Since the 1970s, the federal government has recognized the dangers asbestos poses to the health and safety of those who come in contact with it. To that end, the government empowered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate asbestos contaminated sites across the country and force responsible parties to take accountability in the clean up effort.
On December 11, 1980, Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), informally known as Superfund. The law works by putting a tax on chemical and gas companies as well as giving the EPA the authority to respond to environmental disasters.
To keep track of contaminated sites, the EPA created a National Priorities List (NPL) which includes areas like mines, factories, shipyards, and other industrial sites where asbestos has been detected. Over the years, the EPA has initiated numerous asbestos clean up efforts, putting the financial burden on the shoulders of the asbestos producers and product users.
Do EPA Superfunds Compensate Mesothelioma Victims?
The mission of the EPA Superfunds is to identify areas contaminated by asbestos and other dangerous chemicals and collect funds from polluters to pay for the clean up. Unfortunately, this does not include any types of civil action to provide invaluable compensation to ordinary people hurt by coming into contact with asbestos from these sites.
In order for mesothelioma victims to recover for damages, they must file an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit against parties believed to be responsible for the exposure. Having the EPA designate a workplace where the alleged asbestos exposure took place a Superfund site can be a tremendous help to proving asbestos was the proximate cause of developing the deadly lung disease.
What Can I Recover in an Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
Mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits allege that manufacturers knew their products contained the deadly industrial material but did nothing to warn those coming in contact with it of the dangers posed. Furthermore, employers and other entities may be held responsible if it can be demonstrated they were aware the products employed in the businessās operations were contaminated with asbestos.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, mesothelioma victims may be able to recover for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Surviving family members of asbestos cancer victims may also hold the right to file wrongful death and survival action claims against responsible parties.
Speaking to an experienced nationwide mesothelioma lawyer can help victims understand their legal options and investigate the situation. All too often, wrongdoers responsible for mesothelioma from asbestos exposure fail to take responsibility for their careless actions and force the hand of those who deserve compensation for their injuries.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawyer
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it may be possible for you to hold those responsible for your exposure to asbestos accountable. For more information, contact our office. The Throneberry Law Group understands the difficulty of dealing with asbestos-related diseases and look forward to discussing how we can help.
