There was a time when employers here in Ohio and across the country were not held to the same standards as they are today when it comes to keeping their workers safe. This is best illustrated by the fact that it appears numerous companies knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure for decades. Even so, they failed to protect those who worked for them.
Boiler workers, steel workers, construction workers and others all spent a significant amount of their workdays around asbestos. It was widely used in the United States for decades — well into the 1980s, in fact. Even today, the toxic substance still poses a threat to workers, but now, companies must take certain steps to protect employees from its potentially deadly effects, which may not be felt until decades later.
More than just the workers themselves suffered exposure to asbestos. Because workers did not understand the danger, they would wear their work clothes home and hug their spouses and children. Then, these members of the family — who did not even have the same direct exposure — inhaled and ingested the human carcinogen. Instances of lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and other potentially deadly ailments continue to plague workers and their families.
Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition will probably have to think back decades to determine the point of exposure. In fact, this represents one of the primary challenges of cases involving asbestos exposure. This area of law often comes with numerous challenges, and it may be best to leave the litigation of these matters to an experienced Ohio attorney.
