Environmental/Toxic Torts
Contact:
- Joseph G. Skryd
- 630.384.3115
- James P. Moran
- 630.384.3119
MRV’s environmental and toxic tort practice group offers a wide range of litigation, regulatory counseling and permitting services. We provide these services to manufacturers, retailers, transporters, real estate developers, landowners, landfill operators and municipalities. The group’s experience encompasses all federal and state environmental statutes.
MRV’s attorneys have represented their clients before federal and state courts, as well as before administrative tribunals. Our attorneys have also practiced with federal and state enforcement personnel in most EPA regions.
The environmental and toxic tort group is actively involved in defending tort and property diminution lawsuits associated with environmental clean-ups. We also represent environmental engineering and consulting firms in connection with professional negligence claims. Our attorneys regularly advise clients on the interpretation and applicability of federal, state and local statutes, regulations, policies and permits. The environmental group also handles claims related to toxic spills, corrective action plans associated therewith, and OSHA hazard communication standards.
Representative Cases
Defended landfill operator with claimed leaching of various materials and toxins in suit brought by local homeowners. The result was a less than cost of defense settlement after an aggressive use of dispositive motions and procedures.
Defended the owner of a quarry in connection with blasting procedures that were alleged to have caused substantial property damage to surrounding homeowners and commercial operators. After aggressive negotiation prior to litigation, the matter was resolved without payment of costs but agreement of continued compliance by the quarry owner.
Defended one of the nation’s largest residential/commercial lessors of housing units in connection with a mold remediation claims issue and with complaints in units due to alleged construction defects. Retention of experts with numerous areas of specialty resulted in dispositive motions defeating the plaintiffs’ claims and protecting a large self-insured retention involving corollary coverage-related issues.
Defended a local manufacturer alleged to have had toxic chemicals leaching into a local water supply resulting in numerous claimed illnesses and birth defects. MRV was able to obtain a minimal resolution after mediation prior to trial.
Represented numerous clients in connection with asbestos claims related to manufacture and use of products with asbestos on local and federal levels.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of landfill operator accused of allowing loading practices that resulted in alleged water supply contamination.
Represented quarry owner in dispute over leaking of chemicals from mining activities that were alleged to have resulted in water contamination and discoloration of interior plumbing of surrounding residential development. Case was settled for fraction of claims after firm demonstrated that client was not responsible for damages and that quarry complied with all state and federal laws applicable to client’s operations.
Lead poisoning claim of family against client contractor for use of various building materials and paint was successfully defended by evidence that premise had pre-existing contamination and that work by client did not contribute to exposures. Court granted summary judgment on behalf of defendant client.