Average Toxic Tort Settlement Amount in Louisiana

Toxic tort cases can be filed for exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos, pesticides, and other dangerous substances and chemicals. These substances may have been in unreasonably unsafe products or on a property where someone lived or worked. Negligent parties can be held accountable for damages, and understanding the average toxic tort settlement amount in Louisiana can help you assess the possible damages you can recover.

A toxic tort claim can recover losses like medical expenses, reduced and lost income, pain and suffering damages, and loss of quality of life.

A settlement is dependent on the damages you suffered and whether you can recover all of those damages. There is no one answer for the average toxic tort settlement in Louisiana. Instead, it can be helpful to look at information like the factors that influence settlement amounts, the average costs of similar injuries, and the compensation that Murphy Law Firm has been able to secure for specific types of toxic tort and dangerous exposure cases.

Toxic Exposure in the United States and Its Costs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional poisoning in the United States cost $23.13 billion in 2023, including $10.97 billion for hospitalizations and $12.16 billion for emergency department (ED) visits.

Toxic tort claims are not only for unintentional poisonings, but also for other types of exposure to dangerous substances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reported ED visits and hospitalizations from natural or environmental causes, which totaled $827.92 million in 2023.

The average cost per person for unintentional poisonings, according to the CDC, was nearly $54,600 for hospitalizations and about $13,200 for ED visits.

For natural or environmental injuries, the CDC reported an average of $94,711 per person for hospitalizations and $12,962 per person for ED visits.

These costs per person included work loss costs, medical treatment costs, and losses of quality of life. Depending on the type of toxic tort, you could recover these damages and more, although your unique losses could be much higher or lower than the national average.

Murphy Law Firm Case Outcomes in Louisiana

At Murphy Law Firm, we have decades of combined experience in personal injury, toxic exposure, and similar cases. Some of our biggest settlements are mesothelioma claims, which are caused by exposure to asbestos. These outcomes include:

• A $12.5 million verdict for two refinery workers in Iberville Parish
• A $9.5 million verdict for workplace exposure for two refinery workers
• A $4.5 million settlement for the spouse of a refinery worker
• A $3.8 million settlement for an oilfield engineer in Plaquemines Parish

While our past results cannot guarantee a future settlement or verdict for a toxic tort case, you can count on us to work hard and advocate for the compensation that you deserve.

What Factors Influence a Settlement Amount?

Toxic tort possible settlements or verdicts are impacted by many specifics, including:

• Injury severity. Different types of toxic exposure can lead to different conditions with a variety of consequences. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, a serious and often fatal condition.Because this exposure leads to more costly treatment and impacts a person’s life more, the damages may be higher. Other developmental conditions may have different consequences, such as other types of cancer, asthma, other respiratory damage, eczema, organ damage, or other issues.
• Partial fault. While this is less common in toxic exposure cases, there may be times when you are found comparatively negligent for the harm caused by the exposure. If this is the case, it can limit the compensation you could recover, or even prevent you from filing a claim.
• Conduct of the at-fault party. In some toxic tort cases, the at-fault party, like a property owner or product manufacturer, may be aware of the damage caused by exposure to a substance but hide that fact from those who bought a product or were on the premises. They may even take steps to hide the damage caused by exposure to a substance. This behavior could lead to additional damage.
• An attorney. When you have the guidance of a toxic tort lawyer, a successful outcome to the case and maximum compensation are more likely. While an attorney doesn’t guarantee a victory, they give a lot of support and guidance. By gathering evidence and assessing your damages, your attorney will know the worth of your claim. In negotiations or in court, they will fight for that full compensation.

FAQs

Do Most Tort Cases End in Settlement?

Often, toxic tort and other personal injury cases end in settlement from negotiations rather than going to court. However, a case might not end in a settlement if a fair amount can’t be agreed on. In these situations, a case may go to court to secure full and fair damages. It’s important to discuss your case with an attorney to assess the likely outcome of your case.

What Is a Good Settlement Amount for a Toxic Tort Claim?

A good settlement amount for a toxic tort claim is a settlement that addresses all your damages, including medical bills, future medical care, lost income, reduced quality of life, reduced earning capacity, and many other costs. Each person’s damages for a toxic tort claim are different, so a fair settlement is also unique. Other factors may affect settlement value, like insurance coverage limits, partial liability, or other factors.

How Much Are Most Toxic Tort Settlements in Louisiana?

Each toxic tort settlement is unique in Louisiana. The value of your settlement largely depends on the severity of your injuries. Other factors impact a settlement, such as the cause of the condition, the type of condition you suffered because of the exposure, and the insurance coverage limits of the manufacturer, company, property owner, or individual who can be held liable.

Do You Need to Hire a Mass Tort Lawyer for a Toxic Tort Case in Louisiana?

It is important to hire a mass tort lawyer for a toxic tort case in Louisiana. The support of an attorney helps you file your case on time, gather evidence that supports the case, and assess what settlement you deserve for your damages. Your attorney fights for your rights in negotiations and advocates for you in court. A better outcome for your case is more likely with an attorney.

Reach Out to Murphy Law Firm in Louisiana

If you have a toxic tort claim, Murphy Law Firm can help you. Reach out today.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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