If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, you may be in danger of receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis or another potentially fatal disease. The Ledger Law Firm is here to answer any questions you might have about asbestos or filing a lawsuit that holds a responsible party to account for a wrongful asbestos exposure.
Q: What Is Asbestos?
A: Asbestos is actually a group of minerals that occur naturally. The mineral contains fibers that do not conduct any electricity, all while being strong, flexible and resistant to flame, heat and chemicals. Further, the fibers are made up of microscopic threads that were seemingly a perfect fit for industrial products and building applications.
As such, asbestos-containing materials were used widely throughout the United States in the 1900s.
Q: If Asbestos Occurs Naturally, Why Is It Harmful?
A: Asbestos is harmful in part because of the very properties that made it ideal for industrial use. Asbestos fibers are extremely small and durable, but they are also microscopic as mentioned in the previous question’s answer.
If asbestos is manipulated at an industrial site (think cutting, sawing or similar forms of abrasion), the tiny fibers can be released into the air. It is at this point that those fibers can be swallowed or inhaled by people who come into contact with the fibers. Worse, these fibers can exist in the air for quite some time.
Once asbestos enters the body, the durable nature of the fibers ensure that they can remain in the body permanently, situated within the linings of the lungs or similarly vulnerable bodily cavities. From this point onward, asbestos within the body begins to cause serious diseases.
Q: Is Asbestos Still Used at Jobsites Today?
A: Fortunately, no new uses of asbestos are allowed. After overwhelming evidence showed that asbestos is a carcinogen that is toxic to humans, new use of the mineral was banned. Unfortunately, many older buildings and homes built with asbestos still contain the dangerous asbestos materials.
Although such buildings are heavily regulated by the EPA and similar governmental authorities, the risk of asbestos exposure still exists today.
Q: Is It Easy to Determine Whether Building Materials Contain Asbestos?
A: No, but the age of a building or home gives some clue as to whether asbestos-containing materials might be in use. If you are in an older home or jobsite and are unsure whether a particular area or material contains asbestos, a certified professional can take a sample to provide a conclusive determination.
That said, never take a sample yourself. The risks of asbestos exposure are simply too great. Leave such tasks to a professional.
Q: Can I File a Lawsuit If I Was Exposed to Asbestos and Was Diagnosed With an Asbestos-Related Disease?
A: Generally, the answer is yes if your exposure was caused by a legally responsible party who caused the exposure. This could include companies that operated known asbestos jobsites as well as asbestos material manufacturers, suppliers or distributors.
The Ledger Law Firm is here to help you determine whether your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure originating from a wrongful exposure. Contact us to discuss whether you are entitled to legal compensation and justice for an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.
