An EtO settlement covers both economic and non-economic losses
The compensation an EtO victim receives is intended to address the financial and emotional toll of suffering from toxic exposure. This may include the following recoverable damages:
Economic losses
- Medical bills, which include the cost to diagnose and treat your illness
- Lost income and decreased earning capability
Non-economic losses
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Decreasing quality of life
Close family members of victims who died due to an EtO-related cancer may also qualify for compensation. In these cases, relatives may file a wrongful death claim. The payout for this lawsuit aims to cover the following:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Emotional pain and distress of surviving family members
If the court deems the EtO-using facilities negligent, then punitive damages may also be awarded to both EtO victims and bereaved relatives of those who passed because of EtO exposure.
A successful EtO claim was awarded $408 million in 2023
Over 870 individuals who filed a toxic exposure claim for ethylene oxide received a total compensation of $408 million. This settlement was paid by Sotera Health, Sterigenics’ parent company, in January of 2023.
Currently, the highest payout for a single victim of EtO exposure is $363 million. This amount was awarded to a woman who lived in Willowbrook, Illinois. She developed breast cancer after years of living in close proximity to a Sterigenics commercial sterilizer facility.
Consult ELG Law for your ethylene oxide exposure claim
While no amount of compensation may bring back your health or the life of a beloved, receiving a settlement for EtO exposure is still a big help in covering medical or funeral expenses. At ELG Law, we understand that you want to not only receive the maximum payout for your claim but also hold the negligent companies responsible for the physical and emotional pain their EtO emission has caused.
Our experienced attorneys can help you in your pursuit of justice and financial compensation. That being said, we encourage you to reach out to our legal team to have your case assessed. If you are eligible, we can start your toxic exposure claims process as soon as possible.