Toxic Fumes. Harsh Cleaners. Unsafe Handling. We Hold Businesses Accountable.
Chemical exposure can cause serious and sometimes permanent harm, especially when retail stores, salons, or cleaning companies fail to warn or protect workers and customers. Whether it’s industrial-strength floor cleaner, improperly stored chemicals, or toxic fumes from renovation work, businesses in Texas are legally obligated to maintain a reasonably safe environment.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent individuals in [City] and across Texas who have been harmed by chemical exposure in retail and commercial spaces, including cleaning and janitorial work environments.
How Chemical Exposure Happens in Commercial Settings
Chemical exposure injuries often occur when businesses:
- Use industrial-strength products in public or poorly ventilated areas
- Fail to provide protective equipment (PPE) to staff
- Store cleaning agents, pesticides, or solvents improperly
- Fail to warn customers or workers about chemical usage
- Hire untrained or negligent cleaning crews
- Perform renovations or pest control without sealing off areas
Both employees and customers can suffer serious health consequences as a result.
Common Chemicals Involved in Exposure Incidents
| Substance | Potential Source |
| Ammonia | Glass and floor cleaners used in retail settings |
| Bleach and chlorine | Bathroom sanitation or disinfectants |
| Solvents and degreasers | Industrial cleaning in grocery stores or warehouses |
| Formaldehyde | Beauty salons, nail salons, and hair treatments |
| Pesticides or insecticides | Sprayed near food aisles, counters, or open spaces |
| Fragrance chemicals | Air fresheners or scented cleaning agents |
| Acid-based cleaners | Toilet, drain, or tile cleaning in restrooms |
When improperly used or stored, these products can cause inhalation injuries, skin burns, respiratory damage, and chemical poisoning.
Who May Be Liable for Chemical Exposure Injuries?
Businesses that fail to properly handle, store, or warn about dangerous substances may be held liable under:
- Premises liability (failure to maintain safe conditions)
- Negligence (failure to act as a reasonable business would)
- Product liability (if a cleaning product or chemical was defective)
- Employer liability (for non-subscriber personal injury cases)
We investigate all potential responsible parties, including:
- Retail store owners
- Cleaning service contractors
- Property managers or landlords
- Product manufacturers or distributors
Health Effects of Chemical Exposure
We represent clients suffering from:
- Chemical burns (skin, eyes, respiratory tract)
- Asthma or bronchial inflammation
- Chronic sinus or lung irritation
- Eye injuries or vision loss
- Nausea, dizziness, and vomiting
- Organ damage from prolonged exposure
- Neurological issues (from repeated inhalation of solvents)
- Occupational illnesses
Some injuries are immediate, while others (like neurological damage or cancer risk) develop over time.
Legal Options for Workers and Customers
If you’re an employee, you may have a:
- Workers’ compensation claim (if your employer is a subscriber)
- Non-subscriber personal injury claim (if your employer opted out)
- Third-party claim (if an outside cleaning contractor or vendor was responsible)
If you’re a customer or visitor, you may bring a premises liability or negligence claim against the business or property owner.
At Williford Law, we handle both one-time exposure cases and long-term chemical injury claims resulting from repeated exposure or improper ventilation.
What to Do After a Chemical Exposure Incident
- Leave the exposure area immediately
- Seek medical attention and document your symptoms
- Photograph any visible substances, containers, or warning signs
- Report the incident to the property manager or employer
- Preserve any clothing or PPE that may contain residue
- Consult a lawyer before dealing with insurers or business owners
Early legal intervention helps protect your rights and ensures key evidence is preserved.
Why Choose Williford Law?
Chemical exposure cases require knowledge of toxic tort law, OSHA standards, and Texas premises and employer liability statutes. At Williford Law, PLLC, we bring:
- Access to environmental and occupational medicine experts
- Investigation of MSDS sheets, cleaning protocols, and OSHA violations
- Experience with both one-time exposure and chronic injury cases
- A client-first approach—no fees unless we win
