San Francisco Asbestos Liability Lawyer
Asbestos is a combination of six naturally occurring minerals that form flexible, soft fibers. At one time, asbestos was commonly found throughout commercial buildings and the industrial sector. Although the presence of asbestos is not as abundant as it once was, it is still present, and when people become exposed to it, they can develop cancer and a number of other diseases. Sometimes, these life-threatening conditions are due to property owners, manufacturers, and other parties that negligently expose people to asbestos. If you or someone you love has been harmed due to asbestos exposure, our San Francisco asbestos liability lawyer can help you claim the damages you deserve.
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?Although asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, it is not safe for people to be exposed to it. Unfortunately, thousands of people die every year due to asbestos exposure. Even though it is dangerous, asbestos is used in a variety of applications because it is heat-resistant and has many uses. When a person inhales or ingests asbestos, the fibers enter the body and become permanently trapped inside. Over time, this causes inflammation and scarring. Approximately 2% to 10% percent of people who are exposed to asbestos will suffer from mesothelioma, an aggressive and rare form of cancer.
Property owners are responsible for ensuring that the people within a home or other structure are not exposed to asbestos so they do not suffer these serious consequences. Manufacturers are also responsible for making sure the products they use do not expose a person to asbestos. However, it is often difficult to determine liability in asbestos cases. An asbestos liability lawyer in San Francisco can help prove who was at fault for your illness or injury.
Determining Liability for Asbestos Exposure Determining which negligent party is liable for asbestos exposure is a complex legal matter. Typically, fault lies with one of the following parties:- Mining companies: In California alone, there are naturally occurring asbestos sites in 42 counties. Although asbestos mines are now closed, new cases of illness caused by asbestos exposure still emerge every year. It can take years before a person realizes an illness is due to exposure, which is why case numbers continue to increase.
- Miners of asbestos: Although the dangers of asbestos have been known since the 1970s, the mineral is still not banned in the United States. Companies continue to mine asbestos, and when they do, they have a legal obligation to warn of the dangers of the substance. When they do not, they can be held liable.
- Manufacturers of products that contain asbestos: Just as asbestos miners can be held liable, any manufacturer that uses asbestos in their products must warn consumers of the inherent dangers.
- Property owners: Property owners have a responsibility to ensure their premises are safe, and that includes making sure visitors are not exposed to asbestos. When property owners and landlords fail in this regard, they can be held liable.
Asbestos injury cases sometimes involve more than one liable party, making it even more challenging to claim the full damages you deserve.
Call Our Asbestos Liability Attorney in San Francisco TodayIf you or someone you love has developed cancer or any other illness after being exposed to asbestos, our San Francisco asbestos liability attorney at Brod Law Firm can help. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation and to learn more about our proven track record helping accident victims recover the damages they deserve.