Mesothelioma Attorney

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.

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.

How Do I Know if I Have Mesothelioma?

March 30, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is one of the many types of cancer. Unfortunately, just like any other form of cancer, mesothelioma can be quite aggressive. Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer. This cancer develops in the lining of the body’s organs. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that was once used widely in various sectors because of its properties. Unfortunately, because mesothelioma is rare and causes symptoms that can be associated with other common conditions, it can be challenging for someone to determine if they have this illness. In this article, we try to shed light on how someone can know if they have mesothelioma.

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma symptoms can be hard to diagnose since they can mimic those of other more common diseases like pneumonia and the flu. That said, the following are some of the common signs and symptoms of mesothelioma;

Woman Names More Than 30 Cosmetic Companies in Her Mesothelioma Lawsuit

March 26, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

A woman recently filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against more than 30 cosmetic companies in the Massachusetts Superior Court for Middlesex County. The woman, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2023, alleges that these brands’ talcum powder products led to her diagnosis. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops after someone is exposed to asbestos. Some of the companies named in the lawsuit include Johnson & Johnson, Chanel, Marky Kay, L’Oreal, Maybelline, and Pfizer. This case sheds light on the potential dangers lurking within the everyday skincare products that countless people use in America and around the globe.

Understanding How Cosmetics are Linked to Mesothelioma

It may come as a shock to many that cosmetics can lead to the development of mesothelioma. One may wonder how this is possible when asbestos is not one of the ingredients used in cosmetics. The connection between cosmetics and mesothelioma stems from the use of talc in these products. Talc, an organic mineral, is used in cosmetic products because of its ability to absorb moisture. However, talc is often found near asbestos in the earth’s soil. Asbestos is a mineral that consists of microscopic fibers, which, when inhaled or ingested, can irritate cell linings near the lungs or abdominal cavity.

Court Denies Asbestos Defendant Westinghouse’s Request to Be Dismissed From Litigation

March 6, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as R.M., and the victim’s husband as T.M.

After a person develops mesothelioma, they or their loved ones can file a mesothelioma claim on their behalf and seek justice and financial compensation from the party or parties responsible for the asbestos exposure. One of the first crucial steps before filing a mesothelioma case is identifying all the parties responsible for the asbestos exposure. Often, people are exposed to asbestos from multiple sources. Identifying all defendants is vital to ensuring that victims or their families can recover the maximum compensation. Also, identifying all defendants promotes fairness. It ensures that each party responsible for the asbestos exposure is held accountable. However, after identifying all the parties responsible for the asbestos exposure and filing a claim, it is not uncommon for some defendants to deny liability and request the court to drop them from litigation.

In a recent case, the judge denied a co-defendant’s request to be dropped from litigation. The defendant, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, asked the court to drop them from litigation on the grounds that the company they supplied the asbestos-containing materials to did not need any warning about the dangers of asbestos since it was a “sophisticated user.” The claimant and the other defendant opposed this action, and the judge denied the request.

What if a Loved One is Too Sick to Pursue a Mesothelioma Claim?

March 4, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that still has no cure. Fortunately, there are several treatment options. Because mesothelioma takes a long time to develop, it is often diagnosed when it has reached an advanced stage. The illness itself and the treatment can make it hard for a mesothelioma patient to pursue a mesothelioma claim. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, a patient may be put under treatment that takes a toll on their body. However, for mesothelioma patients, pursuing a mesothelioma claim is crucial for seeking financial compensation and justice. Pursuing a mesothelioma claim can help victims recover compensation for, among other things, medical expenses, travel costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It can help patients hold negligent parties accountable.

But what happens if someone is too sick to pursue a mesothelioma claim? If someone is too ill to pursue a mesothelioma claim themselves, their family members can seek compensation and justice on their behalf with the help of an attorney.

Steps Involved in Pursuing Compensation on Behalf of a Loved One

How Does Talc Become Contaminated With Asbestos?

March 1, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral known for its softness and versatility. This mineral is used in a wide range of consumer products. However, over the years, it has been discovered that talc can, at times, contain asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, which, when inhaled or ingested, can cause serious illnesses, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. If talc contains asbestos, it can contaminate products, and the end user can end up using asbestos-contaminated products without knowing and developing asbestos-related illnesses. In this article, we discuss how talc can become contaminated with asbestos.

What is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. This mineral has several notable properties that make it useful in a wide range of products. Talc is the softest mineral, and this property makes it useful in products that require a smooth and silky texture. This mineral can absorb moisture, making it suitable for products like baby and body powders and some cosmetic products. Talc is used in many cosmetics, including face powder, eye shadow, lipsticks, foundation, blush, and even children’s makeup. Additionally, talc is heat resistant and has lubricating properties.