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ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

TOXIC AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS EXPOSURE LAWYERS IN LOUISIANA

Stag Liuzza represents thousands of clients injured from exposure to toxic and radioactive materials. These exposures can increase the chance of developing illness, and can lead to death. Injuries include numerous cancers, such as mesothelioma, and can take years or even decades to develop.

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WHAT IS RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL EXPOSURE?

The geologic formations that contain oil and gas deposits also contain naturally occurring radionuclides, which are referred to as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) or Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM). Oil and gas extraction can cause TENORM to concentrate as scale build up in oilfield pipe and equipment. The scale is eventually removed from the equipment at pipe yards in Louisiana and elsewhere. The operations used to remove TENORM scale generate large amounts of dust. As a result, many pipe yard workers unknowingly inhale and ingest the TENORM dust.

Generally, the two main concerns about exposure to radioactive materials are the formation of genetic mutations, and the promotion of numerous cancers that can lead to death. Radiogenic cancers include respiratory, lung, leukemias, and many other cancers throughout the body. Major oil companies knew about the dangers of radiation exposure and that some of their equipment was radioactive, yet they did not tell the people most at risk of becoming exposed about the radioactive materials they were handling. Stag Liuzza is dedicated to helping you hold those corporations accountable for withholding information and taking risks with your health.

COMMON TYPES OF TOXIC EXPOSURE CASES

Toxic exposure cases often require taking on oil companies and other large and powerful corporations. Stag Liuzza has the resources and ability to go after big companies, and level the playing field to ensure our clients have access to the justice they deserve. We represent clients involved in a wide range of toxic exposure cases nationwide, including:
  • Radioactive materials (Tenorm/Norm)
  • Benzene
  • Asbestos
  • Welding fumes
  • Lead
  • Silica
  • Glyphosate
  • PFOA/PFOS
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to toxic and/or radioactive materials and are suffering from exposure-related illness, contact us today.
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COMMON TOXIC MATERIALS

The following materials are often seen in toxic exposure cases we handle:

One
Benzene is a chemical that is often used to manufacture numerous products, including rubber, plastics, petroleum products, lubricants, paints, synthetics, and resins. Benzene is also present in cigarette smoke and petroleum. Despite its usefulness in the industry, Benzene is harmful to the immune system and the body’s blood-forming organs. Benzene exposure has been linked to severe anemia and life-threatening cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Two
Asbestos is a natural mineral historically used in building and insulation materials. Commercial applications include pipe insulation, fire retardant gaskets, coatings, concrete, bricks, fireproof drywall, and ceiling insulation. Although asbestos works well for those purposes, long-term exposure and/or inhalation of asbestos fibers can result in respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the cells of the protective lining that covers many of our internal organs, and is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
Three
Glyphosate is the main ingredient in Roundup. The International Agency for the Research on Cancer has identified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen. The residential and commercial use of Roundup has been tied to certain cancers, including Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Stag Liuzza is representing individuals for their claims against Bayer—the maker of Roundup, for exposure to glyphosate.
Four
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are man-made chemicals which are found within Firefighting Foam also known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). Military bases and training centers nationwide have used these firefighting foams for decades. Because of safety concerns, many bases are now phasing out the use of these products. However, recent testing has shown that groundwater and drinking water near some military bases has become contaminated with PFOSs and PFOAs. Ingestion of these chemicals is known to cause significant health impacts.
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WHO IS AT RISK OF EXPOSURE?

Workers and communities exposed to toxic or radioactive materials often come from industries where hazardous substances are handled, stored, or released into the environment. Those at the highest risk include:
  • Pipe yard and oilfield workers exposed to NORM/TENORM scale and radioactive dust
  • Refinery, petrochemical, and manufacturing employees handling dangerous chemicals and solvents
  • Industrial cleanup crews and waste-management workers operating around contaminated soil or equipment
  • Military personnel and contractors working near burn pits, fire training sites, or PFAS-contaminated areas
  • Residents living near industrial facilities, landfills, or polluted groundwater
Many of these exposures occur quietly over years, and workers often aren’t told about the risks. Stag Liuzza helps individuals and communities hold companies accountable when preventable exposure leads to illness.
construction workers working on a city street
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COMMON ILLNESSES LINKED TO TOXIC AND RADIOACTIVE EXPOSURE

man in hazmat suit taping off an area contaminated by hazardous and radioactive materials
Exposure to radioactive materials, NORM/TENORM, benzene, PFAS, and other industrial toxins can lead to serious, often life-altering illnesses. Many of these conditions develop slowly over time, making it difficult for workers to recognize the cause until symptoms appear. Common illnesses associated with toxic and radioactive exposure include:
  • Cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, and liver cancer
  • Respiratory diseases, including chronic lung damage, pulmonary fibrosis, and long-term breathing problems
  • Blood and bone-marrow disorders caused by benzene and other carcinogens
  • Thyroid and endocrine disorders, often linked to PFAS exposure
  • Neurological symptoms including memory issues, tremors, and nerve damage
  • Reproductive and developmental harm from long-term chemical exposure
If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions and believe exposure at work or in your community may be responsible, Stag Liuzza can help investigate your case and pursue compensation.
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HOW TOXIC AND RADIOACTIVE EXPOSURE HAPPENS

Toxic and radioactive exposure often occurs in workplaces and industrial settings where hazardous materials are processed, stored, or transported. In many cases, workers are not warned about the dangers or given proper protective equipment. Common exposure pathways include:
  • Radioactive scale and dust released during pipe cleaning, cutting, threading, or handling oilfield equipment contaminated with NORM/TENORM
  • Airborne chemicals and fumes from solvents, benzene-based products, degreasers, and industrial processes
  • Contaminated soil or equipment handled during maintenance, construction, or cleanup operations
  • Leaking storage tanks, waste pits, or disposal sites that allow toxins to migrate into groundwater and surrounding communities
  • Firefighting foams and industrial runoff that introduce PFAS and other hazardous chemicals into drinking water
Exposure may occur gradually over years or during a single high-intensity event. Many workers are never told they were exposed until long after symptoms begin. Stag Liuzza helps clients uncover when and how exposure happened — and holds the responsible companies accountable.
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Why Choose Stag Liuzza?

Stag Liuzza is a nationally recognized environmental and toxic-exposure law firm with decades of experience representing workers and communities harmed by hazardous substances. Our attorneys have helped secure billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims of corporate negligence.

We understand how toxic and radioactive exposure occurs in industrial settings, including pipe yards, oil and gas operations, manufacturing facilities, and contaminated worksites. Our team works with leading scientific experts, conducts detailed investigations, and builds strong evidence of contamination and causation.

Clients who choose Stag Liuzza benefit from:

  • Proven toxic-exposure and environmental litigation experience
  • Deep knowledge of radioactive contamination and industrial exposure
  • A strategic, evidence-driven approach to achieving recovery
  • No upfront costs. We work on contingency agreements
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the legal team at stag liuzza environmental and personal injury law firm in new orleans louisiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Toxic and radioactive materials can include NORM/TENORM, benzene, asbestos, PFAS, heavy metals, and other hazardous industrial substances. These materials often appear in oilfield equipment, manufacturing facilities, refineries, landfills, and contaminated groundwater.

If you worked in an industry where hazardous materials were present or lived near an industrial site, waste facility, or contaminated water source, your illness may be linked to exposure. Our attorneys work with medical and scientific experts to determine whether exposure contributed to your condition.

Pipe yard workers, oil and gas employees, refinery workers, industrial cleanup crews, manufacturing employees, and military personnel are among those most at risk. Anyone living near a contaminated facility or landfill may also be exposed.

Yes. Many toxic-exposure illnesses take years to develop. Laws vary by state, but you may still be eligible to file a claim based on when your symptoms were discovered or when you received a diagnosis. Stag Liuzza can help determine your timeline.

Common illnesses include leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, respiratory diseases, thyroid disorders, neurological issues, and reproductive harm.

Victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and long-term care. In some cases, punitive damages may be available.

Our team gathers employment records, environmental testing data, medical reports, corporate documents, and regulatory findings. We also work with leading industrial and medical experts to prove contamination and causation.

No. Many clients come to us unsure of when or how exposure occurred. Stag Liuzza conducts a full investigation to uncover whether toxic or radioactive substances were present and whether companies failed to protect you.

Yes. Communities exposed through contaminated soil, groundwater, air, or industrial runoff may have claims. Stag Liuzza represents both individuals and groups affected by environmental contamination.

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

TRIAL VICTORY

Results That Speak

$12.5 Billion
3M settlement for public drinking water systems

In March 2024, 3M finalized a settlement of up to $12.5 billion for U.S. public water suppliers to address PFAS contamination. The agreement covers water systems with current or future detections of "forever chemicals," with funds supporting testing, filtration, and infrastructure improvements.

$1.056 Billion
Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Grefer

Jury verdict for property owners whose land was contaminated with radioactive materials from oil and gas operations.

$15 Million
Verdict for Injured Pipeyard Worker

Verdict for pipeyard worker who contracted lung cancer from exposure to Radium-226 and other radioactive materials.

$6 Million
Settlement for Commercial Auto Injury

Settlement for commercial auto injury case involving a large insurance company.

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No fee unless we win. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Our Attorneys

Meet the Team

With decades of combined experience in environmental law, toxic torts, and complex litigation, Stag Liuzza's attorneys have the expertise to take on the most challenging cases.

Michael G. Stag
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Michael G. Stag

CEO & Managing Partner

Over $16 billion in settlements and more than $1 billion in jury verdicts recovered for clients. Pioneered the field of oilfield cleanup litigation. Appointed by judges to leadership for several nationwide litigations.

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Ashley M. Liuzza
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Ashley M. Liuzza

COO & Partner

Appointed co-lead class counsel in major environmental cases. Extensive PFAS litigation experience. Helps people who developed meningioma as a result of being prescribed Depo-Provera.

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Merritt Cunningham
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Merritt Cunningham

Partner

Leads the pharmaceutical and medical device division. Extensive MDL and mass tort experience. Represents thousands of firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure.

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Matthew D. Rogenes
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Matthew D. Rogenes

Partner

Partner and trial lawyer. Trial and settlement experience in trucking cases and maritime personal injury. Recently recovered over $20 million for clients.

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If you or a loved one has been harmed by toxic or radioactive materials exposure, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss your case.

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Office

One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130