March, 2023

Owner of Former Vermiculite Mine Proposes $18.5 Million to the State of Montana

March 27, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

The owner of an old asbestos mine in Libby, Montana, W.R. Grace, recently offered the state of Montana over $18 million to settle the state’s claims for natural resource damages. Montana has claimed substantial damage to its natural and environmental resources due to the irresponsibility of W.R. Grace & Co.’s business practices while operating the mine. The settlement will relieve the company from many of its liabilities to Montana but will still hold the mining company answerable for its reckless mistakes.

Some Background on the Mine

W.R. Grace & Co. owned and operated a mine that was used to extract and grind vermiculite, a substance found close to asbestos. Because of its closeness to asbestos, it is easy for vermiculite to be asbestos-contaminated.

Do I Need a Specialist to Treat Mesothelioma?

March 24, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare disease that develops after a person is exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for this rare but fatal illness. However, the good news is there are various treatment options for mesothelioma. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are experiencing mesothelioma symptoms, you may wonder if any doctor can treat your illness or if you need to find a specialist.

So, do you need a specialist to treat mesothelioma? If you have mesothelioma, you need a specialist to treat you. Not all physicians can treat mesothelioma. A mesothelioma specialist can create a personalized treatment plan for you, depending on your disease type, the stage the disease is in, the cell type, and your characteristics.

Who is a Mesothelioma Doctor?

Can a Dust Mask Protect From Asbestos?

March 14, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is quite hazardous. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos can lead to various illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Because of this, it is vital for people at risk of encountering asbestos to protect themselves. For construction workers and carpenters, for instance, wearing a dust mask protects them from dust and dirt. A dust mask is a standard part of PPE in many workplaces. But can a dust mask protect from asbestos?

The general rule is that a dust mask is insufficient to protect from asbestos. A simple dust mask may not be enough to prevent a person from developing an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma. Indeed, a dust mask may stop some asbestos fibers, but it is not enough. It is best not to trust a dust mask to protect from asbestos and asbestos-related illnesses.

The Risk of Asbestos

Legacy Asbestos: Some Crucial Information You Should Have

March 3, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a substance that can cause several life-threatening diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. This dangerous mineral is no longer used as frequently as it was many years ago because of strict regulations. Unfortunately, even though asbestos is no longer being used as it was before the 1980s, there is a significant risk of people being exposed to legacy asbestos.

What is Legacy Asbestos?

Legacy asbestos was put in place before governments started regulating the use of asbestos, but it still presents a hazard. The passing of time and forgetting of asbestos that was put in place many years ago is what causes asbestos to become legacy asbestos. Unfortunately, most people do not know that legacy asbestos exists, and that is what makes legacy asbestos so dangerous.