Asbestos in Jobs

We go into our workplace every day to subsidize our lives. We work so we can go home at the end of the day and spend time with friends and family, and do all of the things we love to do. When your workplace fails to do all it can to keep you safe on the job, they are very intimately affecting your livelihood. We must work to hold our employers accountable, and our lawyers at Altman & Altman LLP can help you do that.

Exposure to asbestos at work is the #1 leading cause of mesothelioma cancer- a disease difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is present nearly everywhere in America. It is heat, water, and electricity resistant. Many people would be shocked to know that it is present in many household products, and extremely common in construction and commercial areas. It is found on our roads, in our cars, and in our homes. It is in our concrete, bricks, insulation, flooring, roofing, many of our household appliances, and much more. The fact is: you have almost certainly been exposed to asbestos in your lifetime. The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry estimate that over 27 million workers were exposed between the 1940s and 1980s. While rates have gone down, many occupations still carry a serious risk of asbestos exposure. Many workers are only now suffering the consequences of their exposure from years ago.

Here are the occupations with the highest likelihood of asbestos rates:

• Military veterans. The air force, army, navy, coast guard, and marine corps all formerly utilized materials containing asbestos.
• Construction workers. Roofing, drywall and flooring materials are made with asbestos. Demolition crews and renovators are at the highest risk.
• Firefighters. Asbestos is used to make protective gear for firefighters. The nature of the work cause fibers to become airborne. Notably, many first responders on 9/11 were exposed.
• Industrial workers. This includes mechanics, foremen, trade laborers, chemical workers, and machine operators as a result of asbestos in paper, textiles, and insulation. Auto mechanics work with brake linings and clutches, which we now know have traces of asbestos. Asbestos is also found in switchgear and monitors, commonly used by electricians.
• Power plant workers. Fireproofing spray, pipe insulation, and other heat resistant products all contain asbestos.
• Shipyard workers. Boiler, construction, demolition, and vessel repair workers all see high rates of asbestos.
• Mine workers. Asbestos mining ended in the early 2000’s, but miners still suffer from exposure of certain minerals that contain asbestos.
• Teachers. Teachers and students may be exposed to asbestos from worn down school buildings. Furthermore, art supplies may contain asbestos.

Workers in high-risk occupations are just the tip of the iceberg. Many workers brought asbestos fibers home, and unwittingly opened the door to secondhand exposure. The result: millions of Americans at risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other highly compromising health conditions.

A disturbing trend has arisen with jobsites across the country ignoring safety standards as they relate to asbestos. If you believe you were exposed to asbestos on the job, you may have recourse through an asbestos lawsuit. Our lawyers can represent you, and help you receive compensation for your injuries. We understand that you and your family are going through a difficult time. Our firm will handle your asbestos lawsuit from start to finish and provide you with all of the necessary legal information to put your mind at ease. No amount of money can remedy the injuries you have suffered, but compensation may help you get your life back on track.

For further information about your case, please call us toll free 800.481.6199. We look forward to helping you.