In addition to representing people injured by asbestos, the lawyers at Humphrey, Farrington & McClain have also represented individuals who were personally injured or had their property contaminated by other toxins such as formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), acids, benzene and other chemicals, dusts and metals.

We have handled state and national class actions on behalf of people whose property was contaminated by asbestos fibers, oil refinery leakage, dumping of trichloroethane (TCE) and people who purchased defective water heaters. We have also represented people with occupational injuries, such as those caused by exposure to vibration or from smoking cigarettes.

Trichloroethane (TCE)
TCE is a man-made volatile organic chemical used as a solvent, often for removing grease from metal parts. TCE enters the body through skin contact or when a person breathes air or drinks water containing TCE. TCE can cause cancer and central nervous system changes, including unconsciousness, death and other bodily injury.

In two separate actions, our firm represented approximately 650 homeowners in Joplin, Missouri who lived on property where the water was contaminated by TCE which had been dumped by a local manufacturer. The TCE seeped into the underground aquifer, a source of drinking water for many of the families with wells. Once the contamination was discovered, the EPA mandated that the families stop drinking the well water and use bottled water. The claims were settled for nearly $12 million.

Vibration
Recently, our firm obtained a settlement on behalf of a person suffering from a disabling hand injury caused by exposure to excessive vibration. The injured person was an automobile painter/refinisher who used hand-held pneumatic sanders and electric buffers. After several years, he developed hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Sufferers of HAVS have fingers that are extremely cold with reduced strength. This debilitating disease can regress to a condition similar to gangrene. While the condition can improve once the source of vibration is removed, it can also be permanent. Other sources of vibration known to cause HAVS include motorcycles, chain saws, pneumatic hammers, chippers, grinders, power saws, dental tools and other tools.

Whole body vibration is often caused by driving trucks, tractors, buses or other vehicles. It can result in serious disability in the lower back. Vibration and its effects on the body have been studied and are the subject of regulations in countries all over the world. The United States Center for Disease Control through NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) has published criteria documents to increase awareness of the effects of vibration on people among companies, manufacturers and others. Our firm knows of medical and engineering experts who can offer specific advice on this condition.

Formaldehyde
Our firm obtained a settlement on behalf of a person suffering from chemically induced reactive airways disease (RADS) and mast cell sensitivity caused by an exposure to formaldehyde. The formaldehyde had been off-gassed from cabinets recently installed in the client’s work area.

The illness left the worker susceptible to symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, diarrhea, respiratory problems and swelling whenever she came into contact with other odors. Common odors such as perfume, cologne, perfumed soaps, diesel fumes and other smells triggered symptoms. A claim was filed against the building owner for failure to institute and enforce a building indoor air quality program, and against the cabinet contractor for failure to post material safety data sheets or otherwise provide any warning. A separate workers’ compensation claim was also filed against the employer.