Visalia Asbestos Lawyer
Asbestos is made up of six naturally occurring minerals that create soft, flexible fibers. Asbestos has many industrial uses and it was commonly found throughout many different types of buildings at one time. Today, people are much more aware of the dangers asbestos poses and so, it is not as present as it once was. Still, asbestos can still be found in many places and cause people to become exposed. After exposure, people can develop a number of devastating diseases, including cancer. Manufacturers, property owners, and other entities have a legal duty to keep other people safe from the risk of asbestos. When they fail to meet that legal duty, these parties are considered negligent and can be found liable for paying your damages. Our Visalia asbestos lawyer can help you obtain the full settlement you deserve.
The Dangers of AsbestosWhile asbestos is a naturally-occurring substance, it poses many risks for anyone who is exposed. Thousands of people every year lose their lives after asbestos exposure. Asbestos has many uses including roofing shingles, cement products, floor tiles, and more. This is largely due to the fact that it is extremely durable and heat-resistant.
After a person is exposed, they may ingest or inhale the asbestos, causing the fibers to enter the body and become trapped inside permanently. Over time, those fibers can cause inflammation and scarring. For 2% to 10% of people who are exposed to asbestos, mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, is one of the worst consequences of asbestos exposure. Other lung diseases are common after asbestos exposure. If you have contracted mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness, reach out to an experienced asbestos attorney in Visalia today.
Who is Liable for Asbestos Exposure?Determining if someone else is responsible for your injuries caused by asbestos exposure is a complicated legal matter. In most cases, the party liable for paying damages is one of the following:
- Property owners: Property owners must make sure their premises are safe for others to enter. This includes taking measures to ensure visitors are not exposed to asbestos. When owners of hotels, condo complexes, businesses, and other property owners do not take these measures, they can be held liable for any injuries that result.
- Product manufacturers: Manufacturers still use asbestos in many uses today, and the substance is not banned. However, manufacturers must inform consumers of any dangers associated with their products, and that includes informing consumers when a product contains asbestos.
- Mining companies: California is home to 42 different counties that contain asbestos sites. While the mines are all now closed, people sometimes do not realize their illness was caused by asbestos exposure for many years. For this reason, the number of people affected in these communities continues to rise steadily.
If you have become sick after being exposed to asbestos, or you have lost someone you love, our Visalia asbestos attorney at Brod Law Firm can help. We understand the devastating effects of this substance and are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the compensation they need. We will put that expertise to work for you, too. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the information you need.