Asbestos

In the past, asbestos was used widely in building materials, consumer products and automotive parts. Workers in many industries from shipyards to steel plants were exposed to asbestos. A large percentage of them suffered from serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma, or died as a result of their exposure.

Federal regulations now restrict the use of asbestos, but do not outright ban its use. Under the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) restrictions in Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, employers are required to provide a workplace environment “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.”

Pursuant to this statute, regulations have been issued concerning the use of asbestos in the workplace.

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Common Locations for Asbestos

James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. has represented many individuals and families who suffered losses from asbestos-related diseases. We serve clients across the country. Contact us or complete the form to schedule a free consultation.
Toll Free: +1 (877) 341-2595

Email: jhumphreys@jfhumphreys.com

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A Brief History Of Asbestos

Asbestos was lauded for its fire resistant abilities and was mined in numerous locations throughout the world, becoming very popular during the Industrial Revolution. Locomotives, the textile industry, steam engines and other manufacturing processes benefited greatly from asbestos use.

During World War II, many ships and planes were built using asbestos-containing materials. The housing and construction industry also took advantage of asbestos until the United States Congress was forced to recognize the life-threatening effects asbestos had on people and passed legislation limiting asbestos use.

The first legal cases regarding asbestos in the United States emerged in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the courts were hit with large numbers of asbestos lawsuits. Even today, while certain uses of asbestos are prohibited, asbestos use is not completely banned in the United States. The last U.S. asbestos mine to close was the King City Asbestos Company (KCAC) mine in California in 2002.

Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

It is well documented that mesothelioma develops as a result of exposure to asbestos. Workers in various industries breathed in dust containing asbestos for years unaware of the potential consequences. The dangers of asbestos were known for decades before it was regulated. Companies that knew of the dangers, and did not alert their workers, are potentially liable for resulting injuries.

Workers may still suffer from asbestos-related illnesses due to past exposure since the symptoms of many diseases, like mesothelioma, take years to appear after asbestos exposure.

Industrial Asbestos

Many of our clients who suffered lung damage from asbestos exposure are already deceased or retired. Successful representation in these cases involves tracing their asbestos exposure to the responsible employers and manufacturers. James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. maintains an extensive database of information about workplaces and products that we use to help us litigate our clients’ cases. Other lawyers often refer clients to our law firm because of our record of success.

Some workers who could have been exposed to asbestos:

Power plant workers: Power companies used asbestos in insulation, to cover pipes and boilers, in protective clothing and blankets, and in construction products such as concrete, fireproofing, joint compounds and plaster.
Chemical plant workers: Asbestos was commonly used in chemical plants in insulation, protective clothing, blankets and construction.
Steel mill workers: Asbestos was widely used in insulation and molds, as well as protective clothing worn by steel mill workers.
Electricians: Electricians may still encounter asbestos when routing electrical wires and cables through insulation in older buildings.
Spouses and family: Spouses and family members of workers may have been exposed to asbestos fibers when washing or handling clothing worn by exposed workers.

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If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos and has developed a medical condition as a result, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Contact James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Toll Free: +1 (877) 341-2595

Email: jhumphreys@jfhumphreys.com