ENVIRONMENTAL LAW, LAND USE DISPUTES, INSURANCE RECOVERY AND COMPLEX LITIGATION

Toxic and Environmental Tort Litigation

Ted and Andy have a history of representing individuals and communities that have been impacted by exposure to toxic and hazardous substances and other activities that interfere with the use and enjoyment of their properties. People are often unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals or other contaminants in the air they breathe, the water they drink and wash with, and the soil on and around their properties and neighborhoods. Ted and Andy are skilled at working with toxicologists, epidemiologists, soil scientists and other environmental experts and health professionals to understand and help quantify toxic exposures and the associated health impacts. They have helped communities get clean water and pursue claims against polluters responsible for the contamination to cleanup and compensate them for their damages.

• We have helped dozens of clients pursue personal injury claims related to chemical exposures from pollution at and around their homes, neighborhoods and in the workplace, including cancer and other health impacts.
• We have handled claims for well contamination and airborne or soil exposures and have helped secure both temporary and permanent sources of clean water for our clients.
• We also have experience with contamination and other harms caused by agricultural activities of CAFOs and other ag-related businesses, including improper land spreading of manure and other ag-wastes byproducts and the drift of agricultural pesticides.
• We have worked with our clients to help quantify the direct and indirect costs and damages they suffer when they can’t use their wells.
• We have successfully pursued and defended claims involving stigma damages from environmental contamination.
• We have successfully pursued claims for abatement of nuisances from local businesses, like factories and quarries.
• We have litigated cases involving toxic mold and vapor intrusion from improper construction practices.
• We are knowledgeable about emerging contaminants like PFAs, including their health impacts and the ongoing regulatory efforts at the state and federal level.

Our clients include both homeowners and businesses who are concerned about the value of their property and the safety of the environment in which they live and work. We have seen cases from both sides, and this allows us to better advise our clients and assist them in meeting their goals.

Water Law and Land Use Disputes

Ted and Andy have worked with developers on land use issues, including local and state wetland and waterway permitting and approvals for projects. They are experienced with riparian rights claims and the regulation of dams and their impacts on water levels. Ted and Andy have also represented individuals, communities and non-profits to help have their voices heard as part of the facility siting approval process. We have helped clients attack and defend environmental impact assessments, including the analysis of alternatives to minimize the environmental impacts. When necessary, we have both defended and challenged administrative agency actions both in the contested case process and in court.

Complex Litigation

While most of their practice may touch on environmental pollution related matters, Ted and Andy were trained in the art of complex litigation by some excellent mentors, including the late Bob Friebert of the Milwaukee firm of Friebert, Finerty and St. John, where they spent good portions of their legal careers. Ted and Andy have successfully pursued insurance claims for non-environmental matters, including employee theft, property damage and cyber coverage. They been involved in class action litigation for consumers and business arising out of unfair trade practices. They have handled construction litigation for delays and defective work, ERISA related litigation, and other complex business and contractual disputes. With experience in both state and federal court, Ted and Andy are highly qualified to handle the most complex litigation to help their clients protect their interests.