Environmental Exposure

Our Experience in Environmental Exposure

We defend owners and manufacturers against product/premises liability claims in toxic tort personal injury litigation. Our experience includes both single and multi-plaintiff cases involving cancers, mesothelioma, immune or autoimmune system dysfunction, and other alleged diseases resulting from exposure to asbestos, silica, naturally occurring radioactive materials, lead, PCB’s and benzene.

Over time, multi-party litigation in environmental litigation has evolved industry-wide. With extensive pre-trial and trial experience over four decades since 1981, our attorneys have developed realistic and effective strategies, simplified complex issues and delivered positive results in motion practice, mediation, and trials before local judges and juries.

We also defend businesses in legacy lawsuits arising out of historical oil and gas exploration and production activities.  We are familiar with the laws and regulations that govern these claims, and we have experience working with experts to analyze clients’ historical operations, assess the extent of property contamination, and develop effective defense strategies.

Representative Cases

• Obtained jury verdict in Orleans Parish for encapsulated product manufacturer defendant on wrongful death and survival damages claims for mesothelioma plaintiff arising out of occupational exposures to asbestos in refineries and shipyards.
• Represented vessel owners and products defendants and obtained favorable resolutions in cases involving maritime asbestos exposures.
• Defended shipyards and executive officers/safety personnel in hundreds of non-malignancy, cancer and mesothelioma claims involving occupational and environmental asbestos exposure allegations.
• Represented insurer of port facility in toxic tort claims arising from alleged chemical exposures.
• Obtained favorable resolution of cancer claims against printing solvent manufacturer.
• Defended refinery and safety personnel in mass tort hearing loss claims to successful resolutions.
• Represented university, sugar mill and industrial premises owners in numerous claims alleging occupational exposures to asbestos.
• Defended insurer of municipality in class action for injuries claimed from alleged distribution of contaminated water.
• Represented defendant transportation company in class action for damages flowing from diesel spill from tanker.
• Defended executive officers/ safety personnel in benzene exposure cases arising from refinery work.
• Defended oil and gas well operator in coastal erosion lawsuit filed by state and local government entities, obtaining favorable settlement.
• Defended insurer of oil and gas well operator against indemnity and additional insured claims brought by other operators
• Defended non-working interest owner in oil and gas lease against contamination claims by property owner, obtaining favorable settlement.