Top Berkeley, MO Environmental Law Lawyers Near You

What Are Environmental Laws?

Environmental laws are the laws that regulate the use and treatment of the air, land, and water for both people and businesses. Types of environmental law cases can involve:

• Use of natural resources
• Land use regulations
• Pollution monitoring and cleanup
• Toxic torts
• Clean air and water acts
• Environmental justice

What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need an Environmental Lawyer?

Environmental lawyers often work with small business owners and land owners to comply with Berkeley, Missouri, and federal environmental regulations. You should contact an environmental lawyer if you have questions related to situations like:

• You are buying or leasing property with pollution concerns (dry cleaners, waste management, or gas stations)
• You need to take remedial actions for polluted properties or Superfund sites
• A business or neighboring landowner is illegally dumping polluted material or water onto your property
• A power plant is polluting the air you and your family breathe

How Can an Environmental Lawyer Help Me?

With proper research and planning, an environmental lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes or seek justice for damage or illnesses. Getting stuck with remediation or cleanup of a contaminated site can be cost-prohibitive. Due diligence and contract negotiations can protect you from being on the hook for someone else’s pollution. An environmental lawyer can protect you with:

• Due diligence of the property and property ownership
• Environmental impact studies
• Environmental liability insurance
• Environmental risk allocation
• Alternative site reviews

What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire an Environmental Lawyer?

If you don’t hire an environmental law attorney, your business could be left holding the bag for severe pollution cleanup. Chemical contamination of the land and water can take years to remediate and expose you to lawsuits and fines. If you assume the title without an environmental review, you could be liable for pollution and land contamination. This could also expose you to legal action, including:

• Toxic tort claims
• EPA violations
• Hazardous waste disposal

What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find an Environmental Lawyer in Berkeley?

Make sure you find the right lawyer to handle your environmental law case. These questions can help you decide if you are confident that a lawyer has the qualifications and environmental law experience to manage your case. Many lawyers offer initial consultations so you can feel comfortable that you are hiring the right attorney for the job. The top questions to ask include:

• What is your experience with environmental law in Missouri?
• Do you have experience with these types of properties?
• Have you dealt with cases involving my type of environmental law issues?
• What potential outcomes should I expect from my case?
• How do you stay updated on changes in Missouri and federal environmental law?

Tips for Hiring an Environmental Lawyer

Take the time to find a lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:

• Ask for recommendations
• Research lawyers online
• Schedule consultations
• Review experience and expertise
• Talk about billing and fees
• Trust your instincts