Ojai Asbestos Lawyer

Asbestos is a substance that has been used by humans for thousands of years. During the Industrial Revolution, there was a huge increase in the mining and use of asbestos for insulation, steam engines, and building materials. That heavy use of asbestos continued into the 20th century, but in the 1970s, the dangers of asbestos became more widely known. People who worked with it regularly, such as mechanics, plumbers, and construction workers, became very sick after being exposed to the harmful substance. Now, many of these workers think they have no recourse. They no longer work for the same company they were employed at when they were exposed, and the diseases caused by asbestos have very long latency periods. As such, workers’ compensation is no longer available to these individuals. Below, our Ojai asbestos lawyer outlines how you can claim compensation if you or a loved one has suffered harm.

Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?

Asbestos is a substance that is composed of six minerals that form flexible, soft fibers. After a person is exposed, they may inhale those fibers. When they do, the fibers become trapped in the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and other important organs. Over time, this can cause inflammation and permanent scarring.

Asbestos exposure causes many different diseases. These include laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Of all the different diseases caused by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is one of the most dangerous. Mesothelioma is a very rare but extremely aggressive type of cancer.

The majority of people once affected by asbestos were individuals who were exposed at work. However, their family members were also affected. Asbestos fibers can cling to clothing and a person’s body. When family members, such as a spouse, handled that clothing, they could also inhale the fibers and suffer serious harm. If you or a loved one have been exposed to Asbestos, call an asbestos attorney in Ojai right away.

Who Is Liable for Asbestos Exposure?

If you or someone you love has become sick due to negligent asbestos exposure, you may be able to file a claim for damages. The first step is to determine who is liable, or to blame, for the exposure. Potential liable parties are as follows:

• Manufacturers and distributors: Companies that sold or manufactured products containing asbestos, such as talcum powder, brake pads, construction materials, and insulation, can be held liable if they failed to warn that the products contained the harmful material.
• Employers: Employers that failed to provide safety equipment, warn workers, or prevent asbestos dust from being brought home on employees’ clothing can be held liable for their negligence.
• Landlords and other property owners: Property owners must disclose the risk of asbestos in residential and commercial buildings.
• Contractors: Contractors and construction firms that demolished or disturbed asbestos without following proper safety regulations can also be held liable.

Our Asbestos Lawyer in Ojai Can Determine Liability

Determining liability for asbestos is particularly challenging because often, people do not start experiencing symptoms until decades after exposure. At Brod Law Firm, our Ojai asbestos attorney can determine who is to blame for your injuries and hold them accountable for paying the full compensation you deserve. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.