The Conyers BioLab Fire has shocked residents, workers, and first responders in the Rockdale County and surrounding areas, leaving many wondering what their rights are, and how they can seek justice and compensation for their harms and losses. The fire not only caused physical destruction at the plant itself, but it also released a number of toxic chemicals into the air and surrounding environment, putting thousands at risk for exposure to these chemicals. If you’ve been affected by the BioLab fire, you may have the right to seek money compensation through a BioLab fire claim. Dan Chapman & Associates was the first Conerys based law firm to help Rockdale County residents and workers with BioLab fire claims, and our team of experienced environmental hazard attorneys are in leadership positions in the BioLab lawsuit filed in Federal Court in Atlanta. In this post, we will walk you through an explanation of some of the toxic chemicals released during the fire, the injuries they might cause, your legal options, and how to get started on filing a BioLab claim for financial compensation.
What Toxic Chemicals Were Released from the Fire?
The Conyers BioLab Fire involved the combustion of hazardous materials stored at the bioLab facility in Conyers, releasing a range of toxic chemicals into the air and environment. Some of these chemicals have known dangerous effects on human health, and plants, animals and waters in the area, that could have severe, long-term harms and damages. The chemicals released in the fire included:
- Acids and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Acids are highly corrosive substances that can cause serious harm to the respiratory system and skin. VOCs are a broad category of chemicals that can cause a range of health issues, including eye and throat irritation, lung irritation, dizziness, headaches, and long-term damage to the liver and kidneys.
- Flammable Gasses: Many of the substances stored at BioLab were highly flammable and can cause dangerous fires, explosions, and burns. The exposure to these gasses in the event of a fire can cause burns, respiratory problems, and serious physical harm if inhaled.
- Carcinogenic Byproducts: Some of the chemicals that were burned during the fire are classified as carcinogens. These chemicals can increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer and skin cancer, over time. Prolonged exposure to even low levels of these substances can be hazardous.
If you lived or worked within the Rockdale County or Dekalb County areas exposed to smoke and fumes from the fire, or lost wages or business profits because of the fire, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights before your time to file a claim expires. Even if you already accepted a small settlement from BioLab, if you continue to suffer harm and did not sign a full release of claims, you still might have a claim for financial compensation.
Typical Injuries from Exposure to Fire Chemicals
Exposure to the toxic chemicals released in the Conyers BioLab fire could result in a wide range of injuries, and damage to your property, both immediate and long-lasting. Some of the most common injuries that arise from exposure to hazardous substances include:
- Respiratory Issues: Chemicals like VOCs, acids, and smoke from the fire can cause immediate irritation to the respiratory system. Those exposed may experience coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and even lung disease.
- Burns and Skin Damage: The release of flammable gasses and toxic liquids can cause severe burns on contact with the skin. Burns can range from first-degree to life-threatening third-degree burns, causing permanent scarring and disfigurement. Chemical burns may also result from direct exposure to acids and other hazardous substances.
- Cancer: Many of the substances involved in the Conyers BioLab Fire are linked to long-term cancer risks. Even small amounts of carcinogenic chemicals, when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, can increase the likelihood of developing cancers, especially lung cancer, skin cancer, and cancers of the reproductive organs.
- Neurological Damage: Some chemicals are neurotoxic, meaning they can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. Those exposed to such toxins may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, fatigue, and even more severe cognitive impairments if the exposure is prolonged.
If you believe you’ve been affected by any of these injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Then, you’ll want to explore your legal options to ensure that those responsible for the fire are held accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Statute of Limitations in Georgia
In Georgia, as with all states, there is a statute of limitations—a legal deadline—for filing personal injury claims, including those related to toxic exposure. For cases like the Conyers BioLab Fire, the statute of limitations is typically two years. This means that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, every day you wait to contact Dan Chapman & Associates, evidence of your damages and harm may be disappearing. The time to act is now! Failure to file within the statute of limitations could prevent you from seeking compensation, even if you have a valid case.
How to File a Claim and What Compensation You Could Receive
If you’ve been affected by the Conyers Biolab Fire and want to pursue legal action, here’s a general overview of how to file a claim and the potential compensation you could receive:
1. Consult with an Experienced and Reputable Law Firm
The process of filing a BioLab claim and getting full compensation can be complex, and it requires the experience of a skilled environmental and injury attorney. Dan Chapman & Associates and our team of lawyers have the knowledge to handle these cases. We have already helped other Georgians to recover substantial compensation from exposure to dangerous chemical release into the air by careless companies, and we are ready to help you.
2. Document Your Injuries
As part of your claim, you will need to document your injuries and damages, and the impact they have had on your health, income and/or property. This includes gathering medical records, taking photos of any visible injuries or damage to your property, such as dying trees or dead animals, and documenting your lost wages or business profits. We can help you do this if you are our client.
3. Investigation and Evidence Collection
Right now, we have filed suits for many of our clients, and we are in the discovery or investigation phase of the litigation. Some of the lawyers on our team are in top leadership positions in the litigation. We are gathering evidence to support your case, including environmental reports, fire reports, and chemical testing. They will also look into the history of the BioLab fires, past safety violations, or other incidents of negligence. This evidence will help us establish liability and show that the BioLab’s actions—or lack of action—led to your injuries.
4. Filing the Claim
Once we gather evidence of your injuries, harms or losses, we can file on your behalf. As the lawsuit proceeds towards a trial, there will be a chance for settlement. In many of these chemical exposure cases, there are negotiations that lead to a settlement, but only after the extent of negligence and damages are known. If a settlement cannot be reached, these cases will be decided in court.
Eligibility for Compensation
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- You or your property were exposed to the chemicals from the fire.
- You suffered an injury or illness caused by the exposure.
- You suffered property damage from the exposure.
- You lost wages from the inability to work because of the fire.
- Your business suffered lost income and profits from the fire.
- You are within the statute of limitations (two years from the incident).
Why You Need Dan Chapman & Associates
Navigating the BioLab claims process is complex and overwhelming without the proper legal support. Dan Chapman & Associates has a proven track record in handling complex cases, including toxic exposure damages, and so do the others on our legal team. We are committed to fighting for justice and compensation for BioLab victims like you. Our legal team will guide you through every step of the legal process, from the initial consultation to the final settlement or trial.
Take Action TodayTime is running out, and the deadline to take action is quickly approaching. If you were impacted by the Conyers BioLab Fire, this is the moment to make your move. Reach out to Dan Chapman & Associates at (678)242-7626 to discuss your claim and understand your options for the compensation you deserve.
