Asbestos is an extremely dangerous material that has been linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma. While its use has been banned, asbestos fibers remain present in older buildings.
The Attorney General’s office filed suit against MRM Project Management, its principals, and a contractor over allegations they cut corners during demolition to cause contamination at a Salem property formerly home to Salem Oil and Grease.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to six fibrous minerals (amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite) found naturally. Once mined for use as threads for manufacturing products such as heat-resistant cement sheeting and insulation; friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts); heat-resistant fabrics packaging gaskets heat resistant fabrics packaging gaskets as well as fire-proofing material around wood stoves as fireproofing material around wood stoves as duct tapes used as fire-proofing material around old hot water/steam pipes.
Asbestos poses no health risk when in good condition; however, it should be periodically inspected for signs of damage or deterioration. If material appears likely to become disturbed or damaged, professional removal and replacement should occur as soon as possible. For asbestos removal purposes, contractors should use special chemical spraying techniques that make the material wet before rolling or bagging for laboratory analysis.
How do I know if I have Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure can result in serious health conditions, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, in those exposed in their workplace or homes, placing them at increased risk. Victims of exposure may file lawsuits to recover compensation for medical costs and losses suffered.
Once inside, you can generally identify asbestos by inspecting its condition. Slightly damaged asbestos materials should not be disturbed and should be monitored and restricted access. If renovations will disturb these materials, an accredited asbestos tester should inspect your property to provide necessary recommendations and provide inspection results.
Asbestos can be found in many residential construction materials, including cement products, paint, floor tiles, insulation, artex ceilings, and textured ceilings. When disturbed and damaged materials release tiny fibers into the air that can be inhaled by unsuspecting individuals – leading to serious health complications decades later like mesothelioma or other asbestos-related lung diseases. Proving exposure can be challenging but an experienced mesothelioma attorney will work closely with you to gather all relevant evidence that will support your claim.
How do I know if I have Asbestos Disease?
If you have worked with asbestos or lived in an environment where someone else did, the chances are high that you have developed symptoms of asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. These may include fluid build-up around the lungs, breathing difficulty, chest pain, cough, and fatigue – Mesothelioma causes painful lumps on the lining of both lungs and abdomen if detected; for this reason, it’s wise to see your GP who will listen to your lungs, ask about work history as well as possibly performing an X-ray and lung function test if needed.
People exposed to asbestos in building and manufacturing industries between the 1950s and 1990s may develop asbestosis over time, usually between 20-30 years. Although it cannot be cured, treatment may help alleviate symptoms; compensation may also be available if asbestosis has affected you. Other diseases associated with asbestos exposure can include mesothelioma and pleural plaques – thick spots on lung pleura due to exposure to silica dust cotton dust hard metals or from having conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, or Sarcoidosis.
How do I know if I have Asbestos Cancer?
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases, including mesothelioma. Unfortunately, its symptoms typically don’t show until years or decades post-exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects organ linings such as those found within the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum), and can also form on other body parts such as hearts or testicles.
Asbestos victims may experience various symptoms, including shortness of breath and chest pain. They should seek medical advice if any abnormal symptoms develop; also make sure you inform them about any past asbestos exposures.
An X-ray can be an effective way to determine asbestos exposure. These images can detect scar tissue formation that indicates asbestosis – an ongoing lung condition that requires chronic treatment.
People working in industries where asbestos was utilized may bring home asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin from work, placing their families at increased risk. Families of those exposed should contact a mesothelioma law firm that can assist with filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.
How do I know if I have Asbestos Litigation?
Asbestos litigation refers to legal proceedings related to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis that seek compensation for victims and their loved ones.
Individual mesothelioma lawsuits vary depending on the nature and source of exposure. Usually, personal injury and wrongful death suits against solvent companies may be brought before the court; alternatively, some victims may opt to file bankruptcy trust fund claims instead of formal lawsuits.
No matter the nature of their claim, victims and their families should collaborate with experienced mesothelioma lawyers to protect their rights and ensure a favorable resolution of their cases. This may involve responding to discovery requests, attending depositions, providing relevant evidence about asbestos exposure exposure as well as answering discovery requests and attending depositions.
Asbestos litigation can result in substantial financial settlements for victims and their families. Most asbestos defendants agree to settle out of court to avoid costly trials as well as potential negative publicity associated with litigation proceedings.
