
Columbia Toxic Torts Lawyers
Exposure to toxic substances can have devastating effects on a person, both short-term and long-term. What that exposure happens because of someone else’s negligence—and in some cases, regardless of whether there was negligence or not—the victim may be entitled to receive compensation. Whether that compensation is obtained, and whether it is a fair amount may well depend on the quality of the Columbia, SC toxic torts lawyer that investigates, negotiates, and litigates the case.
Mann Blake & Jackson has a well-established track record of taking on challenging cases against powerful defendants. We’ve won settlements to the tune of $50 million and higher. We want to work with you next. From our Columbia office, we serve all of South Carolina. Call today at (803) 525-1645 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
How Do You Get Exposed to Toxic Chemicals?
The person who doesn’t work in a biolab or other environment where toxic substances are present might wonder how this happened to begin with. Understanding where the exposure happened is also necessary in identifying the ultimate target of a lawsuit.
An investigation into the exposure can certainly include a review of the injured plaintiff’s work environment. Do they work with any chemicals? Are they in an office complex where a nearby company works with chemicals? Keep in mind that chemicals can include anything from those used in regular household chores, like disinfectants, as solvents that might be used for industrial purposes.
Perhaps the plaintiff got exposed to some contaminated groundwater. Or maybe toxins in the air were breathed into the lungs. Exposure to radiation is another possibility. An investigation of everything from the plaintiff’s residential surroundings to the places they regularly go might just be the beginning of the search for a source.
A Columbia, SC toxic torts attorney must be familiar with science and how toxins spread. They must further be networked with expert sources in the scientific community who can shed further light, both during our investigation and later at trial.
Common Examples of Toxic Tort Lawsuits
The cases that arose from asbestos being used in home construction are just one example of a tort lawsuit. Asbestos became linked to mesothelioma cancer and subsequent class-action litigation resulted in a $30 billion trust fund being created by manufacturers to pay out claims.
Mercury and lead are common examples of substances that can be at the heart of a toxic torts claim. Pesticide chemicals are another, with their use in agriculture. Certain pesticides can impact the air, which can result in illness for those who live in the area of the farm. They can also impact the food we eat, potentially having impact anywhere that food is shipped.
Formaldehyde, used in many household products, especially those with a wood base, can leave someone vulnerable. People rely on glyphosate to help kill weeds, but this chemical can also have very bad negative effects. These are just some of the most common ways toxic chemicals can impact a person and create liability for a defendant.
Challenges of Filing a Toxic Torts Lawsuit
The first challenge comes in knowing who to sue. A plaintiff might know they are sick from chemical pesticides, and maybe they suspect a farming area up in the Piedmont Plateau to be the reason. But all personal injury lawsuits require a specific defendant. Can we pinpoint the farm in question? Or did the illness develop because of something in the processing plant? Is this something that has impacted just one defendant or is there a possibility for class action litigation? All of these questions have to be answered, and the more experience a Columbia, SC toxic torts lawyer is, the better the odds those questions can be answered efficiently and accurately.
Then causation has to be proven. This is a part of all personal injury cases, and it can be particularly challenging in toxic torts cases. The attorney must trace the chemical directly to the negative health effects that the plaintiff is experiencing. Every case will be different, but this is generally something that is not self-evident.
The reason is that some diseases related to toxins don’t appear until long after the exposure—even years, as was the case in many of the circumstances where asbestos led to mesothelioma cancer. There could be other health conditions the plaintiff has that may also be the source of their medical issues. The insurance company for the defendant will be able to research the plaintiff’s medical records.
Plaintiffs should assume that the legal defense team for insurers will do all they can to undercut causation, by severing the link from the toxin to the illness. Plaintiffs must be confident that their legal counsel will be no less vigorous, aggressive, and experienced in advocating the causation link.
Relentless Lawyers for Serious Cases
Mann Blake & Jackson has taken on big cases against powerful interests. In fact, we’ve done more than take on those cases—we’ve won big civil lawsuits and delivered big settlement verdicts to our clients. Every case is different and success in one (or more) previous cases can’t guarantee the next one, but our clients can feel confident they have attorneys who know what they’re doing in legal battles with high financial stakes.
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We've Fought and Beaten Government Agencies
We've recovered over $100M in verdicts, settlements, and awards for our clients, much of that against government agencies. We know what you're facing, and we're the team to help you win.
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These Cases Are Close to Home For Us
Not only are we North and South Carolina attorneys, but our families, friends, and neighbors have fallen victim to the injustices at Camp Lejeune. We'll fight vigorously for you and your family not just because it's the right thing to do, but because we've been hurt by this too.
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We Know How to Protect and Service Our ClientsWe've fought for whistleblowers. We've fought for catastrophic injury victims. We know this can feel like a daunting road, but we have the experience and know what it takes to provide you the justice you deserve.

Real stories from real clients
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First-class in their representation of our family.
“Thorough and professional with a personal touch that made us comfortable throughout the entire process.”
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The compassion for their clients is excellent.
“They worked tirelessly to help me in my case. They always quickly responded to emails. Both of them exhibit expert knowledge in law.”
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I highly recommend Jenkins and his firm.
“He took the time to walk me through the legal process and explain all of my rights as if I was his only client.”
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So fortunate to have found them!
“He contacted us every day with complete explanation in detail of everything. He kept us informed daily.”
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Service was impeccable.
“He explained everything in great detail and laid out the best path forward. His service was impeccable.”

Success Stories with our Firm
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Whistleblower Recovery
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Breach of Contract
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Brain Injury
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Automobile Accident
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Trucking Accident, Wrongful Death