Diseases Lawsuits | Get the Right Lawyer

Disease Lawsuit Overview

Disease lawsuits are legal claims filed by individuals who developed serious illnesses after exposure to toxic chemicals, contaminated products, or hazardous substances. 

Primary allegations focus on manufacturers, employers, and property owners who failed to warn about dangerous exposures or properly protect workers and consumers from known health risks. 

Over 125,000 disease-related lawsuits have been filed in recent years involving exposure to asbestos, PFAS chemicals, benzene, glyphosate, and other carcinogenic substances. 

The EPA and other regulatory agencies have documented thousands of adverse health effects linked to chemical exposures, with many substances now classified as known or probable human carcinogens. 

Recent settlements have totaled billions of dollars, including Monsanto's $10 billion Roundup settlement and the ongoing $26 billion Camp Lejeune settlement for water contamination victims.

Latest Disease Lawsuit Updates

• 2024- 2025 –The U.S. government has made more than $21 billion available for Camp Lejeune water contamination settlements as of 2024–2025, according to the Congressional Budget Office and legal trackers [1].
• 2024 – EPA releases new study linking PFAS exposure to increased cancer risks, strengthening legal cases for firefighters, military personnel, and communities exposed to "forever chemicals" through contaminated water and firefighting foam [2]. 
• June 2024 – Federal judge approves $6 billion settlement for 3M earplugs lawsuit, with additional disease claims emerging for hearing-related neurological conditions and tinnitus-induced depression [3].
• 2023 – New research published in Environmental Health Perspectives demonstrates causal link between glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, supporting ongoing Roundup litigation and potential new claims [4].

EPA Reports and Statistics

The EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database contains scientific assessments for a range of chemical substances that may be hazardous to human health.

However, the database currently includes assessments for roughly 550–600 individual chemicals [5].

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has documented exposure pathways and health effects for hundreds of hazardous substances. 

Key Statistics:

• 125,000+ disease lawsuits filed involving toxic chemical exposure
• $26 billion settlement for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims
• $10 billion settlement for Roundup glyphosate cancer cases
• 350,000+ veterans affected by Camp Lejeune contamination
• 1,000+ chemicals identified as potential carcinogens by EPA

Most Common Disease-Causing Exposures:

• Asbestos exposure (mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis)
• PFAS chemicals (kidney cancer, liver disease, immune disorders)
• Benzene exposure (leukemia, lymphoma, blood disorders)
• Glyphosate/Roundup (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma)
• Water contamination (various cancers, neurological disorders)

Disease Lawsuit Injuries & Health Effects

Chemical exposure diseases can range from acute poisoning symptoms to life-threatening cancers that develop decades after initial exposure. 

These conditions often require extensive medical treatment, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and creating substantial financial burdens for families. 

Serious diseases linked to toxic exposure include:

• Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer: Primarily caused by asbestos exposure in construction, shipyards, and industrial settings
• Blood Cancers (Leukemia/Lymphoma): Associated with benzene, formaldehyde, and other industrial chemical exposure
• Kidney and Liver Disease: Linked to PFAS chemicals in drinking water and consumer products
• Neurological Disorders: Including Parkinson's disease from pesticide exposure and cognitive impairment from lead contamination
• Autoimmune Diseases: Triggered by various chemical exposures affecting immune system function
• Reproductive Health Issues: Birth defects, fertility problems, and pregnancy complications from toxic exposure
• Respiratory Diseases: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis from occupational exposures
• Endocrine Disruption: Thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances from chemical exposure

Do You Qualify for a Disease Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a disease lawsuit if:

• You were diagnosed with cancer, autoimmune disease, or other serious illness after documented exposure to toxic chemicals
• You experienced occupational exposure to asbestos, benzene, PFAS, pesticides, or other hazardous substances
• You lived or worked near contaminated sites, military bases, or industrial facilities
• You can provide medical documentation linking your disease to toxic exposure
• Your exposure occurred within the applicable statute of limitations for your state

Common Qualifying Exposure Scenarios:

• Military service at Camp Lejeune, Parris Island, or other contaminated bases
• Occupational exposure in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, or agricultural work
• Residential exposure from contaminated drinking water or nearby industrial facilities
• Consumer product exposure to Roundup, talcum powder, or other toxic products
• Firefighter exposure to PFAS in firefighting foam and equipment

Evidence Required for a Disease Lawsuit

Essential documentation includes:

• Medical Records: Complete diagnosis and treatment records showing disease development and progression
• Exposure Documentation: Employment records, military service records, or residential history proving exposure
• Expert Medical Testimony: Physician statements linking your disease to specific chemical exposure
• Scientific Evidence: Peer-reviewed studies demonstrating causal relationships between exposure and disease
• Product Evidence: Documentation of specific products, chemicals, or contaminated environments you encountered

Damages You Can Recover

Disease lawsuit victims may receive compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future medical costs including specialized cancer treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to illness and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress from disease and treatment
• Disability Compensation: Payment for permanent impairments affecting daily life
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on family relationships and spousal support
• Wrongful Death: Compensation for families who lost loved ones to exposure-related diseases
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation when defendants acted with gross negligence or malice

Chemical Exposure Recall Information

Numerous products and substances have been recalled, banned, or restricted due to disease-causing potential:

• Asbestos Products: Banned in many applications since 1970s-1980s, but still found in older buildings
• PFAS-Containing Products: 3M phasing out PFOA production, EPA drinking water standards implemented
• Talcum Powder: Johnson & Johnson removed asbestos-contaminated talc from baby powder
• Benzene-Containing Products: Various sunscreens, dry shampoos recalled for benzene contamination
• Roundup/Glyphosate: Banned or restricted in multiple countries, warning labels required in some U.S. states

Statute of Limitations for Disease Lawsuits

Disease lawsuit statutes of limitations vary significantly by state and type of exposure: Discovery Rule States (clock starts when disease diagnosed and linked to exposure):

• California: 1-3 years from discovery depending on claim type
• New York: 3 years from discovery for most toxic exposure cases
• Texas: 2 years from discovery for personal injury claims
• Illinois: 2 years from discovery with some exceptions for latent diseases

Special Provisions:

• Asbestos cases: Many states have extended statutes due to long latency periods
• Camp Lejeune cases: Federal legislation allows claims until August 2024
• Occupational disease: Workers' compensation may have different deadlines
• Wrongful death: Typically 2-3 years from date of death

FAQs

1. What types of diseases qualify for toxic exposure lawsuits?

Diseases such as various cancers (mesothelioma, lung cancer, leukemia, lymphoma), autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, liver and kidney disease, and respiratory illnesses qualify. The key is to establish a scientific link between your specific disease and documented exposure.

2. How long do disease lawsuits typically take to resolve?

Disease lawsuits can take 1-5 years depending on complexity, with mass tort cases sometimes taking longer. Asbestos cases usually resolve within 1-2 years due to established precedents, while newer chemical exposure cases may take more time.

3. Can I file a lawsuit if the exposure happened decades ago?

Yes, many states recognize the discovery rule for disease lawsuits. This means the statute of limitations starts when you discover the disease was caused by exposure, not when the exposure occurred.

4. What if I can't prove exactly when or where I was exposed?

Circumstantial evidence can often be enough, such as employment history, residential location, military service, or product usage patterns. Expert witnesses can help establish probable exposure scenarios.

5. Do I need to prove the company knew their product was dangerous?

Not always. Strict liability claims focus on whether the product was unreasonably dangerous, while negligence claims require proving the defendant knew or should have known about the risks.

6. Can I file a claim if I'm still receiving workers' compensation?

Yes, you may be able to file third-party lawsuits against manufacturers or other parties while receiving workers' compensation benefits, though coordination of benefits may apply.

7. What if multiple companies contributed to my exposure?

You can typically sue all responsible parties. Courts often allocate responsibility among defendants based on their contribution to your exposure and resulting harm.

8. How much compensation can I expect from a disease lawsuit?

Settlements vary widely from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the disease, age, lost income, medical expenses, and the strength of the case. Mesothelioma cases often result in settlements of $1-2 million.

9. What if the company that exposed me is bankrupt?

Many companies with asbestos exposure have established bankruptcy trust funds. You may still be able to recover compensation through these trusts, even if the company no longer exists.

10. Do I need an attorney for a disease lawsuit?

Yes, disease lawsuits are complex and require specialized knowledge in toxic exposure science, medical causation, and mass tort litigation. Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.

Get Your Free Disease Lawsuit Consultation

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we understand the devastating impact that toxic exposure diseases can have on you and your family. 

Our experienced legal team specializes in complex disease litigation and has recovered millions of dollars for clients suffering from exposure-related illnesses. 

We handle all types of disease lawsuits including:

• Mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases
• Cancer from chemical exposure
• Camp Lejeune water contamination claims
• Roundup/glyphosate cancer lawsuits
• PFAS exposure health effects
• Occupational disease claims

Our services include:

• Free, confidential case evaluation
• No fees unless we win your case
• Nationwide representation
• Access to top medical experts
• Aggressive pursuit of maximum compensation

Don't let time run out on your right to compensation. Contact us today for your free consultation.

References

1. https://www.sokolovelaw.com/personal-injury/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/settlement-amounts/
2. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
3. https://www.elkandelk.com/3m-faulty-earplugs-update-over-250000-veterans-to-receive-payments-as-part-of-settlement/
4. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP14256
5. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg67255/html/CHRG-112hhrg67255.htm