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Mass Torts

Private Aviation Crashes and Other Disasters

California Attorneys For Private Aviation Crashes, Toxic Exposures and Environmental Claims

At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle, we represent a variety of individuals in claims involving numerous people who have been injured in the same or similar ways. We handle claims involving private plane crashes as well as claims that arise over toxic substances and environmental contamination, including claims against landowners, responsible manufacturers and sellers of products and materials that cause silicosis and lead poisoning.

Injured by Welding Rod Fumes? We Can Help

We also handle claims for injuries related to welding rod fume exposure. Welders are at a great risk of exposure to high levels of manganese that can cause manganism, a disease that can injure the part of the brain that controls body movements. The symptoms of manganism resemble Parkinson's Disease symptoms. The exposure occurs primarily through long term inhalation of welding rod fumes. Although some of the symptoms of manganism can be treated with drugs and therapy, the neurological damage that occurs to the brain is permanent, and devastating. We understand the connection between welding manganese, and brain damage. Call us if you or someone you care about may be suffering from welding rod manganese brain damage.

Contact Us With Any "Mass Disaster" Questions

We have pursued claims against large companies and individuals in cases involving exposure to lead, welding rod fumes, silica and toxic chemicals. We have the resources to handle class action litigation and multi-party claims of all types. Our attorneys are familiar with the insurance coverage issues, as well as extra-contractual issues, that arise in handling toxic tort and environmental claims.

Mass tort claims involve the possibility of huge financial gains and losses, therefore have high stakes for the plaintiffs and the defendants. It is important to consult with attorneys as experienced as ours, in order to make sure your interests in a mass tort lawsuit are properly represented.

We have successfully represented clients injured by "mass torts" regarding Dalkon Shield IUDs, Breast Implants, Sulzer, Rezillin, Fen Phen, Heart Valves, Welding Rods, Toxic Spills, Pollution, Toxic Dumping, Arsenic Swing Sets.

If you or a family member has been exposed to a toxic substance that has resulted in injury or death, or if a family member has been seriously injured or killed in a private aviation disaster, please call us toll free at 1-877-702-7800 or at 1-415-474-7800 to discuss how we can help.

About Lead Poisoning

Exposure to lead-based paint used in industry, on equipment or in playgrounds and parks is another common source of claims. Although lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning, other sources can also contribute to the problem as well. As with claims related to silica and welding rod injuries, claims for damages related to lead exposure are also commonly brought as a mass tort.

Lead Poisoning - Who is at risk?

About one in eleven children in America have high levels of lead in their blood. Children six and under are especially at risk. Even babies still in their mother's womb can be harmed by exposure to lead.

Why?

Because their bodies are still developing, children are more easily and severely injured by lead than adults. And because pregnant mothers can pass lead through their body to their baby, their babies are easily hurt by lead.

Where does it come from?

Lead was used in many products. We now know how harmful it can be. Unfortunately, lead still remains in many materials where we live.

It may be in your home right now. It can be found in:

Paint.

What makes it so dangerous is that you can't see or smell lead.

What are its effects?

Lead can hurt your child's mind and body. It can cause:

• problems with learning
• hyperactivity
• loss of hearing
• decreased growth
• brain damage
• and even death
• and babies exposed to lead before birth may be born too early and too small.

What can you do about it?

To make sure you are aware of all the possible threats of lead poisoning, it's helpful to talk to someone familiar with this danger. At Choulos, Choulos, & Wyle, our lawyers experienced in toxic cases, can assist in having your child tested for lead. Their office can also help in getting your house or apartment tested for lead.

Most importantly, our attorneys can help you protect your family's rights. You may be entitled to money to pay for medical costs and damages or other problems lead causes. Please call us at 1-415-474-7800 to discuss your concerns about lead.

Simple Things You Can Do To Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning

by The California Department of Health Services

KEEP YOUR HOME AS CLEAN AND FREE FROM DUST AS POSSIBLE. The best way to clean up lead dust is to regularly wet mop your floors, wipe window ledges, and wash all surfaces with water and household detergent.

TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES BEFORE ENTERING THE HOUSE, make sure they are wiped well on a doormat outside the house. This will help prevent lead dust and soil from getting into the house.

CHANGE OUT OF WORK CLOTHES and take a shower before coming home if you work with lead at your job. Lead dust brought home on the clothes of workers can spread in the house and poison children. Lead is used in many workplaces such as radiator repair shops, battery manufacturing plants and lead smelters.

NEVER SAND, BURN OR SCRAPE PAINT unless you know that it does not contain lead.

TEST PAINTED SURFACES FOR LEAD in any area that you plan to remodel, before you begin the work. If lead is in the paint, learn how to handle the paint safely. If the work is not done the right way, lead dust can scatter and poison your family, pets, neighbors and workers. (See our Lead in Paint brochure to learn how to get paint tested..)

ENCOURAGE HEALTHY EATING HABITS. Eating regular and healthy meals may make it harder for lead to hurt your child. Meals should include fruits and vegetables as well as calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, corn tortillas, tofu or bean curd) and iron-rich foods (meat, chicken, iron-fortified cereals, raisins, and dried fruit).

WASH CHILDREN'S HANDS OFTEN, especially before eating.

DO NOT USE OLDER, IMPORTED OR HANDMADE DISHES for serving, preparing or storing food or drink unless you know that they do not contain lead. (For more information on testing for lead in dishes, call your local health department.)

AVOID HOBBIES THAT USE LEAD. Hobbies that use lead include soldering, or making stained glass, bullets, or fishing sinkers.

KEEP FURNITURE AWAY FROM DAMAGED PAINT. Do not place cribs, playpens, beds or high chairs next to areas where paint is chipping or peeling, or can be chewed.

DO NOT USE HOME REMEDIES OR COSMETICS THAT CONTAIN LEAD like Azarcon, Greta, Pay-loo-ah, and Alkohl or Kohl. These remedies often contain a lot of lead and can make children very sick.

CALL YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT OR YOUR LOCAL CHILD HEALTH AND DISABILITY PREVENTION PROGRAM, IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING.

Reprinted with permission from the California Department of Health Services and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch.

Please call toll free for a free consultation at: 1-877-702-7800 or send us an email:

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