Fresno Asbestos Lawyer

Asbestos is a highly toxic substance composed of six soft, flexible fibers. At one time, asbestos was widely used in commercial and residential buildings throughout Fresno because it is resistant to heat and corrosion and is extremely strong yet flexible. Today, asbestos is not widely used in the city, but it is still present in older building materials and in the local environment. In fact, Fresno County contains some of the largest natural asbestos deposits in the world. Today, the toxic substance can still be found on the Fresno State Campus, Fresno State Hospital, and the Fresno County Courthouse. Due to the fact that asbestos poses such a danger to people’s health, today it is banned and can no longer be used in new products. Still, there are many buildings and older products in Fresno that contain the substance. When people are exposed to asbestos, they can become sick. One of the most common diseases caused by asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare but incredibly aggressive form of cancer. If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to exposure, our Fresno asbestos lawyer can help.

What Happens After a Person is Exposed to Asbestos?

Asbestos does have many useful purposes, but exposure can be devastating. After a person inhales or ingests the substance, it enters the body and cannot escape, becoming trapped inside. The fibers can lodge in the thin membrane of important organs, such as the lungs. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and permanent scarring. Although many people can suffer harm due to asbestos exposure, approximately 2% to 10% of those exposed will develop mesothelioma.

What is the Law on Asbestos Exposure in California?

The Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM) are laws meant to protect people in California from the abundance of asbestos that is found naturally throughout the state. These laws regulate surfacing applications and the grading, quarrying, construction, and surface mining of asbestos. Surfacing applications include the production and sale of certain materials, including gravel and sand, in asbestos sites.

Determining Liability for Asbestos Exposure

Property owners have a legal obligation to ensure that anyone who visits their premises is not exposed to asbestos. Manufacturers also have a duty to ensure their products do not contain asbestos. If a manufacturer must use asbestos, they have a legal obligation to warn consumers of the presence of the product and the dangers of it. When manufacturers and property owners fail to fulfill their legal duties, they can be held liable for exposure with the help of an asbestos attorney in Fresno.

Lastly, employers and contractors can be held liable if they fail to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and workers are exposed to the toxic substance. The courts in the state have also determined that employers can be held liable if a worker carried asbestos home on their clothing and a family member became sick as a result.

Contact Our Asbestos Lawyer in Fresno Today

At Brod Law Firm, our Fresno asbestos attorney has seen the devastating effects of exposure to this toxic substance and is committed to helping injured individuals and their families obtain the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.