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Sign a Petition to Ban Asbestos in the U.S.

The dangers of asbestos are widely known and have been for several decades. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that affects the lungs and other areas of the body.

So despite the known dangers of asbestos, the substance is still used in the United States. While it is not mined, it is still imported and used in various industries.

What is being done to address the problem?

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization has created a public petition to ban asbestos in the United States. They are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to take immediate action. Currently, the EPA is starting a review and regulation process that could take up to five years to complete. However, the agency has the option to enact a ban that would start now.

Enacting an immediate ban would mean that tens of thousands of individuals would avoid being exposed to asbestos in the coming years. Over time, this would mean a great reduction in mesothelioma rates in the U.S.

Around the world, more than 50 countries have banned asbestos. We hope the United States is next.

Take action: Individuals are being asked to sign a petition to ban asbestos on Change.org.

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SlideShare Provides Mesothelioma Guide For Families

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you probably have many questions. While focus must shift to medical care, you also need to get sound legal advice or you could lose the right to seek legal remedies.

Piecing together a work history can answer where and when asbestos exposure occurred. Is long-term, direct exposure necessary? In many cases the answer is no, short-term (a college internship in a metal plating factory) or secondhand (laundering asbestos laden clothing) may have been enough.

Studies in the 20s and 30s were already identifying risks associated with asbestos. But many companies and manufacturers ignored the dangers. In our recent white paper, we explain why asbestos was used and which professions  carried greater risks of exposure. Monetary damages could be available to pay for treatment and ensure protections are in place for family.

What are some of the highlights from our paper? You can find out by checking out our easy to skim SlideShare:

To learn answers about how exposure occurred and how to seek a legal remedy, please read our full white paper.

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6 Jobs With High Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos has long been known to cause serious health problems for people who breathe in the fibers. Exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, all of which can be aggressive, fatal illnesses.

Many people are exposed through their occupations. In fact, a number of jobs put workers at a considerably higher risk of asbestos exposure than others do. Below are some of the occupations for which the risk of being exposed to asbestos is especially high.

  • Auto mechanics
  • Construction workers
  • Railroad workers
  • Shipbuilders
  • Miners
  • Workers in oil refineries

While there are policies and practices in place today that limit exposure in these and other industries, it wasn’t always this way. Before the 1980s, work environments, particularly in the above-mentioned occupations, could be riddled with unsafe conditions and lax or ignored rules on asbestos use and handling. Further, workers were not always notified about the presence of asbestos; if they were, the risks may not have been clearly explained.

The true impact of these substandard and inadequate practices may only now be coming to a head, as the symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses can take as long as 50 years to start showing up.

This means that if you or a loved one worked in an occupation where you were exposed to asbestos decades ago, you are still at risk of being diagnosed with a catastrophic illness.

Any person who could be or has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness would be wise to consult an attorney regarding the options to file a legal claim. In many cases, it is possible for victims to collect workers’ compensation and/or compensation from a third-party lawsuit. Money cannot undo the exposure or diagnosis, but it can help victims and their families cover the cost of treatment and cope with the damages caused by the illness.

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These Products May Carry Risk For Asbestos Exposure

Tiny particles that can get into people’s lungs exist in many products and work environments. South Carolina readers may recall various laws enacted between 1973 and 1989 that banned certain products containing asbestos. The problem is that, some time later, many of those bans were overturned. Asbestos exposure remains problematic in many places, causing some people to suffer serious illnesses.

Asbestos has fire retention and insulation properties, which makes it useful to many manufacturers. Much more is known nowadays regarding the potential hazards of repeated exposure to asbestos than was known even a mere decade ago. In 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of spray materials containing more than 1 percent asbestos in pipes, conduits, buildings and other structures.

Products that are not banned that often contain asbestos include vinyl floor tiles, drum brake linings, gaskets and many types of clothing. Sadly, thousands of people suffer illness every year believed to be related to asbestos exposure. Many call it an outrage that insidious cancers, such as Mesothelioma, were likely preventable; yet, year after year, more patients report that their symptoms arose after they were exposed to asbestos.

The courts have a long-standing history of awarding compensation for damages to asbestos exposure victims. Many victims enlist the help of experienced attorneys before heading to court when filing personal injury claims associated with Mesothelioma or asbestosis. Anyone in South Carolina with questions regarding an asbestos situation can request a consultation with an attorney in the area, preferably one who has obtain successful verdicts or settlements for others in this state.

Source: epa.gov, “U.S. Federal Bans on Asbestos“, Accessed on Aug. 7, 2017

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How to Explore Litigation Options Regarding Asbestos Exposure

When you hear the word “natural” with regard to minerals and things, it usually evokes images of good health. However, there are some natural minerals that are known to be extremely dangerous if a person is repeatedly exposed to them, such as asbestos. Asbestos is actually more than one naturally occurring mineral, known to be fire retardant, durable at high temperatures and chemical resistant. South Carolina workers suffering from asbestos exposure can tell you that it’s anything but healthy.

The problem is that asbestos also places anyone exposed to it at great risk for adverse health conditions. When tiny asbestos fibers are ingested, it can set the stage for serious health risks, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. The former is a serious lung disease, and the latter is a pleural condition referring to malignancy in the area between the lungs and chest wall.

Another troubling matter is that many people are not immediately aware they’ve been repeatedly exposed to asbestos. Even in situations where awareness exists, symptoms of disease may not show for years after exposure. Often, serious damage has already occurred within the body before an afflicted person knows he or she is ill.

Asbestos exposure situations often lead to litigation if someone is deemed negligent, such as an employer who failed to warn workers of the presence of asbestos on the job, or to inform them of the potential risks involved with exposure. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, in South Carolina, is fully prepared to assist any person in this state whose health has been impacted by asbestos exposure. Our experienced team is ready to help you protect your rights and fight for any compensation to which you may be entitled.

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Are You Concerned for Your Health Because of Asbestos Exposure?

There are many employment situations in South Carolina that are hazardous to human health. For instance, janitors often use cleaning supplies that contain dangerous chemicals that are potentially hazardous to their health. Some workers repeatedly undergo asbestos exposure, which can wind up causing serious health problems, the symptoms of which may not show up for years.

There’s an inflammatory condition that affects lungs caused by multiple exposures to asbestos over long periods of time. When this occurs, those who suffer often experience permanent lung damage. Those in such situations often feel overwhelmed, afraid and unsure where to turn for help.

Asbestos is used in many products associated with fireproofing, insulation and other items where heat resistance and durability are needed. Those who work in textile mills, oil refineries and shipyards are often at high risk for exposure. Over time, they can ingest or swallow these microscopic particles, thus setting the stage for illness to occur.  Many people have gone on to file legal claims to seek compensation for damages when their lives have been devastated by asbestos exposure.

In fact, Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC often represents people who choose litigation as a means to seek legal accountability against those deemed responsible for their illnesses. We are fully committed to helping you obtain justice. We believe so strongly in the process that we do not charge any fees until you obtain monetary recovery for your losses in court. If you would like to discuss a particular asbestos exposure situation in South Carolina, you may request a meeting by accessing the online contact form available on our website.

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Mesothelioma: Our White Paper Guide For Patients & Their Families

Occupational exposure to asbestos from the 1940s into the 1980s is the only known cause of mesothelioma. After a diagnosis, questions of where and when exposure occurred can be difficult to answer. This is complicated by the fact that it often takes between 10 to 50 years for the disease to develop.

A work history using Social Security records, Navy veteran resources about products used on ships or interviews with co-workers could effectively put the pieces together to complete the puzzle of the where and when. How much exposure could have been enough to cause the disease? Short-term (an internship in a metal plating factory during college) or secondhand (washing asbestos laden uniforms) may even be enough.

What are your legal rights?

The law holds manufacturers responsible when they produce unreasonably dangerous products. Concerns about asbestos exposure were known as early as the 20s and 30s.

To explain the potential legal remedies, we wrote a white paper: “Putting Together the Pieces: A Guide for Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families.” In this guide, you will learn:

  • Why asbestos was so widely used
  • Which professions are associated with a higher risk of developing the disease
  • What monetary damages might be available
  • How to decide on an attorney or law firm

When you or a loved one receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, focus must shift to medical care. At the same time, you need to take action or legal remedies could be lost. By reading our white paper, you can learn about your rights and when to seek legal guidance.

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Airport workers told to get tested for possible asbestos exposure

Those who work in South Carolina airports know that it’s not uncommon for construction projects to take place at such locations. Ongoing construction projects pose certain safety risks to airport employees, construction workers themselves, and any passenger or visitor passing through an airport as well. In another state, concerns have been raised regarding construction that took place at a particular airport last year; many workers now fear they suffered asbestos exposure.

A chief operating officer for the airport stated the company is aware of the situation and remains entirely committed to the safety of its employees. However, workers initially reported their concerns after claiming employers ignored their complaints regarding fear of exposure to asbestos during the construction project. In fact, workers say they had gone to employers with their concerns a full eight months before employers officially warned all workers about the possible risks of exposure.

At least 120 employees were affected by the situation. Airport management says it has already implemented changes to improve its safety practices when construction projects are scheduled to take place. The spokeswoman for the airport said the company acknowledges a need for improvement and has encouraged all workers to get medically tested in relation to this situation.

Asbestos exposure is associated with potentially fatal illnesses. The substance is most dangerous when it is in the air and is breathed in or ingested over extended periods of time. Whether someone has been exposed to asbestos at a South Carolina airport or in another working capacity, he or she should know that support is available, especially if a particular situation leads to litigation.

Source: kxan.com, “ABIA outlines latest response to asbestos exposure in public meeting“, Kylie Mcgivern, David Barer, July 11, 2017

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Are you worried that asbestos exposure has caused your illness?

If you have worked as an engineer, auto mechanic, electrician, HVAC  mechanic or carpenter, you may have something in common with others in related South Carolina industries. At some point in your career, you may have been subjected to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous materials that has caused serious health problems in a great number of people.

The fibers of asbestos are not able to be seen without a microscope. If you inhale or swallow those fibers, you wouldn’t necessarily even be aware of it. Sadly, such situations may lead to adverse health conditions, including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

The person who comes in direct contact with asbestos is not always the only one at risk for ill-effects. Sometimes, family members are unknowingly exposed as well. This is because the microscopic fibers may cling to a worker’s clothing, skin or hair, which can then be breathed in or ingested by those at home.

Asbestos exposure is a serious matter that causes injury and illness in many people’s lives. It’s never easy to face to such situations and it’s even more difficult to try to go it alone when addressing such matters in court. Speaking with an attorney experienced in asbestos-related cases is a good first step to take when pursuing justice in light of any illness or injury you’ve suffered on the job. Sadly, not every victim survives; when fatalities occur, immediate family members may act on the behalves of their ones in court. Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC is full prepared to answer any questions you might have about filing a claim in South Carolina.

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Living in The Era of The Third Wave of Asbestos Exposure

Think asbestos exposure is a thing of the past? Think again. It may seem like common sense — this material is extremely dangerous, we know this material is linked to various forms of extremely deadly cancers — so why is asbestos exposure still an issue?

Unfortunately the answer is not a simple one. Asbestos is a product used in a wide variety of materials. Flooring, braking systems and fiber optic cables are just a few examples. Workers can suffer exposure to this dangerous material when manufacturing, installing or removing products containing asbestos.

Employers are generally required to take safety precautions when workers are exposed to a material known to contain asbestos. A recent report in NPR discusses exposure, noting businesses may be tempted to “cut corners on protections to save money.” This can result in avoidable exposure to workers.

How much exposure to asbestos can result in illness? Unfortunately, even a small amount of exposure can result in illness. One example of a deadly asbestos related illness is mesothelioma. The disease is not uncommon. 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the United States.

What can I do if I or a loved one am diagnosed with an asbestos related disease? Those who are diagnosed with an asbestos related illness and believe they were exposed to the material while working have legal rights. Employers can be held accountable. Contact an experienced lawyer to discuss these rights and better ensure you receive your rightful compensation to help cover the costs connected to exposure.

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