Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
It is crucial to handle asbestos safely. People should avoid performing asbestos removal themselves. Asbestos removal is a job that should be left to professionals. Ensuring that asbestos is disposed of correctly after removal is also crucial. Asbestos or asbestos-contaminated products should not be dumped just anywhere. Failure to properly dispose of asbestos can put people around the asbestos in danger. Any individual who wants to remove asbestos from a property should ensure that they seek the help of professionals. Hiring an asbestos abatement company is the only way to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.
The Proper Way of Disposing of Asbestos
When property owners want to remove asbestos, they must follow the proper steps. Failure to follow the right steps can put many people in danger. The first step to ensure proper removal and disposal of asbestos is hiring a certified asbestos abatement company. The first thing an asbestos abatement company will do is determine if asbestos is present. Sometimes, a person might think that asbestos is present when it really isn’t. If it is determined that asbestos is present, the next step will be to apply for permits. No demolition or renovation can begin until permits have been granted.
Once permits have been granted and the asbestos abatement company has removed the asbestos, the asbestos must be sealed in clearly marked containers that don’t leak. The asbestos must then be taken to a designated, engineered, hazardous waste processing facility for disposal. In other words, asbestos should not be dumped in a place that is not authorized to receive asbestos. Asbestos-laden products should never be taken out with the trash. Safety protocols are in place in the waste processing facilities to ensure worker safety and prevent danger to the general public. Additionally, the EPA closely monitors these facilities.
What Is the Danger of Improper Asbestos Disposal?
When asbestos-contaminated products are not disposed of correctly, asbestos fibers can become airborne. If the fibers are kicked up high enough, people can inhale them. Inhaling asbestos fibers can result in the development of various asbestos-related diseases. One of the most common diseases people develop after inhaling asbestos fibers is mesothelioma. Unfortunately, it can take a long time from the time a person inhales asbestos fibers for them to realize they have mesothelioma. This is because mesothelioma symptoms do not develop immediately. The Mayo Clinic estimates that it can take up to six decades or more for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure.
Victims Have Legal Rights
If a person suffers asbestos exposure because someone or a company failed to properly dispose of asbestos, the victim or their family may file a legal claim. In the United States, people who fail to act in a reasonable and prudent manner to prevent harm to others can be held liable and asked to pay damages to plaintiffs. With the amount of information available about the risk of asbestos exposure, it is hard for any defendant to argue that they didn’t know of the dangers.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.