For several decades in the mid-20th century, various products manufactured in the United States contained a group of non-natural organic chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. These chemicals were manufactured and prized specifically for their capacity to resist heat and fire, serve as electrical insulators, and remain chemically stable. For these reasons, they were often incorporated into products to help with heat transfer, electrical resistance, and numerous other industrial and commercial purposes.
Unfortunately, long-term exposure to PCBs is extremely dangerous to humans and all other animals. Thousands of people (and likely more) experienced adverse health effects due to the irresponsible production practices before and insufficient disposal procedures after the substance was banned in the U.S.
If exposure to PCBs resulted in your physical harm, speak with an experienced product liability attorney at OnderLaw about joining one of the current polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) lawsuits.
Navigating these complex legal cases alone can be difficult, so having our trusted legal professionals by your side is essential. Our lawyers are experienced in handling cases like yours and are dedicated to advocating for justice on your behalf.
PCBs were first manufactured commercially in 1929, and for the first 50 years, there were no federal restrictions on how companies in the United States could make and use polychlorinated biphenyls. Following the passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 1979, companies cannot intentionally produce PCBs or incorporate them into products. However, they can “inadvertently generate” a specific quantity of PCBs through certain manufacturing processes, subject to additional reporting requirements and restrictions overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Unfortunately, these regulations did nothing to address the massive number of products manufactured before 1979, which already contained dangerous amounts of PCBs, such as:
Even worse, PCB waste still makes its way into the environment due to improper dumping and disposal practices, where it can continue to contaminate water and soil, as well as animal and plant life, for decades without degrading.
Over time, exposure to PCBs is linked with an increased risk of various types of cancer, as well as:
These exceptionally dangerous chemicals have been irresponsibly managed, and one specific company is primarily to blame.
Until 1977, Monsanto Inc. manufactured PCBs primarily under the brand name Aroclor, which were incorporated into hundreds of thousands of products and buildings—including schools—that are still in use today. Various lawsuits have already begun against Monsanto and affiliated companies for their role in causing widespread PCB contamination. These lawsuits seek to hold all negligent companies financially liable for the costs of remediating contaminated areas and for losses sustained by individuals physically harmed by PCB exposure.
A successful polychlorinated biphenyl claim may allow recovery for both economic and non-economic forms of harm, including:
One of our trusted attorneys at OnderLaw can discuss your legal options in more detail during a private consultation. By filing a PCBs lawsuit, you can seek justice for the losses you personally suffered and also play a role in holding Monsanto accountable for their careless actions.
Over the past several years, Monsanto has settled numerous polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) lawsuits, and more claims continue to proceed against them. If you want the best chances of achieving a favorable result from this sort of case, though, you will need assistance from an experienced mass torts lawyer.
At OnderLaw, we are not just on your side—we are by your side every step of the way through the litigation process, fighting tenaciously to get you the restitution you deserve. Call today to schedule a meeting with one of our compassionate and proactive legal professionals.
