Eight people were taken to the hospital yesterday after coming in contact with a possible hazardous material.

According to WVEC, HazMat crews were called to Norfolk International Terminal (NIT) to investigate a leaking container on the container ship Antwerpen Express.

The eight workers complained about shortness of breath.  They were then decontaminated on site, and taken to various hospitals.  The injuries are not being considered life threatening. 

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If an individual were to suffer illness or injury due to exposure to a toxic substance, and it is determined that the  party responsible was negligent or knew about its danger, that individual has legal rights.  

A toxic tort is a type of personal injury lawsuit in which an individual was exposed to a toxic substance that caused their illness or injury. Several goals of tort law include:

• compensation for
  • medical expenses
  • lost wages
  • pain and suffering
• prevention of future negligence