TCE Exposure in Milwaukee: Your Legal Rights and Options

tce exposure in milwaukee

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical solvent that has been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and neurological disorders.

Recently, residents of a Milwaukee apartment complex were displaced after high levels of TCE were found in the soil and groundwater. The cause was traced to the old Briggs and Stratton building, where TCE had been used as a degreaser for decades.

If you are a construction worker, contractor, resident, or anyone else who was exposed to TCE at the old Briggs and Stratton building, it’s important to know your legal rights and options. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Welcenbach Injury Law in Milwaukee for more help.

TCE Exposure and Your Health

TCE exposure occurs primarily through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion of contaminated water or soil.

Once inside the body, TCE can cause various health problems, including:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Respiratory issues
  • Skin irritation

Long-term exposure to TCE has been linked to more serious health risks, such as liver and kidney damage, neurological disorders, and certain types of cancer.

The effects of TCE exposure can be difficult to detect and diagnose, particularly in cases of chronic exposure. Symptoms may take years to develop, and the connection between TCE exposure and specific health problems can be challenging to establish.

Furthermore, TCE exposure often occurs alongside other environmental toxins, making it even more difficult to determine the extent of its impact.

Legal Options for TCE Exposure Victims

If you have been exposed to TCE and suffered harm as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for damages and losses. Personal injury lawyers can help you file a lawsuit against those responsible for your exposure, including property owners, employers, and manufacturers.

In a TCE exposure case, you may be able to make claims of negligence or strict liability against the at-fault. Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. In a TCE exposure case, you may be able to claim that the defendant(s) were negligent in their use, handling, storage, or disposal of TCE.

Strict Liability

Strict liability refers to the legal responsibility of a party for harm caused to another party, regardless of fault. In a TCE exposure case, you may be able to claim that the defendant(s) are strictly liable for the harm caused by their use, handling, storage, or disposal of TCE.

Delayed TCE Test Results

Allegations of delayed TCE test results by a consultant hired by the owner of the old Briggs and Stratton building in Milwaukee have raised concerns about the importance of transparency and accountability in environmental testing and reporting.

This delay may constitute negligence, making it crucial for victims of TCE exposure to work with experienced personal injury lawyers who can help them seek justice and compensation for their damages. By holding those responsible accountable, we can prevent future incidents of TCE exposure and protect our community’s health and well-being.

Compensation for TCE Exposure 

If you are successful in your TCE exposure lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for the following damages:

  • Medical expenses — This includes the cost of past and future medical treatment related to your TCE exposure, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages — If you have missed work due to your TCE-related illness, you may be able to receive compensation for lost wages, as well as lost future earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering — TCE exposure can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. You may be able to receive compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your exposure.
  • Wrongful death — If a loved one has passed away due to TCE exposure, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek compensation for damages related to their death.

If you have been exposed to TCE in Milwaukee, it’s important to seek legal advice to understand your legal rights and options. With the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of TCE exposure cases and seek the compensation you deserve for damages and losses.

Working With a Lawyer in a TCE Exposure Case

TCE exposure cases can be complex and challenging, and it’s important to work with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in this area of law. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and develop a strong legal strategy to maximize your chances of success.

They can also negotiate with the defendant(s) and their insurance company on your behalf and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

To establish liability in a TCE exposure case, it’s necessary to prove that the defendant(s) acted negligently or recklessly and that this behavior caused your exposure and resulting harm. This can be a challenging task, requiring the expertise of a knowledgeable and experienced legal team.

Your lawyer can work to build a compelling case by gathering witness testimony, reviewing records and documents, and consulting with experts in fields such as toxicology and environmental engineering.

Exposed to TCE in Milwaukee? Call Welcenbach Law Now.

TCE exposure is a serious issue that can have long-lasting health effects. If you have been exposed to TCE at the old Briggs and Stratton building in Milwaukee, it’s important to know your legal rights and options.

By hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Welcenbach Injury Law, we are committed to helping our clients get the justice they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Author Bio

Robert J. Welcenbach Robert Welcenbach is an Owner and Partner at Welcenbach Injury Law, a family-owned personal injury law firm in Milwaukee, WI. With more than 24 years of experience practicing law, he seeks justice for clients in a wide range of legal areas, including car accidents, class actions, dog bites, nursing home abuse, and other personal injury matters.

Robert received his Juris Doctor from the Marquette University Law School and is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being nominated and selected as a Milwaukee Personal Injury and Class Action Super Lawyer every year since 2008.

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