Emerging Trends in Asbestos Exposure for Construction Workers

Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer caused by asbestos exposure, and it is possible for many people to be exposed to asbestos at work in the United States. Asbestos exposure for construction workers is a major concern. They may not only encounter asbestos during demolition of older structures but also in handling certain types of building materials. Any construction worker exposed to asbestos needs to know their rights when it comes to claiming compensation.

Risks of Asbestos Exposure for Construction Workers

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States for several reasons. The industry reports some of the highest rates of workplace injuries, missed days of work, and accidental workplace fatalities in all industries. Workers also face the risk of developing serious illnesses like mesothelioma.

Each year, there are more than 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States, and about 2,500 deaths recorded from mesothelioma. Construction workers may be exposed to asbestos at work and, if they develop symptoms of mesothelioma, have grounds to file claims for workers’ compensation benefits. However, depending on how they were exposed, they could also have additional avenues of recovery available to them.

Some of the biggest risks of asbestos exposure for construction workers include:

• Demolition of older buildings, especially those built between the 1930s and 1970s when asbestos was a commonly used building material for its insulating and fireproofing capabilities.
• Installation of building materials known to contain asbestos. Roofing shingles, insulation, contaminated paints, masonry compounds, and drywall are just a few materials that could be potentially contaminated by asbestos.
• Using respiratory equipment that cannot properly filter asbestos particles or relying on air filtration systems that do not eliminate asbestos particles from the air.
• Renovation projects. Even if a building is not completely torn down, any type of pre-renovation demolition in older structures can potentially disturb asbestos and release particles into the surrounding area.

These are just a few examples of how construction workers could be exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, it can take a very long time for the exposure to cause noticeable symptoms. Mesothelioma symptoms may also mimic the appearance of less serious illnesses and could be misdiagnosed, but once it has caused symptoms, it has reached a critical stage and will progress very rapidly.

A recent study from 2024 concluded that as many as 1.3 million American construction workers face a risk of asbestos exposure and developing mesothelioma from work. There have been many laws enacted at the federal and state levels throughout the United States intended to reduce the use of asbestos-containing materials and highlight the health risks facing workers in the construction industry.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma that you believe developed from time working in construction, it is crucial to speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible. You may have multiple legal options available to you, but you will have limited time in which to explore these options, so you need to start right away.

Wallace & Graham can review the details of your situation and provide the answers you need to your most pressing legal questions. Our firm has secured many substantial settlements and case awards for victims of mesothelioma and their families, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. Our goal for every client is maximum compensation in the most efficient manner. Reach out to our firm today to learn more about the legal services we can provide.

FAQs

Q: How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

A: Asbestos causes mesothelioma when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested. The particles are most often embedded in the lungs, where they will gradually cause mesothelioma to develop. The disease takes a very long time to cause noticeable symptoms, sometimes decades, so it can be difficult for someone recently diagnosed with mesothelioma to accurately determine the exact source of their asbestos exposure.

Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?

A: No, mesothelioma is incurable. The condition can be managed with early detection and treatment, but it is a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of about 18 to 31 months with treatment. More than 65% of people who receive chemotherapy survive with mesothelioma for three or more years. Symptom severity will vary from case to case, but ultimately, all available treatments can only slightly extend lifespan and keep symptoms manageable.

Q: How Much Compensation Can a Construction Worker Claim for Mesothelioma?

A: The amount of compensation a construction worker can claim for mesothelioma will depend on the specifics of their case. A workers’ compensation claim may provide medical expense coverage and disability benefits, but they can likely obtain more compensation if they are successful with a toxic exposure lawsuit. Consult a mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible so they can determine the full scope of the compensation you could potentially recover.

Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?

A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure, as it is possible for just a single incident of exposure to cause a person to develop mesothelioma. However, it is also possible for someone to be exposed to asbestos and never develop mesothelioma. Genetic predisposition to cancer and regular and/or heavy exposure can significantly increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

A: It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer after a mesothelioma diagnosis. They can help you determine the source of your condition and explain the legal options available to you. You have a short time in which to pursue legal recourse after your diagnosis, so it is important to consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have helped many past clients with their mesothelioma cases, including those arising in the construction industry. Our team can help you make sense of your options after receiving this life-changing diagnosis, and trust us to fight for maximum compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.