Many individuals who suffer with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work environments. In a significant number of these cases, individuals were exposed to asbestos in environments where they worked directly with materials that contained asbestos, such as drywall and insulation. They may also have worked in environments that contained significant amounts of asbestos such as manufacturing plants, schools, and shipyards. Sometimes, asbestos fibers traveled home with workers on their clothing and work-related items, which then put their loved ones at risk of developing mesothelioma as well.
Companies can be held liable for former employees’ mesothelioma-related damages, but a recent ruling by the California Supreme Court went a step further. There, the courts determined that relatives of workers exposed to asbestos who developed mesothelioma from secondhand asbestos exposure could also recover this type of compensation.
The ruling came after two previous cases of individuals filing asbestos exposure claims after developing mesothelioma as the result of secondhand asbestos exposure. Individual asbestos fibers are microscopic and therefore can easily contaminate an individual’s clothing. This then poses a risk of exposure to the individual who washes or otherwise comes in contact with the clothing. Even moving through a home with contaminated clothing or shoes can spread asbestos fibers, which can create an exposure risk to other members of the household. Asbestos fibers can travel in an individual’s hair or skin as well as on their clothing.
Individuals who work with asbestos can reduce their loved ones’ risk of asbestos exposure by removing all work clothing as soon as their shifts are over and transporting it to the washing machine in a sealed container, then washing it immediately. Individuals who work with asbestos should also shower as soon as they return home from work and leave any work equipment that could be contaminated at their workplace.
Our team of experienced Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler can represent your asbestos exposure claim to help you get the compensation you need for your damages. We understand the high risk of asbestos exposure in Philadelphia and work hard to represent local clients who are suffering from mesothelioma. To schedule your initial consultation, complete our online form or call us at 215-569-4000 or toll-free at 800-369-0899. Our office is located in Philadelphia and we represent clients from Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.
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