Asbestos is extremely dangerous and can lead to diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other serious medical conditions. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more.
What are high-risk jobs?
When it comes to asbestos exposure, some jobs are more dangerous than others. Some of the most commonly exposed professions include:
- construction, renovation, and demolition of commercial and residential buildings
- shipbuilding
- paper mills
- mining
- heating and cooling equipment repair
- automotive repair (especially brake and clutch repair)
- manufacture of products containing asbestos
- roofing, and
- janitorial jobs in buildings that contain deteriorating asbestos.
What safety measures should be provided?
If you work a high-risk job, your employer should take certain safety measures. Some of the most important safety measures include:
- training of employees who will be working with and around asbestos
- properly 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 areas where asbestos-related work is performed
- protective clothing like coveralls, gloves, foot coverings, face shields, and goggles
- protective equipment like respirators
- showers and other post-exposure precautions, and
- medical examinations for certain workers who are exposed to high levels of asbestos.
What should I do if these safety measures are not followed?
If your employer does not take the necessary safety precautions, serious injuries and illnesses can occur. In this case, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will help you hold the appropriate party accountable. However, it is important that you take legal action as soon as possible. This is because of a deadline known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within two years will generally mean losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you need and deserve. To avoid missing any important deadlines, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, you will need an experienced attorney on your side. Contact our firm to discuss your case today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.
