Employer Responsibility After Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and deadly type of cancer that is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. Victims of this illness are usually entitled to significant compensation for the expenses they incur. Most cases of mesothelioma were caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace, which leads to the question – What is a person’s employer responsible for after asbestos exposure?

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we have spent decades helping victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve after a mesothelioma diagnosis or death. We are not afraid to ask the tough questions, and we will not back down from large companies.

What Should You Do If Exposed to Asbestos on the Job?

Every employer is required to inform workers if they are working with asbestos or in an environment with a risk of asbestos exposure.

Take these steps immediately if you are concerned about your asbestos exposure in your current workplace:

Take a shower and wash your clothes immediately to help limit your exposure.
Ask your employer what, if any, precautions have been taken to prevent worker exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can monitor any potential development of mesothelioma.

If you think you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, contact an experienced New York asbestos lawyer as soon as possible to go over your rights and entitlement to compensation.

What Are On-the-job Protections?

The US Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the actions and preventative measures employers should take regarding asbestos. In general, OSHA says that employers should provide protections such as:

Proper training for working with and around asbestos
Monitoring of the exposure levels of employees
Protective gear and clothing, including gloves, goggles, and respirators
Warning signs on material containing asbestos, like raw materials, mixtures, and even waste
Well ventilated workspace

Employers are required to provide safe working environments for employees, including limiting their exposure to dangerous materials like asbestos. When employers fail to follow OSHA safety protocols, workers exposed to asbestos may be able to file a legal claim against them.

What About After-the-job Responsibilities?

Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a long latency period. This means that many victims are not diagnosed until up to 20 to 30 years after they have been exposed to asbestos. This can make it more difficult to hold an employer accountable for asbestos exposure, but certainly not impossible. In the past, employers usually did not take steps to prevent asbestos exposure.

How Can a Mesothelioma Victim Gain Compensation For Past Asbestos Exposure?

Working with an attorney, there are several routes you may be able to take to recover compensation. This could include a lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos or asbestos-containing products, building owners, contractors, and other entities.

In many cases, businesses that caused the exposure are no longer operating or have gone bankrupt. Your attorney may work through an established bankruptcy trust fund (also known as a mesothelioma trust) to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Kind Of Compensation Is Available?

There are various types of compensation available for mesothelioma victims and their family members. This can include:

Coverage of past medical bills as well as the expected cost of future care
The cost of in-home care needed for the mesothelioma victim
Lost income and benefits of the mesothelioma victim
Pain and suffering damage

Get Help Today From An Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney Today

Family members of those killed due to asbestos-related mesothelioma could also be entitled to wrongful death benefits from those responsible for the asbestos exposure. Contact us today for a free no obligation consultation.