Sadly, many asbestos manufacturers and sellers have harmed innocent people and put them at risk for serious asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Diseases stemming from asbestos exposure tend to develop slowly, with symptoms frequently mistaken for other health problems. Malignant mesothelioma can even develop 30 years after exposure. By the time workers and other asbestos victims realize that they are suffering from asbestos exposure, the disease is usually at a fatal stage. That is one reason our mesothelioma lawyers stress the need for the quick resolution of asbestos trials.
In a highly anticipated asbestos trial last year, the court wasted no time in awarding close to $4,320,000 in damages to the widow of the asbestos victim. In fact, the judge ordered a directed verdict for the victim before the trial even started.
The trial was expedited when one of the main witnesses who worked for the company accused of violating asbestos regulations refused to testify. The court could not order him to testify, and instead immediately held a mini trial on damages for the victim.
Our mesothelioma attorneys caution workers to be wary of asbestos exposure. Two categories of workers are particularly at risk – those who produce asbestos products and those who are involved in their installation or demolition. The primary risk factor is malignant mesothelioma, a cancer which affects the membrane lining of the lungs and stomach. One of the most troubling facts about this deadly disease is that it is usually in a highly advanced stage by the time it is discovered and treatment is unsuccessful.
However, it’s not only workers who are affected. Anyone who comes into contact with airborn asbestos fibers is susceptible to an asbestos illness. Fortunately, the EPA is taking the lead in monitoring and reducing asbestos. It was recently reported that the EPA provided the Oklahoma Department of Labor with about $240,000 to reduce the possibility of asbestos exposure in schools and state buildings.
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The EPA is also involved in a major asbestos clean-up project in Libby, Montana, where hundreds of people have already died from asbestos exposure. For many year, W.R. Grace and Co. operated an asbestos-containing vermiculite mine there, and this created a serious health risk for workers and anyone in the area. Job sites in 40 states may have received contaminated asbestos products from Libby, so the threat of harm is widespread.
Our asbestos lawyers have learned that the negligent company knew of the dangers of the vermiculite mine several years ago. But they put profits ahead of human safety, and put thousands of people at risk of harm.
Although the EPA banned most asbestos-containing products in 1989, this naturally occurring mineral fiber is still being used. The toxic mineral becomes extremely dangerous when it is damaged, disturbed, or deteriorates over time. This releases asbestos fibers into the air, and leads to diseases such as mesothelioma.
One of the most vivid examples of such exposure stems from the 9/11 attacks. It is estimated that at least 400 tons of asbestos went into constructing the World Trade Center. Tests have revealed the presence of carcinogens from asbestos at the scene.
Several first responders and others around the site eventually developed fatal mesothelioma due to the inhalation or ingestion of these carcinogens. The government has approved compensation for these mesothelioma sufferers.
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If you are suffering the deadly effects of asbestos exposure, asbestos cancer lawyerscan help you get maximum compensation. Many companies around the country negligently or recklessly put workers at risk of toxic asbestos exposure in order to turn a profit.
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