Cases involving exposure to a toxic substance require immediate intervention from a toxic tort attorney who knows how to protect your rights and negotiate the best possible result in your case. Don't delay. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
Learn More About Toxic Substances
At the law firm of Dreyer Boyajian LLP, we represent individuals and families throughout New York who have been harmed by exposure to toxic substances. For more details about how we handle these cases, please visit our Toxic Substances and Exposures page.
We have provided some information below to educate you about the process of dealing with injuries caused by exposure to toxic substances. To discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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Our skilled trial attorneys have helped many people who have been harmed by toxic substances. When you trust us with your case, you can count on receiving aggressive representation from a firm that has handled more than 1,000 trials in state and federal courts.
Are you suffering as a result of being exposed to toxic substances? Please don't hesitate to call our Albany, New York, office at 518-641-1645 today. Or fill out our contact form, and a lawyer from our firm will be in touch with you shortly.
Sick Building Syndrome
The term Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is used to describe the phenomenon that occurs when occupants in a building suffer illness and other adverse health effects from an unknown cause, but appear to regain their health once they leave the building. The adverse health effects can include skin, eye and throat irritations, headaches, fatigue, nausea and difficulty concentrating.
If you think you may be suffering from Sick Building Syndrome at your place of employment, school or other building, contact an attorney at Dreyer Boyajian LLP in Albany, New York. A lawyer experienced in handling SBS cases can discuss your legal options with you.
Causes of SBS
There are several factors that have been cited as leading to SBS, including:
- Inadequate ventilation: in an effort to conserve costs and make buildings more energy efficient, the quality of indoor ventilation has decreased in many buildings. This can occur for a number of reasons, including malfunctioning, poorly-maintained or defective heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, buildings constructed providing minimal cubic feet per minute of outside air for building occupants and buildings converted for uses they weren't intended for.
- Chemical contaminants: chemical contaminants can enter a building from indoor or outdoor sources. Most of the time, the chemical contaminant comes from an indoor source, such as building materials, furniture, carpeting, office equipment and supplies (i.e. copy machines). Airtight buildings that circulate indoor air can compound the problems caused by chemical contaminants by trapping them inside the building.
- Biological contaminants: SBS also can be caused by biological contaminants, like mold, viruses, bacteria and pollen. If water is allowed to accumulate in air ducts, pipes, drains or elsewhere, it creates a breeding ground for biological contaminants, especially toxic mold. Symptoms suffered by those exposed to biological contaminants can range from mild skin and eye irritations to allergic reactions, fevers and headaches.
Who is Responsible for SBS?
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the potential liable parties for Sick Building Syndrome may include:
- Building owners, managers and/or landlords
- Space planners
- Furniture and equipment suppliers and manufacturers
- Designers
- Construction professionals (contractors, subcontractors, architects)
- Installers and maintenance personnel of the HVAC systems
Conclusion
SBS cases can be difficult to prove because the symptoms can be generic and attributable to many causes. The cases also can be expensive to litigate because testimony from experts in many fields may be required to prove the case. It is important to seek experienced legal advice when considering filing a SBS case.
Contact Dreyer Boyajian LLP in Albany, New York for more information on Sick Building Syndrome. An experienced toxic tort attorney can evaluate your claim and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
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