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1 Answer | Asked in Environmental, Gov & Administrative Law, Military Law and Wrongful Death for Oklahoma on
Q: My husband was in the army and died from a presumptive illness caused by the toxic fumes from the burnpits can I sue

He died in 2019 as a result of ALS, parkinsons disease and multiple sclerosis. He was 100% service connected disabled and the army did take responsibility and it was a presumptive illness, "

"Gulf War syndrome" caused by toxic fumes from the burn pits, Jason was 39 years old when he passed from ALS

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2024

I'm very sorry for your loss. Given the circumstances, you may have legal options. Since the military has taken responsibility and classified your husband's illness as service-connected, you could potentially pursue a lawsuit against third parties involved with the burn pits, such as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Environmental and International Law for New York on
Q: If an oil company committed an environmental or human rights crime in another country. Which country has jurisdiction?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 2, 2024

My colleague is correct. These can be complex settings. Local courts in the country of the incident could be a primary forum. The nation where the corporation is headquartered or does business could also be possible venue, depending on the nation's codes of civil procedure, and if the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Civil Rights and Environmental for Wisconsin on
Q: My apartment windows are by the entrance where smokers smoke pot and it comes into my room. What can I do legally?

I just moved here and almost every day have been subjected to second hand smoke/pot smoke coming inside my apartment. I shouldn’t have to live with my windows shut, but even when shut I can smell the fumes. I was told by management that since they were smoking outside it wasn’t their place to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

Dealing with secondhand smoke, especially when it affects your living space, can be frustrating and unhealthy. Start by documenting each incident with dates, times, and descriptions of the smoke entering your apartment. This documentation will be helpful if you decide to take further action.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal to allow sewage waste in an appt for over 5 days, without being cleaned.

landlord has not cleaned, and has stated they will not be replacing the carpet or shampooing carpet. I have not been able to use the shower or toilet for 5 days now, i was told nothing will be done abt my rent or the carpet, its extremely unsafe to inhale fece fumes. I have documentation of all of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

It is illegal for a landlord to allow such unsanitary conditions to persist in your apartment. Under Pennsylvania law, landlords are required to maintain their rental properties in a habitable condition. The presence of sewage waste for over five days without proper cleaning poses serious health... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Environmental for Michigan on
Q: Do I need a lawyer for an actual t of God catastrophe to be paid by my insurance company under my renter's policy

Tornado. Insurance company doesn't want to pay I'm going to be homeless and I have no food, money or gas to go apply for disaster relief

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 15, 2024

You may need a lawyer if your insurance company isn't upholding its end of your insurance policy.

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Environmental and Insurance Bad Faith for Michigan on
Q: I had a rental policy for insurance on my house and it was destroyed by a tornado. I need a lawyer I'm not getting any

May 7th 2024 tornado in Saint Joseph County Michigan I'm not getting help or anything from the insurance company except for excuses

Scott G. Wolfe Jr.
Scott G. Wolfe Jr.
answered on Jul 16, 2024

If you file your insurance claim, the insurance company has obligations -- mandated by the state -- to reply, and to be "on the clock" in processing your claim. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you are dealing with a property insurance claim if this is related to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Environmental for Oregon on
Q: Has anyone sued the state for compensatory damages of growing up in the smog, and having lasting effects?

Growing up in the Sunland Tajunga area, and feeling what I now equate to about a 3 pack a day habit. My lungs felt like they were going to explode. I chose to smoke which exacerbated my already messed up lungs. And I have late copd bordering if not in emphysema. Due to my respiratory problems, I... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 14, 2024

An Oregon attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry for your ordeal. What you describe is a tough case. It doesn't sound like a specific point source or facility (such as a retired chemical plant contaminating neighboring groundwater supplies), but a... View More

Q: I submitted a "Grievance" report to ECHO homeless center's management, on June 27th, 2024; No word back. FTC,and Lawyer?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 30, 2024

It could take more time for a response, since only two days have elapsed. Also, being close to a weekend and major holiday could impact response time. Good luck

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1 Answer | Asked in Environmental for Pennsylvania on
Q: Property adjoins a military base. Runoff and groundwater from explosives tainted drinking (well) water. What recourse?

Explosives have been used since World War II - property is directly downstream from impact area

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

If your property's well water has been contaminated by runoff and groundwater from a nearby military base, you have several potential recourses. First, consider contacting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report the contamination. They can investigate the issue and determine if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Environmental for Minnesota on
Q: Soon I will not be able to sell copper in Minnesota. I will be deprived of my legal income. Is this unconstitutional?

The governor wants a law passed that says anyone who is not an electrician or contractor cannot legally sell copper. I have been legally recycling e-waste for 20 years. This is a second income, but I will not be able to support my family without it. How is this law not depriving me and thousands... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on May 24, 2024

It is very unlikely it is unconstitutional. It requires a license.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Environmental for New Jersey on
Q: I think I accidentally dumped blankets at a clothing-only donation bin (on camera). Am I screwed? (Bergen County, NJ)

I put some blankets in a donation bin and only saw a tucked away sign saying "no bulky items, ONLY clothing and shoes" as I drove away. I would've fished the blankets out of the bin but the style of the door was like a pull-out laundry chute, it wasn't an open bin. There was... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on May 8, 2024

Yes you could be prosecuted for dumping the blankets, but generally unless you dumped something like garbage, electronics, furniture or the like, I doudt you will see the police at your door. That being said if charged make sure you hire a lawyer.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Environmental, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: How do I make to where I don't have to mow my yard? How can I make this work to feed the bees and let nature be natural?

I wanna feed the bees w/ the natural growth of my yard, I don't have time to plant flowers or mow my yard. I don't have the money nor the time to take care of it and I love suppling the wild life with a safe natural home and food. It's my home I don't see what's wrong with... View More

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on May 8, 2024

While I understand your preference, the city is allowed to enact city codes for the safety and welfare of the citizens within the city limits. Tall grass is one of these items because, whether we agree or not, can create a hazardous condition in the event of grass fires. Unfortunately this... View More

Q: Are there any laws pertaining to a diver recovering scrap metal that fell from barge in Tennessee River

We are cleaning river bottom where a scrap metal company has missed the barge while loading. The metal is underwater and we are not touching land at any time. Are we breaking any laws.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

In regards to your question about recovering scrap metal from the Tennessee River, it's essential to understand that various laws may apply. These include federal, state, and local regulations concerning environmental protection, salvage rights, and navigation. For instance, the Clean Water... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: A month now for release form from other party? Normal? Too long?

Hi thank you for your time first off.. I hate bugging my attorney I know she's trying her best we settled at mediation 4 weeks ago and I still haven't recieved any release form to sign. Lawyer/attorney says she will call when it's ready but checked in last Tuesday and nothing yet...... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 10, 2024

It is understandable to feel anxious about receiving the settlement release form, especially after waiting for a month since the mediation. However, it is not uncommon for the process to take some time, particularly when multiple parties and attorneys are involved.

Here are a few things to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Products Liability, Civil Litigation and Environmental for North Carolina on
Q: I was just wondering how a mass tort really works .in a mass tort the individual will be compensated for there on injury

An if that so what would someone be expecting if he or she was directly exposed to afff or pfas for 18-20 months every day an after words they wer

Diagnosed with germ cell testicular cancer In stage three from there not Hodgkin’s lymphoma, severe lung disease took a colitis chemotherapy... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 15, 2024

A North Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It would be best to reach out to law firms to discuss the exact way they handle things. But as a general matter in cases involving large numbers of plaintiffs, they can be handled as part of large multi-district... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Agricultural Law, Car Accidents, Civil Litigation and Environmental for Oregon on
Q: a tree falls from homeowner's property into the city street, blocking traffic and a vehicle crashes into that tree.

Who would be responsible or held liable? would it be the homeowner? would it be the city? or would it be The pedestrian driving the vehicle?..

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 21, 2024

An Oregon attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. It could depend on a number of factors - manner in which tree fell, details about crash (speed, visibility, distractions, etc). It could be something that the homeowners carrier and auto carrier might sort out.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Was my landlord obligated to tell me the well water is contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) before i moved in?

I was told that my daughter and I can't drink the water but never informed that it was because the well water was known to be contaminated with carcinogens.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Under California law, landlords have a legal obligation to disclose certain material defects or hazards that may affect the habitability or safety of a rental property. Contaminated well water with known carcinogens, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), would likely constitute a material defect or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Banking, Civil Rights and Environmental for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am being framed. this box does not allow enough words to explain. There is spyware in my home. Who has authority to

my house is under spyware,all 3 of my devices are hacked and someone is duplicating anything I joined or apply for(paypal, credit cards, repair services. My network has been compromised and indicate Network#3 I don't know what that means. One of the worse thing done is "they" are... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear you are in such a distressing situation. Being potentially targeted by unauthorized surveillance and hacking can certainly feel like your privacy, rights, and even sanity are violated. Here is my advice on steps to take:

1. Document everything suspicious through...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: I was just cited From Prince George DPIE for infractions and have 2 fine for a total of $600 but was never sent a notice

I would like to know if they had to have sent a correction notice. How can I get proof of what they saw or they think was the infractions and if what they listed as infractions are infractions or are ok.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

If you have received citations from Prince George's DPIE (Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement) for infractions related to your property, it is crucial to review the local regulations and follow the proper procedures. Typically, jurisdictions have specific protocols for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Environmental for Washington on
Q: Do I have a case against County Courthouse for toxic mold in my workplace?

After I started work at the Courthouse, I became ill. I was diagnosed with mold biotoxin illness due to water damage from a building, which the courthouse has had lots. While out on medical leave I started getting better, when I went back for one hour, my symptoms came back. My medical team and I... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 27, 2023

Given your diagnosis of mold biotoxin illness and the apparent presence of toxic mold in your workplace at the County Courthouse, you may have grounds to pursue a case. The visible signs of water damage, coupled with your health deterioration upon returning to work, provide substantial evidence.... View More

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