Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer and
The Role of Negligence in Exposure:
Asbestos causes cancer. In the United States, we’ve known this for decades, but asbestos hasn't been banned here. While U.S. law and regulations place many more restrictions on using asbestos now, workers and even the public still face dangerous asbestos exposure if companies don’t comply. When working with asbestos, negligence can be deadly.
Why Asbestos Is Dangerous
Asbestos is a lightweight mineral once prized for its flame-resistant, durable properties. For decades, manufacturers used asbestos in many materials to make them flame retardant. However, asbestos is a carcinogen. While the federal government now restricts the use of asbestos much more, it’s still used. When materials containing asbestos break down because of age, fire, flood, or other means, lightweight asbestos fibers can end up in the air or water, where people can inhale or ingest them. Once inhaled or ingested, asbestos can cause lung cancer and many chronic health conditions.
Asbestos at Work
When an employer is negligent, people who work with or near asbestos can inhale or ingest these dangerous materials. An employer may be negligent if they don’t take proper precautions or ensure employees have the appropriate safety equipment. We’ve known that asbestos exposure causes cancer for decades. At this point, any employer or manufacturer not taking precautions to protect the general public or their employees from asbestos exposure could be negligent.
Negligence and Asbestos Exposure
If a company exposes its employees to asbestos, the company may be responsible for any resulting injuries. They can be responsible for:
- Occupational exposure:
- Occupational exposure happens when an employer doesn’t take proper precautions to limit exposure or provide proper safety equipment.
- Secondary exposure:
- Secondary exposure happens through contact with someone who works with asbestos. For example, if a spouse brings home asbestos on their work clothes.
- Hazardous product exposure:
- You can also be exposed to asbestos through products that contain it.
Talk to an Experienced Asbestos Lawyer
If you’re facing a mesothelioma or cancer diagnosis because of the negligence of an employer or the manufacturer or seller of a product containing asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. We’ve been helping families like yours receive the compensation they deserve since 1972. Call us at 1-888-910-6376 or contact us online to talk with us. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
