Things To Know About Asbestos, A Useful, But Hazardous, Substance

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that has been used since ancient times for its fire-resistant qualities. In the United States, it came into widespread industrial usage in the 1800s and beyond – with disastrous consequences for many workers.

For more than 25 years, Bergman Draper Oslund Udo has been a beacon of hope for injured workers, veterans and others who have become ill through proximity to asbestos — sometimes decades after they were first exposed to it. Our attorneys have helped many recover compensation for their losses. Our dedication to our clients’ well-being is unwavering.

Traditional Uses For Asbestos

Asbestos has had a wide range of applications in building materials and industrial installations. It has traditionally been incorporated into concrete, bricks and fireplaces. It can be found in pipes and insulation. During World War II and beyond, it was a key material for railyards, shipbuilding yards, construction sites and factories producing cars and trucks.

Beginning in the 1920s and increasingly through the 1970s, medical journals and other publications began spreading the word about the health hazards of asbestos. Medical researchers, veterans groups and labor unions seeking to protect workers’ rights spoke up about the cause-and-effect nature of asbestos use and serious medical conditions. Even though researchers have long documented in detail the deadly consequences of asbestos exposure on ships and elsewhere, large corporations continued to import and use asbestos fibers in many products over the years. Today, more than 60 countries have banned the import or use of asbestos, but its use remains legal in the U.S. in limited quantities.

Relentless Legal Protection For Workers Injured Due To Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos continues to be an occupational risk for many Americans in the construction industry and other occupations. According to the Environmental Working Group Action Fund (EWG Action Fund), asbestos claims the lives of approximately 15,000 Americans per year. If you or a loved one is currently fighting against the aftermath of asbestos exposure, below, we address some common questions around legal actions and considerations you may want to explore:

Is there a class action I can get involved in for asbestos exposure?

There is no asbestos or mesothelioma “class action” – each case is litigated individually given the seriousness of the injury and unique exposures in every case. This is why a potential client needs an experienced asbestos attorney.

Where was I exposed to asbestos?

Asbestos exposure may occur at your workplace. Due to its insulation and fireproofing properties, it had many industrial uses. In the Pacific Northwest, heavy asbestos use occurred in shipbuilding, refineries, pulp and paper mills. Exposures to asbestos also from automotive brake repair and construction activities. We have also found that many people who have not worked directly with asbestos products are exposed to asbestos brought home on work clothes – usually by a husband or father.

How long is asbestos in certain products?

Asbestos remains in products until removed by trained asbestos abatement professionals. If asbestos is disturbed, it could stay for long periods in the air before settling.

When Asbestos Exposure Takes Its Toll

Our plaintiffs’ law firm is dedicated to helping people who are now paying the price for others’ willingness to put them in harm’s way. That unacceptable price is deteriorating health or the loss of their loved ones to mesothelioma and other diseases triggered by exposure to asbestos. Time and again, we find that our clients’ former employers persisted in the use of asbestos in their workplaces despite widespread knowledge of the dangers.

To learn how we can help you pursue the compensation that you need for medical expenses, lost wage replacement and more, call us at 206-558-9840 or contact us online.