Professional Painters At Risk for Mesothelioma: Were You Exposed to Asbestos?

The often-understated risks that painters face go beyond mere paint splatters and high ladders. One of the less obvious but significantly more dangerous hazards is the exposure to asbestos. Many painters, particularly those active before the 1980s, may have unknowingly encountered asbestos while on the job. This hazardous material can release fibers that can lead to severe health issues like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you were exposed to asbestos as a professional painter, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you have suffered.

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to helping those exposed to asbestos hold the responsible parties fully accountable for the harm they have caused. Our esteemed founding partner, Joe Williams, has over three decades of experience helping mesothelioma victims and has never lost a case. When you partner with him, you can rest assured your case is in the hands of a seasoned and compassionate legal professional. He will fight for you every step of the way to ensure you get the justice you deserve.

How Are Painters Exposed to Asbestos?

Asbestos was an extremely common building material until the late 1970s and was present in many materials that painters encountered every day, including the following:

• Household paints
• Drywall
• Ceiling paints
• Plasters
• Joint compounds
• Silver paints
• Coatings

Many paints contained asbestos to improve the durability of the mixture. While asbestos paints are most commonly found on bridges and in shipyards, they were also used to paint many homes and offices. Asbestos is typically stable when it is part of a paint mixture but may become dangerous if the fibers become loose. Additionally, many painters sand and install drywall themselves, putting them at further risk for exposure, especially when working in older buildings. 

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a known hazardous substance that has been linked to many severe illnesses, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. A few properties that make asbestos hazardous include the following:

• Microscopic Fibers: Asbestos fibers are typically invisible to the naked eye unless they form clumps, making them easy to inhale or swallow without realizing it. 
• Fibers remain in the body: Typically, when you inhale or ingest something, it is only a matter of time before the body flushes it out. However, asbestos fibers can stay in the body without breaking down. When the body tries to destroy the fibers, it may attack the healthy cells around them instead. 
• Toxicity: Asbestos can destroy immune cells and cause inflammation, making breathing challenging. Over time, asbestos in the body can also cause cell mutations, causing the development of lung cancer and mesothelioma. 

According to The Mesothelioma Center, occupational exposure is the number one cause of mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos as a professional painter, a skilled attorney can investigate your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Speak With a First-Class Mesothelioma Attorney at The Williams Law Firm, P.C.

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to being tireless advocates for our clients’ rights and interests. Our lead attorney, Joe Williams, has a remarkable 30-year streak of never losing a case and is deeply committed to supporting you through this challenging journey. We pride ourselves on providing personalized legal services, ensuring every client’s unique situation is addressed with the utmost care and attention. We are dedicated to helping you pursue justice for the full scope of your losses. 

To schedule a free consultation, call us at (855) 575-6376 or complete our contact form today.