Unfortunately, as many as 1.3 million people in the United States are in a workplace environment that exposes them to significant amounts of asbestos each day. Decades ago, a link has been established between asbestos and serious health problems including mesothelioma. If you have encountered asbestos and have faced illness as a result, our legal team can help you. Reach out to our firm today to discuss the specifics of your case and your legal options. Our Houston personal injury attorneys are on your side.
How do I know if I was sickened from asbestos?
Asbestos occurs naturally in the environment, however, even short-term exposure to substantial levels of inhaled asbestos fibers on the job can result in breathing problems, coughing and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to this carcinogen can result in the following serious health issues:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma, i.e. a form of cancer that invades the lining of the chest and abdomen
- Asbestosis, i.e. lung inflammation and buildup that can cause coughing, difficulty breathing and permanent lung damage
- Colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers
- Abnormalities, such as thickening and calcification, in the lining of the chest cavity
What jobs are susceptible to asbestos exposure in Texas?
Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is still fairly common in some lines of work. The following are some of the occupations with the most frequent and sustained exposure:
- Roofing
- Construction, renovation and demolition of commercial and residential buildings
- Shipbuilding
- Papermills
- Heating and cooling equipment repair
- Automotive repair, especially brake and clutch repair
- Manufacture of products containing asbestos
- Janitorial jobs in buildings that contain deteriorating asbestos
If you were exposed to asbestos and have faced the consequences, you should reach out to one of our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers today to discuss your options and start preparing your plan.
How do you prove an asbestos claim against an employer?
There are a number of measures that employers should take to maintain detailed occupational standards for their employees, including the following:
- Training of employees who will be working with and around asbestos
- Adequately ventilated workspaces
- Monitoring of employees for asbestos exposure levels, including daily monitoring for workers involved in the removal of asbestos-containing materials
- Warning signs and instructions in places where asbestos-related work is conducted
- Protective clothing like coveralls, gloves, foot coverings, face shields and goggles
- Protective equipment including respirators
- Showers and other post-exposure precautions
- Medical examinations for certain workers who are exposed to high levels of asbestos
If you are facing the negative effects of asbestos exposure, do not hesitate to reach out to our firm today to discuss your legal options with our skilled team.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED HOUSTON PERSONAL INJURY FIRM
If you require legal representation for personal injury matters, look no further than The Gonzalez Law Group. Schedule your initial consultation with our team to learn more about our services and how we can assist you. Contact us today.
