ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EXPOSURE LAWYERS IN NEW ORLEANS
For over two decades, Stag Liuzza has represented individuals and families harmed by exposure to hazardous materials, including toxic chemicals and radioactive substances. Our firm is nationally recognized for handling complex environmental and exposure cases, particularly those involving oilfield operations, industrial contamination, and long-term health consequences.
We are not a volume practice. We focus on serious exposure cases where companies put profits ahead of safety and failed to protect workers, families, and surrounding communities.
Proven Experience With Toxic and Radioactive Exposure Cases
- Decades of Radiation Litigation Experience
- Deep Knowledge of Industrial and Environmental Hazards
- A Track Record Built on Accountability, Not Settlements of Convenience
Stag Liuzza built its reputation by taking on difficult cases that other firms were unwilling to pursue. Our work in environmental law is defined by the type and scope of matters we handle, the complexity of the exposure evidence, and our commitment to achieving meaningful results for our clients.
This experience matters in hazardous materials cases, where liability often depends on technical data, historical knowledge, and proof that exposure risks were known long before workers were warned.
What Is Hazardous Materials Exposure?
Hazardous materials exposure occurs when individuals come into contact with toxic or radioactive substances that pose a risk to human health. These materials may be present in industrial settings, oilfields, manufacturing facilities, pipeyards, or the surrounding environment.
Exposure can happen through:
- Inhalation of contaminated dust or airborne particles
- Ingestion of hazardous materials
- Direct skin contact
- Long-term environmental contamination of soil or ground surfaces
In many cases, exposure occurs over time and symptoms may not appear until years later.
HOW HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CONTAMINATE OUR COMMUNITIES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CAN ENTER THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH:
Industrial discharge and manufacturing
Firefighting Foam (AFFF)
Landfills and waste sites
Contaminated drinking water
Consumer products
Agricultural and commercial runoff
Common Hazardous Materials in Louisiana
Oilfield Pipeyard and TENORM Exposure
One of the most well-documented forms of hazardous material exposure involves oilfield pipeyards and the handling of used production pipe contaminated with radioactive scale. This material is commonly referred to as Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM) or Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM).
Pipeyards in Louisiana and other regions conducted pipe-cleaning operations that generated significant concentrations of radioactive airborne dust and surface contamination. Workers were exposed to ionizing radiation by:
- Breathing and ingesting scale dust released into the air
- External exposure from radioactive scale inside pipe and on the ground
These exposures occurred during cleaning, inspecting, transporting, and handling used oilfield pipe, as well as during other routine pipeyard operations. Family members were also exposed while visiting pipeyards or coming into contact with contaminated clothing.
Health Risks Associated With Hazardous and Radioactive Materials
Exposure to hazardous materials, particularly ionizing radiation, carries serious health risks. Two primary concerns accompany radiation exposure:
- Genetic damage, which can affect future generations
- The development and progression of cancer
Medical research has linked radiation exposure to illnesses such as:
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Other cancers and chronic conditions
In many cases, companies were aware of these risks long before the information was made public. Today, the connection between radiation exposure and disease is widely recognized.
FIGHTING FOR AFFECTED FAMILIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
When Exposure Becomes a Legal Claim
Hazardous materials litigation focuses on whether companies failed to:
- Properly warn workers and the public
- Implement reasonable safety measures
- Follow environmental and occupational regulations
- Prevent unnecessary exposure
These cases often require detailed investigation, expert analysis, and a deep understanding of industrial practices and historical safety knowledge. Our lawyers are experienced in uncovering how exposure occurred and who should be held accountable.
Why Choose Stag Liuzza As Your PFAS Lawyers?
Stag Liuzza is known for taking on powerful defendants and complex environmental cases. Our clients trust us because we bring:
- Decades of experience in hazardous and radioactive exposure litigation
- A strong understanding of industrial and environmental science
- A willingness to pursue accountability against major corporations
- A client-focused approach grounded in respect and transparency
We understand the seriousness of the circumstances you and your family may be facing, and we approach each case with the care and attention it deserves.
Results That Speak
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.
Jury verdict for property owners whose land was contaminated with radioactive materials from oil and gas operations.
Verdict for pipeyard worker who contracted lung cancer from exposure to Radium-226 and other radioactive materials.
Settlement for commercial auto injury case involving a large insurance company.
No fee unless we win. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
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
CEO & Managing PartnerOver $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
COO & PartnerAppointed 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
PartnerLeads 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
PartnerPartner 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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READY TO TALK?
If you or a loved one has been harmed by hazardous or radioactive materials exposure, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss your case.
Get in Touch
Contact Stag Liuzza
Ready to discuss your case? Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130