can California Chemical Exposure Accident Attorneys Help My Case?
Whether you were an employee, consumer, or simply a resident who lives around a factory or warehouse where chemical exposures occurred, you don’t have to pay for ensuing damages out of your own pocket.
A chemical exposure injury attorney from the BD&J team can help with:
- Presenting your initial claim in the proper jurisdiction
- Helping collect evidence, including during the legal discovery process
- Interview expert witnesses who can attest to the prognosis of your exposure, the dangers of the particular chemicals involved, and your overall recovery journey
- Use prior knowledge and experience to calculate a fair value for your claim
- Use sharp negotiation skills against insurance companies and other big legal teams
- Be a thorough communication channel between you and other parties involved
You’re dealing with injuries and a mountain of expenses, let BD&J help. Spreak with our team now, call (855)906-3699.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for My Injuries?
After a chemical exposure incident, you have 2 years from the date to file a claim. However, this timeline can differ, especially when a government entity is involved, or there’s a minor who suffers from chemical exposures as well.
This is why it’s best to consult with an attorney about your case.
What if the Chemical Exposure Happened at My Job?
If you were injured due to chemical exposure at the workplace, you’ll want to report your accident to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible and seek medical treatment. From there, report any unsafe work conditions to Cal/OSHA and speak to a chemical exposure accident attorney.
What Damages Can I Seek in a Chemical Exposure Case?
You can be compensated for current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and pain and suffering.
If your loved one passed away from their chemical exposure injuries, speak to a California wrongful death attorney to learn more about filing a claim.
What if My Exposure Symptoms Appeared Days After the Initial Exposure?
Some symptoms can take hours or even days to appear. You can still recover compensation as long as these symptoms and injuries are medically documented.
Do I Have a Claim if My Pre-Existing Condition Worsened from a Chemical Exposure?
Absolutely. A pre-existing condition that is further aggravated due to another accident can still be eligible for a claim. Connect with the BD&J team to learn more about your legal options.
Can I File a Claim if I Got Workers’ Compensation?
You can file a claim if your injuries were caused by a third-party (such as a product manufacturer with a defective product), or if your employer’s extremely gross negligence or intentional misconduct caused your injuries.
Why Should I Choose BD&J to Represent Me?
BD&J is a leading personal injury law firm in California that’s fought for injured Californians and their families since our establishment in 2007. We work on the basis of compassion, client connection, and determination for just compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Work with the BD&J Law Firm?
Nothing upfront. We operate on a contingency fee basis, advancing all case costs to clients and obtaining final attorney fees after a case has been settled. This means less financial worry for you, and no fees until we win*.
How To File Your Chemical Exposure Injury Claim on Time
Filing your chemical exposure injury claim on time is crucial in order to be eligible for compensation. Follow these steps:
- Seek medical treatment immediately. – Do not delay or put off seeking any medical treatment, as this can worsen your health and put off your claim.
- Collect all available evidence. – This can look like medical documentation of injuries, photos or videos of the accident scene, any formal notices or communication about the exposure, and if work-related, pay stubs that highlight your role and pay.
- Consult with a chemical exposure attorney. – Ask loved ones for recommendations, use law directories, read client testimonials, and view case results to pick a California attorney for consultation in your area.
- Start your claim. – Ask your attorney for the timeline of your claim, and don’t wait to start progressing toward justice.
Follow BD&J on Instagram to learn more about your legal rights after an injury, and how an attorney can help!
A Law Firm that Isn’t Afraid to Go Against Major Companies After Preventable Accidents
Chemical exposure events can be terrifying and traumatizing for all involved, which is why you shouldn’t be left to suffer the consequences alone.
Speak with a chemical exposure lawyer in California to get started filing your claim. At BD&J, we’ve recovered more than $3 billion* for our clients, and we don’t turn our back on any case that walks through our doors.
Call us now or complete our online form to start fighting for your rightful compensation today!
