Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Environmental legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Environmental Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: If rental is uninhabitable and I was forced to leave do I need to give a prior notice? Landlord knows it's uninhabitable

Mold was making my family ill so we moved ourselves to a hotel in hopes the landlord would remedy it properly. That didn't happen and was made worse by exposing asbestos in dry walls. We found a new place but don't feel it necessary to give a 30 day or even 2 day heads up since they fully... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Nov 18, 2024

You did what was right to move your family out of a hazardous situation. But you could have better protected yourselves legally. A 5-day notice to the landlord is required by ARS 33-1361 to terminate a lease where there is a health or safety danger. Since the lease was not terminated, you may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Environmental, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Once a zoning law is put in place, can it be reversed? Our county clerk says once a law is in place it can’t be changed?

Craig county in OK., is getting ready to vote on zoning concerning wind turbines. The county clerk states once in place it’s basically there forever.

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on Oct 7, 2024

The answer technically is yes it could be reversed .... Theoretically it is not in place forever, but to remove it takes the same procedures as it does to add it. In other words, if your county commissioners are required to have 75% approval to pass something into law, then to 'change'... 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

View More Answers

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

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 20, 2024

A claim involving the destruction of a house should receive prompt attention, in terms of investigation, damages assessment, alternative living arrangements, and other elements. You could reach out to attorneys who handle property damage losses involving insurance. Gather and organize your file... View More

View More Answers

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...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Environmental for California on
Q: Our water is brown and smokes when it’s cold. Its through our HOA. Is there any action I can take?

Our house is in a HOA. When we bought the house we were told we were not allowed to drill our own well because our HOA has a water company with it’s wells for the community. Our water is brown. It smokes on cold. My hair falls out, I got gallstones and an infection and a stomach infection had to... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 14, 2024

Thank you for your question!

HOA must maintain the common area which includes water. When an HOA fails to do so, it is subject to several liabilities such as tort and contractual liabilities. Water quality impacts the safety of residents.

You need a real estate attorney...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Environmental for California on
Q: Our water is brown and smokes when it’s cold. Its through our HOA. Is there any action I can take?

Our house is in a HOA. When we bought the house we were told we were not allowed to drill our own well because our HOA has a water company with it’s wells for the community. Our water is brown. It smokes on cold. My hair falls out, I got gallstones and an infection and a stomach infection had to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 1, 2024

This is a serious situation that potentially affects your health and safety. Here are some steps you can consider taking:

1. Document everything: Take photos and videos of the brown water and any smoking. Keep records of all health issues you believe are related to the water quality....
View More

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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 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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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 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 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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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...
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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...
View More

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
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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 Criminal Law, Environmental, Federal Crimes and Gov & Administrative Law for Oklahoma on
Q: I am needing to make sure of the OK laws regarding selling a inherited walrus tusk that has cribbage board on it on ebay

I have tried researching it but I'd rather be 100% that it wouldn't be illegal because I don't want to get in trouble if it is illegal.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 13, 2024

Selling an inherited walrus tusk with a cribbage board on eBay can be legally complex, as it involves wildlife regulations. In the United States, walrus ivory is subject to the federal regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These laws prohibit... 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
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law and Environmental for Maryland on
Q: In the state of Maryland, Can you purchase a home and occupy that home knowing there is a failed septic?

Wicomico County,Md/ Also we will have a portta potty/ as well as trying to get a water reuse permit. We also will be using owner finance.

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Dec 8, 2023

You are confusing two concepts. You might be physically able to occupy the premises, but perhaps not without governmental response. Without septic the property will not have a Use & Occupancy Certificate. The property will not pass any septic inspection called for in the real estate contract,... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Construction Law and Environmental for Maryland on
Q: In the state of Maryland, Can you purchase a home and occupy that home knowing there is a failed septic?

Wicomico County,Md/ Also we will have a portta potty/ as well as trying to get a water reuse permit. We also will be using owner finance.

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Dec 15, 2023

Yes, a buyer can legally purchase a home in great condition, terrible condition or anything in between. People can purchase property without a home on it at all, or with a home they intend to bulldoze.

Now most of the time a bank will not lend money to a borrower to buy a home if it is...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Securities Law and Environmental for California on
Q: Can I put a security sticker on my personal bedroom window?

A neighbor across from us is nosey and opens their lights whenever we do. Can I put a security sticker in my personal bedroom window as a form of safety?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 29, 2023

In California, as a general rule, you are allowed to put a security sticker on your personal bedroom window. This is considered a part of your right to ensure privacy and security in your own home. The use of a security sticker does not typically violate any laws, as long as it does not contain... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.