When you look at asbestos exposure risks by industry, workers who handle asbestos-containing products require fireproof gear, and those who work in older buildings face some of the greatest risk. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer, and if you or a loved one is diagnosed, you should hire an asbestos lawyer as soon as possible to help you determine your legal options.
Asbestos Exposure Risks by Industry
Asbestos was widely used throughout the US in many applications until the health risks became apparent. Thousands of workers across various industries were exposed to asbestos, and many were eventually diagnosed with mesothelioma because of this exposure. Only about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US each year, and despite the fact that the risks of asbestos are well known today, new cases continue to appear because of the disease’s long latency period.
When any asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged, this can release asbestos fibers into the surrounding area, where they could be inhaled or attach to skin and clothing. When asbestos fibers become embedded in the body, this gradually causes mesothelioma to develop over time, sometimes taking decades to cause noticeable symptoms.
Some of the industries identified as high risks for asbestos exposure today include:
- Construction and demolition. Construction workers who tear down older buildings may be exposed to damaged asbestos insulation and other materials containing asbestos. Additionally, while new construction projects rarely use asbestos-containing materials anymore, any necessary materials need to be handled very carefully, and all such work requires strict compliance with applicable asbestos regulations.
- Shipbuilding. Working in a shipyard or in any capacity related to new watercraft construction often means handling asbestos-containing materials, such as boilers and insulating pipes.
- Manufacturing. Workers in various industrial plants producing textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cement, and other materials could be exposed to raw materials contaminated with asbestos.
- Firefighting and emergency response. Emergency responders, especially firefighters, require fireproof safety equipment, much of which is made with asbestos. Over time, damaged equipment can lead to asbestos exposure. Additionally, working in burning buildings containing asbestos is an extreme health hazard to everyone involved.
- Electricians, plumbers, and other trade workers. These individuals often work in older buildings, sometimes behind walls, inside crawlspaces, and in attics that may contain asbestos insulation, pipe coverings made with asbestos, and other hazardous materials.
These are only a few examples of some of the greatest asbestos exposure risks by industry. If you or a family member used to work in any of these industries, it is worth checking whether any of your former work sites have been identified as asbestos exposure risks.
If you begin experiencing any symptoms, early detection of mesothelioma offers better outcomes from treatment, but mesothelioma is ultimately an incurable and terminal form of cancer. The average five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is only 23% when localized to a small part of the body, and this drops to just 11% once it spreads to distant parts of the body.
The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC can help you determine your legal options if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma from your work. Our team has represented thousands of clients from many industries across the US in their mesothelioma cases, and we are confident we can help you build a comprehensive case following your diagnosis. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help.
FAQs
Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. There is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure, and just once is enough for someone to develop this cancer. Repeated exposure greatly increases the risk of developing mesothelioma, and individuals who have a genetic predisposition to cancer are also at increased risk.
Q: Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Asbestos Exposure?
A: You may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim for asbestos exposure if you can prove the exposure happened while you were working and that it has caused a significant medical issue, such as a mesothelioma diagnosis. Many employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and every state in the US has different statutes and regulations for workers’ compensation claims. An attorney can explain what to expect for your situation.
Q: How Do I Prove Fault for Asbestos Exposure at Work?
A: Proving fault for asbestos exposure at work will require gathering evidence that shows when, where, and how you were most likely exposed to asbestos. Since mesothelioma often takes many years to cause noticeable symptoms, your case may require careful review of decades’ worth of employment records and other evidence. Hire a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible so they can help you determine the most likely source of the asbestos exposure that caused the diagnosis.
Q: Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure at Work?
A: You may have grounds to sue for asbestos exposure at work. If you handled products made with or contaminated by asbestos, the manufacturer could be liable for your damages. If your employer knew about an asbestos exposure risk but failed to comply with applicable regulations, or if they concealed this risk, this could form grounds for legal action against your employer.
Q: Why Should I Hire an Asbestos Lawyer?
A: You should hire an asbestos lawyer because these cases are inherently complex in several ways. You may have multiple options for claiming compensation, but navigating your case successfully will be extremely difficult without an experienced attorney on your side. You could be eligible to file a claim to an asbestos trust fund, claim workers’ compensation benefits through your employer, or file a personal injury case for toxic exposure. The team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC has almost 30 years of experience representing clients nationwide in mesothelioma cases, and we are ready to apply this experience to your case. We have successfully secured more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients, including many who were exposed to asbestos in high-risk industries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn more about the legal services we offer.
