Can You Sue For Hurricane Ian Injuries?
Hurricane Ian has swept through many parts of Florida, leaving many injured individuals in its wake. But can these victims sue for their injuries? The truth is that in most cases, a hurricane is seen as an act of nature. It is therefore unforeseeable, giving property owners and businesses no chance to prepare for the possibility of injuries. Awareness is a key factor in injury lawsuits across the nation, and you must prove that a defendant was aware of the potential hazard if you want to prove their negligence. That being said, some entities may be held accountable for Hurricane Ian injuries for particularly egregious acts of negligence.
Toxic Waste Emanating from Mines After Hurricane Ian
On September 28th, it was reported that significant levels of pollution could emanate from a mine if damaged by Hurricane Ian. The state has a fairly active fertilizer mining industry, and it is home to giant ponds of waste that are left over after the phosphate mining process. Referred to as “stacks,” these ponds represent 1 billion tons of waste, some of which is slightly radioactive.
One environmental expert stated:
“A major storm event like the one we are bracing for can inundate the facilities with more water than the open-air ponds can handle.”
Even without the added factor of a hurricane, one facility known as “Piney Point” has a history of polluting the local water supply, causing untold numbers of fish to die. Class-action lawsuits have also been filed by people living in the area who allege that this waste has caused serious health issues.
Later, it was revealed that the hurricane narrowly missed the fertilizer waste stacks. However, this should still serve as a dire warning – especially since we can expect more hurricanes to sweep through the area in the near future.
Despite the obvious health risks to people living in the area, the prime concern seems to be over the economic stability of the fertilizer industry. It is no secret that we are heading into a fertilizer shortage crisis. When Hurricane Ian narrowly missed the waste stacks, regulators warned the fertilizer industry to protect itself – not other people living in the area.
While the state government might be prioritizing big business over people’s lives, you can take action today by filing a lawsuit with the help of a qualified attorney.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Orlando personal injury attorney, look no further than Payer Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs with a wide range of lawsuits. We know that Hurricane Ian was nobody’s fault. But that doesn’t mean that negligent entities cannot be held accountable for contributing to injuries and making this situation even worse. Get in touch today, and we can help you strive towards a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, missed wages, and any other damages you might have experienced.
Sources:
bostonherald.com/2022/09/28/pollution-from-florida-mining-a-concern-with-hurricane-ian/
marketplace.org/2022/09/29/hurricane-ian-u-s-fertilizer-industry/
