Asbestos became increasingly widespread towards the end of the 19th century, when its diverse applications made it ideal for manufacturing. Asbestos can often be found in: concrete, bricks, pipes and fireplace cement; heat, fire, and acid resistant gaskets; pipe insulation; ceiling insulation; fireproof drywall, flooring and roofing. While asbestos has been banned from use for decades, it still remains inside thousands of buildings across the country. Because of this, construction workers may be exposed to asbestos spores and debris through the course of their work.
Asbestos exposure related illnesses include asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural plaque, pleural thickening and pleural effusions (fluid buildup between the lungs and chest cavity). Of these illnesses, asbestosis and mesothelioma are the most serious, and can eventually result in death. Employers have a duty to create a safe environment for worker; but all too often, asbestos exposure is not a concern and workers inhale asbestos spores on a daily basis. Repeated exposure to asbestos can result in the illnesses listed above and has tremendous health ramifications for any person exposed.
One person allegedly exposed to asbestos was Thomas Kenny, a former canning factory worker in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kenny developed mesothelioma and sued his three employers after he learned that his diagnosis could only come from asbestos exposure. Kenny brought a lawsuit against Rexam Beverage Can Co., John Crane Inc. and Haveg Inc. after it was revealed that the building owned and operated by the three companies had manufactured asbestos-containing pipes. According to bigclassaction.com, Kenny argued that he was never warned of the asbestos exposure or given the proper safety equipment, which directly caused his mesothelioma. A local jury agreed with the plaintiff and ordered the three companies to pay Kenny a total of $7.55 million in personal injury damages.
Finding fault in an asbestos exposure injury lawsuit can be extremely complicated and difficult. It requires the expertise and skill of a veteran team of legal professionals. If you or a family member have been injured by asbestos exposure, contact one of our personal injury specialist attorneys today. Our decades of experience have allowed us to recover millions of dollars in personal injury damages for our clients. Call us 24/7 at 617-787-3700, or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!
