Chemical exposure cases are among the most fact-intensive and adversarial matters in personal injury litigation. Victims are often unaware of the harm until serious, sometimes irreversible, health conditions emerge. These cases involve exposure to substances that were improperly handled, stored, or released—usually by corporate actors who had knowledge of the risk and chose to proceed anyway. In Georgia, we’ve seen these exposures take place in industrial zones, agricultural operations, public housing, and even private residences due to contaminated water or defective building materials.
McArthur Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been seriously harmed by chemical exposure in Georgia. These cases demand a firm that is prepared to litigate aggressively, uncover suppressed evidence, and retain qualified experts when necessary.
Georgia Toxic Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyer in Georgia
Being exposed to toxic chemicals can be cause severe injuries to a person that can possibly even be life-altering.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Toxic Chemical Exposure Accidents
- Types of Toxic Chemical Exposure in Georgia
- Injuries Caused By Toxic Chemical Exposure in Georgia
- Hotspots for Toxic Chemical Exposure
- Determining Who Can Be Sued for Toxic Chemical Exposure
- Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act (HSRA)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Types of Toxic Chemical Exposure in Georgia
Industrial Chemical Exposure — Many chemical exposures in Georgia happen in or near industrial facilities like factories, refineries, and processing plants. Workers may breathe in fumes, handle toxic liquids, or come into contact with dangerous dust. People who live near these plants can also be exposed to chemicals in the air or water. Some of the most common industrial toxins include benzene, toluene, vinyl chloride, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
Agricultural Chemical Exposure — In rural parts of Georgia, exposure often comes from pesticides and herbicides used on farms. These chemicals can drift through the air, soak into the soil, or end up in local water sources. Farmworkers, nearby residents, and even schoolchildren can be exposed to substances like paraquat and glyphosate.
Residential And Environmental Exposure — Homes, apartment buildings, and public housing in Georgia sometimes contain toxic materials like mold, lead-based paint, or asbestos. These can cause long-term health problems, especially in children and the elderly. People may also be exposed to contaminated groundwater or drinking water—such as from nearby industrial sites or landfills—that carries substances like PFAS, trichloroethylene (TCE), or petroleum byproducts.
Workplace Chemical Exposure — Many Georgians are exposed to toxic chemicals on the job, especially in construction, automotive repair, janitorial work, and manufacturing. These workers may be exposed to solvents, cleaning agents, fumes, or chemical dust. Often, the danger comes from a lack of proper training, protective gear, or ventilation.
Transportation And Storage Accidents — Toxic chemical exposure can also happen during transportation or storage. Trucks, trains, and shipping containers that carry hazardous materials may leak or spill, especially during accidents or loading. Georgia highways and railways are common routes for these chemicals, and nearby drivers, first responders, and residents may all be at risk.
Injuries Caused By Toxic Chemical Exposure in Georgia
Respiratory Conditions — Prolonged inhalation of certain chemicals can harm the lungs and airways, potentially leading to asthma, chronic bronchitis, chemical pneumonitis, or pulmonary fibrosis. These conditions impair breathing and may necessitate lifelong use of inhalers, oxygen therapy, or medications. Even brief exposure to high concentrations of fumes or dust can result in enduring lung damage.
Neurological Damage — Exposure to specific substances like solvents and heavy metals poses a serious threat to the nervous system. This damage can influence memory, movement, and emotional regulation. Affected individuals often experience headaches, tremors, confusion, numbness, and trouble focusing. In severe cases, the impact can be permanent, mimicking illnesses such as Parkinson’s or early-onset dementia. Because symptoms may emerge long after exposure, early diagnosis and comprehensive medical records are crucial.
Cancer And Organ Damage — Repeated contact with carcinogens such as benzene, asbestos, and vinyl chloride significantly raises the risk of developing cancer. Blood cancers including leukemia and lymphoma frequently arise from chemical exposure. The liver and kidneys are especially vulnerable to toxins like trichloroethylene and arsenic, which are metabolized in these organs. Unfortunately, such damage often takes years to become apparent.
Skin And Eye Injuries — When certain chemicals come into contact with the body, they can cause burns, rashes, or permanent scarring. Allergic reactions such as hives or blisters are also possible. The eyes are particularly sensitive and may suffer irritation, vision impairment, or even blindness from exposure. These injuries can occur suddenly, as in a chemical splash, or accumulate gradually with regular unprotected contact.
Reproductive And Developmental Harm — Chemicals like industrial solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals may interfere with fertility or harm a fetus during pregnancy. Links have been established between these exposures and outcomes like birth defects, miscarriage, and infertility. These consequences are profoundly personal and often require thorough medical and environmental testing to substantiate.
Hotspots for Toxic Chemical Exposure
Industrial Sites And Factories — Large industrial plants and manufacturing facilities in cities like Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Macon often use or store dangerous chemicals. Workers and nearby residents can be exposed through air emissions, leaks, or improper disposal.
Farms And Agricultural Areas — Many rural areas in South and Central Georgia use pesticides and herbicides that contain toxic chemicals. Farmworkers are at the highest risk, but families living near fields or working with contaminated tools and clothing can also be harmed. Exposure may come through air, dust, or water runoff from treated fields.
Homes, Apartments, And Public Housing — Older homes and apartments in Georgia may still have lead paint, asbestos, or mold. Poor maintenance or hidden water leaks can make the problem worse.
Water Sources And Landfills — Some toxic exposure cases come from contaminated drinking water or groundwater. This can happen near old landfills, leaking underground tanks, or sites where chemicals were dumped. Exposure from drinking or bathing in contaminated water often affects entire communities.
Transportation Accidents And Chemical Spills — Chemical spills on Georgia highways or railways can release harmful substances into the air or ground. These spills may affect nearby drivers, emergency workers, and neighborhoods.
Determining Who Can Be Sued for Toxic Chemical Exposure
Employers — In Georgia, employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace. If an employee is exposed to chemicals on the job, the employer may be responsible. In most cases, the injury is handled through Georgia’s workers’ compensation system under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1. This law gives workers the right to medical care and lost wages without having to prove fault. However, if the employer intentionally ignored safety rules or exposed someone outside of work, a personal injury claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6 may also apply.
Property Owners And Landlords — Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, property owners in Georgia must keep their premises safe for invited guests and tenants. If a landlord or business owner fails to fix a known hazard—like lead paint, mold, or contaminated soil—they can be held liable for any harm that results. This is called premises liability and can apply to both commercial and residential buildings.
Manufacturers Of Chemicals Or Equipment — If the toxic exposure was caused by a defective product or unsafe chemical, the manufacturer can be sued under Georgia product liability law. O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11 allows injured people to file claims for products that were defectively designed, made, or labeled. This includes chemicals that didn’t come with proper warnings about health risks.
Contractors And Maintenance Companies — Outside contractors who handle chemicals, clean buildings, or maintain property systems can also be responsible for exposure. If they failed to follow safety rules or created a hazardous condition, they may be liable under general negligence law in Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2).
Public Utilities And Local Governments — In some cases, toxic exposure comes from public water systems, waste services, or publicly owned property. Suing a city, county, or other government body in Georgia is more complicated because of sovereign immunity laws. However, under O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20, a claim may be allowed if the government was negligent and the injury happened during a routine activity.
Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act (HSRA)
One of the most important laws is the Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act (HSRA), found at O.C.G.A. § 12-8-90 through § 12-8-97. This law requires certain sites with chemical contamination to be identified and cleaned up. If a person is injured because of contamination at one of these sites, this law may help support a claim. HSRA also gives the Environmental Protection Division the power to investigate and order cleanups, but it does not provide a direct path for individuals to sue. Legal claims would still need to be brought under other Georgia civil laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chemical exposure mean and why is it dangerous?
It means someone came into contact with harmful substances that can cause serious health problems.
How can someone tell if they were exposed to toxic chemicals?
They may notice symptoms, receive medical test results, or learn of contamination at work or home.
What steps should a person take after a chemical exposure?
They should get medical attention, gather evidence, and speak with a Georgia attorney as soon as possible.
Can a landlord be sued for toxic exposure in a rental property?
Yes, if the landlord failed to keep the property safe under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-13).
Is a worker allowed to seek help if exposed to chemicals on the job?
Yes, most cases fall under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1).
Can someone still sue if the exposure happened years ago?
Yes, but they must file the lawsuit within two years of discovering the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
Does a victim have to prove the exact chemical that caused the harm?
Yes, the law usually requires specific proof of both the chemical and the source of exposure.
Can a company be held responsible for water pollution that causes illness?
Yes, if the pollution caused injury, a claim may be brought under Georgia’s personal injury laws.
What kind of compensation is a toxic exposure victim allowed to seek?
They may recover money for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Does a person have to pay a lawyer up front for a toxic exposure case?
No, most Georgia lawyers handle these cases on a contingency basis—no fee unless they win.
Additional Resources
Georgia Department of Public Health – Chemical Hazards — This page from the Georgia Department of Public Health explains the Chemical Hazards Program, which works to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment. It includes details about public health assessments, consultations, technical assistance, and education efforts. It also provides contact information and links to related programs and emergency resources.
U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA News Release on Arsenic Exposure — This news release from the U.S. Department of Labor details violations found at a Georgia chemical manufacturing facility where workers were exposed to high levels of inorganic arsenic. It describes the findings, penalties, and actions taken by OSHA against two companies involved. It also outlines how OSHA and the Georgia Poison Center work together on chemical exposure incidents.
OSHA – Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances — This OSHA page gives basic information about workplace chemical hazards and toxic substances. It explains how chemical safety is regulated and provides links to standards, exposure limits, and safety tools. The page also offers information on specific chemicals and how to reduce worker exposure using safer alternatives, training, protective equipment, and engineering controls.
National Safety Council – Exposure to Harmful Substances — This National Safety Council page provides data on nonfatal injuries and illnesses from harmful substance exposure at work. It includes statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics about cases involving days away from work, job restrictions, and fatalities, especially due to COVID-19 and overdose incidents. It also lists categories of hazardous exposures in the workplace.
Hire a Toxic Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyer in Fulton County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
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