Protecting Your Rights And The Environment: Experienced Legal Counsel In Environmental Litigation
The Sher Law Firm, PLLC, understands the complexities and challenges that come with environmental litigation. Attorney Andrew Sher, a member of the Texas Land & Mineral Owners Association (TLMA), has over 30 years of experience. We are committed to providing personalized service and focusing on maximizing economic recovery for our clients in Houston and beyond.
Our firm offers free consultations and services in Spanish. We are flexible with client meetings, including being willing to travel and conducting Zoom calls. Unlike attorneys at some other firms, Sher does not rush to settle cases. Instead, Sher invests substantial time into each case, ensuring that it is fully developed so that he can demonstrate its impact on the client, both presently and in the future.
Our Attorney Knows How To Fight For Clients In Environmental Disputes
Environmental litigation often involves complex legal and technical issues. The Sher Law Firm, PLLC, has extensive experience in handling cases involving workplace contaminants cases and water pollution, including contamination of domestic and commercial water supply wells. Sher has represented the State of New Mexico, parties impacted by Superfund Sites and over 1 million acres of land in Texas and New Mexico with groundwater contamination from both active oil field activities and legacy [old] facilities pipelines, pits, well locations, tank batteries, leaks and spills.
Our cases frequently involve litigation against oil and gas producers, pipeline companies, and others who generate harmful waste through negligent extraction techniques or fail to disclose the presence of such waste in real estate transactions.
Sher Law Firm can assist clients with various environmental litigation cases, including:
- Damage claims for negligence in oil and gas operations
- Recovery litigation involving the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
- Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act disputes
- Groundwater and soil contamination caused by leaky pipes, tanks and pits
- Personal injury and wrongful death claims related to toxic exposure or hazardous waste
- Water rights disputes
- Cost recovery actions for the costs of environmental cleanup and remediation
An important key to our success in environmental litigation is his strategic integration of sound investigation, trial preparation and courtroom techniques as well as a deep understanding of the science and technology underlying many environmental disputes. The Sher Law Firm, PLLC collaborates effectively with experts from various disciplines to establish the merits of our clients’ claims in both settlement negotiations and at trial, presenting complex information in terms that are understandable to insurance companies, juries and judges.
Common Questions About Environmental Law
Below are answers to questions that attorney Sher frequently hears. Contact our firm to learn how the laws apply to your situation.
Who Enforces Environmental Laws In Texas?
In Texas, the primary agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws is the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This state agency oversees a wide range of environmental issues, including air quality, water quality, waste management and pollution control.
The TCEQ ensures compliance with state and federal environmental regulations by issuing permits, conducting inspections, monitoring environmental conditions and taking enforcement actions when necessary. Additionally, other entities, such as the Railroad Commission of Texas, may also play a role in overseeing specific sectors like oil and gas operations. In cases of noncompliance, these agencies have the authority to impose penalties, require remedial actions and even pursue legal proceedings to uphold environmental laws.
How Long Do I Have To File An Environmental Litigation Claim?
The time frame to file an environmental litigation claim, also known as the statute of limitations, varies depending on the specific type of claim involved. Generally, for Texas personal injury claims related to environmental issues, such as exposure to toxic substances, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
For property damage claims resulting from environmental harm, the statute of limitations in Texas is also typically two years. However, if the damage or injury was not immediately apparent, this period may begin from the date the damage was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Given the complexities associated with these cases, you need to consult with an environmental litigation attorney early to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate legal time frame.
How Can I Prove Exposure To Contaminants?
Proving exposure to contaminants involves gathering comprehensive evidence to establish the presence of hazardous substances and its impact. Key steps include conducting environmental and medical tests to detect contaminants, identify the levels or concentrations of contaminants and assess the duration of contaminant exposure.
Collecting documentation such as safety reports, maintenance records and incident logs from the workplace can help demonstrate the source and extent of exposure. Testimonies from employees and expert opinions from environmental health or industrial hygiene professionals may also play crucial roles in substantiating claims.
Our Team Will Fight For You
If you are facing an environmental litigation concern, do not hesitate to contact The Sher Law Firm, PLLC. Call us at 281-407-8374 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let our experienced attorney support you in addressing your environmental concerns effectively and confidently. At our Houston law office, we offer in-person meetings, virtual visits and other flexible arrangements.