El Toro Air Station Lawsuit

Written By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Attorney Jessie Paluch, founder of TruLaw, has over 25 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key takeaways:

  • The El Toro Air Station Lawsuit seeks justice for those affected by toxic contamination at the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Irvine, California.
  • Plaintiffs allege negligence, failure to warn, willful disregard, and violations of environmental laws against defendants such as the U.S. Navy.
  • TruLaw can help plaintiffs pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Meanwhile, the Navy and EPA are working on remediation efforts to address the contamination.

Overview of El Toro Air Station Lawsuit

On this page, we’ll provide an overview of the El Toro Air Station lawsuit, plaintiffs impacted by PFAS contamination at El Toro Air Station, the legal basis of the El Toro toxic contamination lawsuit, and much more.

El Toro Air Station Lawsuit

Intro to El Toro Air Station Lawsuit

Key aspects of the El Toro Air Station lawsuit include, but are not limited to:

  • Plaintiffs are pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and the costs of ongoing medical monitoring
  • Residents, former employees, and military members exposed to hazardous substances like volatile organic compounds and PFAS are among those affected by the contamination.
  • Allegations of negligence, failure to warn, and violations of environmental laws against defendants such as the U.S. Navy

If you or a loved one has suffered from health issues or property damage due to toxic contamination from the former El Toro Air Station, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and see if you qualify to file an El Toro Air Station lawsuit.

Table of Contents

El Toro Air Station Lawsuit: Seeking Justice for Toxic Contamination

Extensive environmental investigations have been conducted at the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Irvine, California, since the late 1980s.

These investigations, conducted under the Navy’s Installation Restoration Program (IRP), have revealed significant contamination at the site, particularly at IRP Site 1, which includes the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training Range and the Adjacent Property.

The discovery of hazardous substances, including naphthalene and munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), has given rise to potential legal claims against the parties responsible for the contamination.

Plaintiffs allege that improper disposal practices and failure to remediate the site adequately have led to ongoing health risks and property damage.

Decades of Pollution at the Former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro

Environmental investigations at the former Air Station El Toro have been ongoing since the base’s closure in 1999.

The Navy’s IRP has identified numerous contaminants, including volatile and semivolatile organic compounds, perchlorate, explosives residues, metals, and dioxins/furans, in the soil gas and groundwater at the site.

The Environmental Protection Agency has been working closely with the Navy to oversee the cleanup efforts at the Marine Corps Air Station.

Legal Claims of Hazardous Substances at El Toro Air Station

The presence of these hazardous substances has led to a range of legal claims against the U.S. Navy and other potentially responsible parties.

Plaintiffs allege negligence, failure to warn, and environmental laws such as CERCLA and RCRA violations.

Many of these claims stem from the discovery of abandoned wastewater treatment lines and underground storage tanks that have contributed to the contamination at the site.

Plaintiffs Impacted by PFAS Contamination at El Toro Air Station

The toxic exposure at the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro has affected a wide range of individuals, including military personnel, their family members, and nearby residents.

These plaintiffs have suffered from various health issues and economic losses due to the contamination.

The plaintiffs in the El Toro Air Station lawsuit include, but are not limited to:

  • Residents living in the vicinity of the former El Toro Air Station were exposed to toxic chemicals through contaminated soil and groundwater
  • Former employees who worked at the El Toro Air Station, particularly those involved in EOD training exercises, who may have been directly exposed to hazardous materials
  • Individuals who have developed health issues due to exposure to hazardous contaminants from the military base
  • Military members and their families who were stationed at toxic El Toro and have suffered from the effects of the contamination

The contamination has affected not only those who served at the Marine Corps Air Station but also the surrounding community, as the toxic chemicals have spread through soil and groundwater.

Residents Near El Toro Exposed to Toxic Chemicals in Soil and Groundwater

Residents near the former El Toro Air Station may have been exposed to contaminants such as naphthalene through soil and groundwater contamination.

These individuals may be experiencing health issues related to their exposure and are seeking compensation through the lawsuit.

Groundwater contamination has been a significant concern for the community, as it has the potential to impact the water supply for nearby households.

Employees at El Toro Air Station Exposed to Hazardous Materials

Former employees at El Toro Air Station, especially those involved in EOD training, may have been directly exposed to hazardous materials, including munitions and explosives.

These workers are among the plaintiffs alleging health issues due to occupational exposure.

Military members who served at the Corps Air Station El Toro may have been exposed to toxic chemicals without proper protection or warning.

Defendants Named in the El Toro Air Station Toxic Exposure Lawsuit

The El Toro Air Station Lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable for the widespread contamination and the resulting harm to plaintiffs.

The defendants include the U.S. Navy and other entities involved in the operations at the base.

Allegations Against the U.S. Navy in the El Toro Lawsuit

As the primary operator of the El Toro Air Station, the U.S. Navy is a key defendant in the lawsuit.

Plaintiffs allege that the Navy was negligent in its handling of hazardous materials and failed to remediate the contamination properly, leading to ongoing health risks.

The Navy’s use of underground storage tanks and improper disposal practices have been cited as significant contributors to the contamination.

Identifying Parties Liable for Contamination at El Toro Air Station

In addition to the U.S. Navy, other parties may be liable for the contamination at El Toro Air Station, including contractors involved in waste disposal or companies that manufacture the hazardous substances used at the site.

Identifying all potentially responsible parties is important for plaintiffs seeking comprehensive remediation and compensation.

The Environmental Protection Agency has been working to identify and hold accountable all parties responsible for the pollution at the site.

Injuries Claimed by Plaintiffs in El Toro Toxic Exposure Litigation

The toxic exposure at the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro has led to a wide range of injuries and losses for the plaintiffs.

These injuries include both physical health conditions and emotional distress resulting from the contamination.

Plaintiffs in the El Toro lawsuit claim a range of injuries, including:

  • Health conditions linked to toxic chemical exposure, such as respiratory issues, cancer, and neurological disorders
  • Economic damages and property value losses resulting from the contamination
  • Diseases and illnesses caused by exposure to jet fuel and other hazardous contaminants at the base
  • The need for ongoing medical monitoring and periodical medical examinations due to the long-term effects of toxic exposure

The health conditions claimed by plaintiffs are severe and often require long-term medical treatment.

Some of the most common illnesses reported include lung cancer and breast cancer, which have been linked to exposure to volatile organic compounds and other toxic chemicals found at the site.

Health Conditions Linked to Toxic Chemicals from El Toro Air Station

Plaintiffs allege that exposure to contaminants like naphthalene has led to various health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cancer, and neurological disorders.

These conditions may be chronic and require ongoing medical treatment.

The contaminated groundwater and soil gas at the site have been identified as potential sources of these toxic chemicals.

Economic Damages and Property Value Losses from El Toro Contamination

In addition to health effects, plaintiffs are seeking compensation for economic damages and property value losses.

These losses may include decreased home values, medical expenses, and lost wages due to illness or inability to work.

The groundwater contamination has also led to concerns about the long-term economic impact on the surrounding communities.

Legal Basis of the El Toro Toxic Contamination Lawsuit

The El Toro Air Station Lawsuit is built upon a strong legal foundation.

Plaintiffs assert various causes of action against the defendants.

These legal theories are rooted in both common law principles and specific environmental statutes.

Negligence, Failure to Warn, and Willful Disregard in the El Toro Lawsuit

The El Toro lawsuit is based on several legal theories, including negligence, failure to warn, and willful disregard for human health and the environment.

Plaintiffs argue that the defendants had a duty to handle hazardous substances properly and warn residents and employees of potential risks.

The lawsuit alleges that the Navy and other defendants failed to meet these obligations, resulting in widespread toxic exposure.

Environmental Law Violations Alleged in Claims Against El Toro Polluters

Plaintiffs also allege that the defendants violated environmental laws, such as CERCLA and RCRA.

These statutes impose strict liability on parties responsible for releasing hazardous substances into the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency has been involved in enforcing these laws and overseeing the cleanup efforts at the site.

Pursuing an El Toro Air Station Toxic Exposure Lawsuit

Filing a toxic exposure claim at El Toro Air Station requires careful consideration of legal deadlines and strategic decisions about how to pursue the case.

Plaintiffs must be vigilant in protecting their rights and building a strong case against the defendants.

To pursue an El Toro Air Station toxic exposure lawsuit, plaintiffs must:

  1. Be aware of the applicable statutes of limitations and filing deadlines, which vary depending on the specific cause of action and jurisdiction.
  2. Consider joining existing lawsuits or filing their own individual claims, weighing the benefits of collective action against their unique circumstances.
  3. Gather evidence of their exposure to hazardous contaminants at the military base and the resulting health effects.
  4. Consult with experienced attorneys who have a track record of success in handling toxic exposure cases involving military installations.

Maneuvering through the intricacies of a toxic exposure claim can be challenging, but with the help of experienced attorneys, plaintiffs can seek the justice and compensation they deserve.

The El Toro Air Station Lawsuit has the potential to provide relief for the many individuals who have suffered from the site’s contamination.

The Statutes of Limitations and Filing Deadlines for El Toro Claims

Plaintiffs need to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure timely filing of their claims, as statutes of limitations and filing deadlines vary depending on the specific cause of action and jurisdiction.

These deadlines can be pivotal in preserving a plaintiff’s right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses related to the toxic exposure at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.

Joining Other Plaintiffs in the El Toro Air Station Lawsuit

Plaintiffs may be able to join existing lawsuits or file their own claims.

Joining forces with other plaintiffs can strengthen numbers and shared resources, but individual circumstances may warrant a separate legal action.

Experienced attorneys can help plaintiffs evaluate their options and choose the best path forward in pursuing their toxic exposure claim.

Building an El Toro Toxic Chemical Release Litigation

Pursuing a successful El Toro Air Station Lawsuit requires a strategic approach to building a compelling case against the defendants.

Plaintiffs must be able to demonstrate the link between the contamination and their injuries and present strong evidence to support their claims.

To succeed in an El Toro toxic exposure lawsuit, plaintiffs must:

  1. Demonstrate exposure to hazardous substances from the Air Station and establish causation between the exposure and their alleged injuries
  2. Gather extensive evidence, including medical records, environmental testing data, and expert witness testimony, to support their claims.
  3. Show the extent of the environmental cleanup required due to the contamination and the defendant’s failure to address the issue adequately.
  4. Prove that the defendants knew or should have known about the risks associated with the hazardous contaminants and failed to take appropriate action.

Building a strong case often involves working with experts in various fields, such as medicine, toxicology, and environmental science.

These experts can help plaintiffs establish the connection between the toxic chemicals found at the site and the health conditions and losses suffered by the plaintiffs.

One key aspect of the case will be demonstrating the extent of the groundwater contamination and its impact on the surrounding community.

This may involve data analysis from groundwater monitoring wells and other environmental testing.

Another important factor will be showing the harm caused by PFAS exposure, a type of chemical that has been linked to various health problems and has been found at the site.

Proving Exposure and Causation in Your El Toro Contamination Claim

Plaintiffs must show that they were exposed to hazardous substances from the El Toro Air Station and that this exposure caused their injuries.

This often requires extensive evidence and expert testimony.

Medical records showing diagnoses of conditions like lung cancer or breast cancer can be powerful evidence in these cases, particularly when combined with expert opinions linking these conditions to the toxic chemicals found at the site.

Expert Witness Testimony Supporting El Toro Toxic Release Allegations

Expert witnesses, such as toxicologists, epidemiologists, and environmental scientists, play a crucial role in toxic exposure litigation by providing scientific evidence and opinion to support the plaintiffs’ claims.

These experts can help explain the scientific issues involved in the case and provide credible testimony about the health effects of exposure to the hazardous substances found at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.

TruLaw: Compensation with the Help of El Toro Lawsuit Attorneys

The El Toro Air Station lawsuit allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for the losses they have suffered as a result of toxic exposure.

With the help of experienced attorneys like those at TruLaw, plaintiffs can pursue the full range of damages available in these cases.

With the help of TruLaw’s experienced attorneys, plaintiffs in the El Toro Air Station lawsuits may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages to punish defendants for egregious conduct
  • Injunctive relief to ensure proper remediation of the contaminated site
  • Compensation for the costs of periodic medical examinations

These damages can provide important support for plaintiffs who have suffered significant losses due to the contamination at the site.

Compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatment, make up for lost income, and provide some measure of relief for the physical and emotional distress caused by the toxic exposure.

TruLaw’s attorneys have extensive experience handling toxic exposure cases and can guide plaintiffs through every step of the legal process.

TruLaw’s team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those harmed by the contamination at the El Toro Air Station, from investigating the claim and gathering evidence to negotiating with defendants and representing plaintiffs in court.

Recoverable Damages in the El Toro Air Station Lawsuits

TruLaw’s attorneys can help plaintiffs assess their losses and pursue the full amount of damages to which they are entitled, including economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, while non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, plaintiffs may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the defendants for particularly egregious conduct.

Punitive Damages and Injunctions in El Toro Litigation

In cases of particularly egregious conduct, plaintiffs may seek punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future wrongdoing.

Injunctive relief may also be sought to ensure proper remediation of the contaminated site.

These remedies can be important tools in holding the defendants accountable and ensuring that the community is protected from further harm.

The El Toro Air Station lawsuit represents an important fight for justice on behalf of those impacted by decades of toxic contamination.

If you believe you have been affected by the contamination at El Toro Air Station, contact TruLaw’s experienced toxic exposure attorneys to discuss your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

With their help, you can hold the polluters accountable and seek the justice and closure you need to move forward with your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What contaminants have been found at the former El Toro Air Station?

    The Navy’s Installation Restoration Program has identified numerous volatile organic compound contaminants at the former El Toro Air Station, including semivolatile organic compounds, perchlorate, explosives residues, metals, and dioxins/furans in the contaminated soils and groundwater at the site.

    These hazardous substances have given rise to potential legal claims against the parties responsible for the contamination.

  • Who can file a lawsuit against the El Toro Air Station polluters?

    The plaintiffs in the El Toro Air Station lawsuit include residents living near the former base, former employees, individuals who developed health issues due to exposure to contaminants, and military members and their families stationed at El Toro.

  • What health conditions are linked to toxic exposure at El Toro Air Station?

    Plaintiffs in the El Toro lawsuit claim a range of injuries, including health conditions linked to toxic chemical exposure, such as respiratory issues, cancer, and neurological disorders.

    Some of the most common illnesses reported include lung cancer and breast cancer, which have been linked to exposure to volatile organic compounds and other toxic chemicals found at the site.

  • What legal theories are being used in the El Toro toxic contamination lawsuit?

    The El Toro Air Station Lawsuit is based on several legal theories, including negligence, failure to warn, and willful disregard for human health and the environment.

    Plaintiffs also allege that the defendants violated environmental laws such as CERCLA and RCRA, which impose strict liability on parties responsible for releasing hazardous substances into the environment.

  • What remediation efforts are being undertaken at the former El Toro Air Station?

    The Navy, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, has implemented a groundwater cleanup system at the former El Toro Air Station to address the contamination caused by volatile organic compounds and other hazardous substances.

    The remediation efforts aim to clean up the contaminated soils and groundwater and prevent further spread of the toxic chemicals to protect the health of nearby residents and the environment.

Written By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!

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