Need an Environmental Attorney in New York? Here’s What You Should Know

4 min read time
Headshot of Nick Russo, a Manhattan-based car accident and auto injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan Reviewed by Nick Russo, Trial Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, on July 29, 2025.
Environment

If you’ve been harmed by pollution, toxic chemicals, contaminated land, or unsafe environmental conditions in New York, you shouldn’t face the consequences alone. Morgan & Morgan’s environmental attorneys help individuals and businesses seek justice, recover damages, and address health risks, whether you’re dealing with a personal injury or navigating environmental compliance.

 

Toxic Exposure & Environmental Injuries in New York

From polluted brownfields to mold in aging rental buildings, New Yorkers face a wide range of environmental risks. Contaminated soil or drinking water, asbestos exposure in construction, lead paint in old apartments, or industrial chemical spills can trigger serious health issues, even years after exposure.

How do you prove that contamination caused your illness? Scientific studies, medical experts, and environmental testing all play a role. An experienced environmental attorney can help collect evidence, assess your exposure, secure expert testimony, and build a case that links exposure to injury, even if the contamination happened years ago.

 

Holding Businesses and Landlords Accountable

Businesses, landlords, and manufacturers are responsible for cleanups and environmental safety. If a company fails to dispose of hazardous waste properly or a landlord neglects mold or asbestos in a property, they may be liable. Environmental laws at the local, state, and federal levels require compliance with strict standards; failure to comply can result in severe fines or litigation.

At Morgan & Morgan, we help businesses stay compliant through facility audits, environmental reviews, and legal guidance. That same depth of expertise enables us to take action against those responsible when environmental harm occurs. In many cases, the responsible party or property owner is required to cover remediation costs, and victims may be entitled to receive compensation for medical treatment and emotional distress.

 

Environmental Real Estate Guidance and Brownfield Support

Developing real estate in urban areas often presents environmental challenges, including brownfields, underground contamination, and soil pollution. Whether you’re a developer, tenant, or property owner, our environmental attorneys help navigate zoning, remediation plans, and risk assessments.

If contamination poses a risk, we manage cleanup efforts, negotiate with regulatory agencies, and provide support through redevelopment projects. We also represent tenants and landlords in cases involving mold, lead paint, and asbestos exposure, helping you secure the remedies and safe living conditions you deserve.

 

What You Can Recover—Damages and Legal Options

You may be able to recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses (past and ongoing)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering or emotional trauma
  • Property loss or diminished value
  • Costs of environmental testing or cleanup
  • Punitive damages if the wrongdoing was intentional

In New York, statutes of limitations vary depending on the type of claim being made. Environmental injuries often fall under a three-year statute of limitations; however, specific exposures, such as latent illnesses or hazardous conditions, may extend that period. If you're unsure, it's best to consult an attorney early; evidence can degrade, memories fade, and filing deadlines can pass without notice.

 

Environmental Rights Every New Yorker Should Know

  • Have you been exposed to toxic chemicals at work? You may have a toxic tort claim.
  • Is your landlord ignoring mold, lead, or asbestos hazards? You may be able to sue for unsafe living conditions.
  • Is your water contaminated or air quality compromised? You may have a legal claim against municipal or private entities responsible for water or sewage systems.
  • Are you redeveloping property? You may need guidance on brownfield cleanup laws, zoning, and compliance with DEC and EPA rules.

Morgan & Morgan handles both individual lawsuits and class-action claims for environmental harm. We also represent governmental entities or companies facing regulatory investigations.

 

Why New Yorkers Trust Morgan & Morgan

With more than 1,000 attorneys nationwide and thousands of cases resolved, we possess the depth and experience necessary for handling complex environmental matters. Our team offers:

  • 24/7 client communication via our secure mobile app
  • Transparent legal guidance in clear, jargon‑free language
  • Facility audits, environmental assessments, and litigation support
  • Coordination with medical experts, scientists, and remediation professionals

We’ve earned referrals from other lawyers, judges, and community partners because when environmental lawsuits demand both legal precision and compassion, Morgan & Morgan delivers.

 

Taking the First Step: What You Should Do

If you believe you’ve suffered from toxic exposure, pollution, or unsafe environmental conditions, here’s what to do next:

  • Document your exposure and conditions, including photos, medical records, property tests, and dates.
  • Contact your healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and potential environmental causes.
  • Preserve evidence, save emails, maintenance requests, or receipts related to environmental issues.
  • Consult with an environmental attorney before filing paperwork or signing agreements.

 

Start Your Free Case Evaluation Today

Morgan & Morgan is ready to help New Yorkers who have been harmed by environmental hazards and toxic exposure. Our environmental attorneys have the power to challenge corporate wrongdoing and secure justice for individuals, families, and communities, including class-action litigation when appropriate.

Fill out a free case evaluation form today; we’ll explain your options and help you move forward. You don’t pay a dime unless we win. Because clean air, safe homes, and healthy lives are worth fighting for.

Disclaimer
This website is meant for general information and not legal advice.

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