April, 2024

Understanding OSHA’s Asbestos Standards and Regulations for Workplaces

April 25, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used many years ago due to its strength and ability to resist heat and corrosion in many industries, including construction, automotive, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and textiles. Despite its attractive qualities, asbestos is a dangerous mineral. Asbestos exposure can cause cancer and other serious illnesses. While asbestos exposure can occur anywhere, the most common type of asbestos exposure occurs in occupational settings.

The dangers of asbestos have long been recognized, leading regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to implement strict measures to keep employees safe from developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. Unfortunately, some employers don’t follow safety guidelines, putting employees at risk. Below, we discuss OSHA’s asbestos standards and regulations for workplaces, workers’ rights, and what recourse is available for affected workers.

OSHA Asbestos Standards and Regulations for Workplaces

What Happens After a Mistrial in a Mesothelioma Case?

April 22, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is traumatic enough. The last thing a claimant in a mesothelioma lawsuit wants is for the judge presiding over their case to declare a mistrial and for things to go back to square one. Unfortunately, while mistrials in mesothelioma lawsuits do not happen a lot, a mistrial can happen. In this article, we discuss what a mistrial is, what can cause a mistrial, and what happens after a mistrial.

What is a Mistrial?

A mistrial arises when a court case is ended before its conclusion. Generally, a mistrial occurs if a lawsuit is not presented properly or the trial is not fair. A mistrial is typically declared by the judge presiding over the case. A judge has the authority to decide to declare a mistrial if the situation warrants a mistrial. A mistrial in a mesothelioma case can cause emotional strain, financial uncertainty, and delays in justice. However, a mistrial in a mesothelioma case does not necessarily mean that justice will not be served. It does not necessarily mean that the claimant will not recover compensation.

What Should I Do if I Find Asbestos in a School?

April 5, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos was once widely used in the construction industry because of its fire-resistant and insulation properties. After the dangers of this material became widely known, its use was limited. The use of asbestos has been regulated in the United States of America since the early 1970s. However, because many buildings built before the 1980s were constructed using asbestos-contaminated materials, it is common for asbestos to still be present in buildings, including school buildings. The issue is that if asbestos remains undetected in a school building, it may be accidentally disturbed. Asbestos is harmless if left undisturbed. However, if disturbed, it can result in tiny microscopic fibers being released into the air, which, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious health issues. If no one knows of the existence of asbestos in a school, teachers, other staff, students, parents, and other community members may continually breathe in those fibers without realizing it. If asbestos is discovered in a school, it can save many people’s lives. But what should you do if you find asbestos in a school? Read on to find out.

What to Do if You Discover Asbestos in a School

Prompt and careful action is necessary after asbestos is discovered in a school. If there is asbestos in a school, the following are the steps to take to ensure your safety and the safety of others;

Cruise Ships and Asbestos Exposure

April 4, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

When people think about cruise ships, rarely do they think about dangerous asbestos exposure. Often, when people think about cruise ships, they think of luxury, relaxation, and adventure. However, underneath all the glamor lies a less glamorous reality. Many people who worked on cruise ships many years ago may have been exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure can result in the development of deadly illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. There are six types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Asbestos is known for being resistant to heat, wear, and chemicals, and for its flexibility. These and many other characteristics make asbestos a suitable material for use as insulation in many fields.

Can a Mesothelioma Claim Compensation Cover Surgery?

April 3, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

After a person is exposed to asbestos, they may develop various illnesses, including mesothelioma. In the United States of America, it is believed there are approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma every year. While mesothelioma can affect people of all ages, this illness is more common among older people than younger people. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of people diagnosed with the most common type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, is 72. Unfortunately, the prognosis of mesothelioma is often poor, and there is still no cure for this disease. However, there are several treatment options. One of the treatment options for mesothelioma is surgery.

For people diagnosed with mesothelioma, it can be daunting navigating treatment options and the costs associated with treatment. The truth is that mesothelioma treatment can be expensive. Mesothelioma treatment can result in a heavy financial burden. Fortunately, mesothelioma victims and their families often do not have to deal with the cost of treatment alone. Mesothelioma victims and their families can recover financial compensation from the parties responsible for the asbestos exposure.

But while compensation is available for mesothelioma victims and their families, a common concern for people considering surgery as a treatment option is whether a mesothelioma claim compensation can cover surgery. So, can the compensation recovered through a mesothelioma claim cover surgery? Yes, a mesothelioma claim compensation can cover surgery. However, whether a mesothelioma claim compensation can cover surgery may depend on several factors, including the specifics of the case, the terms of the compensation package, and the applicable rules. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is best that you seek the guidance of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can help you pursue rightful compensation to alleviate the financial burden of mesothelioma treatment.

A South Carolina Jury Awards a Mesothelioma Widow $1.75 Million in Compensation

April 2, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the deceased victim, in this case, will be referred to as Mr. C.B., and his surviving spouse as Mrs. M.B.

In a recent court decision, a South Carolina jury awarded a mesothelioma widow $1.75 million in compensation. The jury’s decision held the defendant, John Crane, Inc., accountable for negligence in the mesothelioma victim’s untimely death.

The mesothelioma victim’s widow, Mrs. M.B., filed a claim against John Crane, Inc., and accused the company of having irresponsibly exposed her late husband, Mr. C.B., to asbestos-contaminated gaskets when he was working at the Celanese factory in the maintenance department. According to the widow, the gaskets that were used in Celanese’s processes only lasted for a short time before wearing out. After they wore out, the gaskets would be taken to Mr. C.B.’s department, where their residue would be scraped off to allow for the installation of new gaskets. It was during this process that Mr. B would inhale the asbestos dust, which later led to the development of his illness.