Georgia Asbestos Regulations – Deadlines, Liability, & Lawsuits

Many people working throughout Georgia face asbestos exposure from various sources. While asbestos has not been used in new construction for decades, the adverse effects of exposure take a long time to appear, so many people diagnosed recently were exposed many years ago. Georgia asbestos regulations aim to minimize the health risks of asbestos exposure, setting clear rules for asbestos removal and the handling of all asbestos materials.

Important Georgia Asbestos Regulations

Every state enforces various regulations when it comes to handling asbestos. While this material is no longer widely used, there are many older buildings throughout the United States that contain asbestos, and it is crucial for anyone working in these places or doing any type of construction or demolition to understand the asbestos regulations that apply to their location.

Georgia ranks 23^rd in the United States for asbestos-related deaths. The state had a booming textile industry during the height of asbestos exposure in the United States. Paper mills, cotton mills, industrial buildings, power plants, and shipbuilding facilities are just a few of the places throughout the state where asbestos exposure has been deemed a serious risk.

As of 2019, the age-adjusted incidence of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure in Georgia is 0.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Georgia asbestos regulations apply to any contractor who must remove or disturb asbestos-containing materials in their projects. Every worker and supervisor involved in any such project must complete training for handling and disposing of asbestos once identified. A contractor must have a Georgia asbestos contractor license and submit a Project Notification to the Environmental Protection Division before completing any asbestos-related work.

One of the requirements for such work is to keep all asbestos-containing materials wet during work. This will help to prevent any asbestos fibers from becoming airborne once disturbed. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, the fibers can be released into the surrounding air. These fibers are very thin, light, and sharp, so they can remain suspended in the air for a long time, increasing the risk of being inhaled.

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Georgia

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have grounds to file a civil case against the party responsible for your asbestos exposure, which is the only known cause of mesothelioma. This can be difficult as it is possible you were exposed many years ago. You have limited time to file your case, so it will be crucial to work with an experienced Georgia mesothelioma attorney to have the greatest chance of success.

It’s possible to have grounds to file a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust. Many companies throughout the United States were required to create these trusts in order to compensate victims of asbestos exposure from their products and operations. These trusts continue to disburse compensation to claimants throughout the country each year. It is also possible to have grounds for a civil suit against another party.

The party responsible for your asbestos exposure may not only be liable for your damages, but they could also face penalties from the state if they violated Georgia asbestos regulations. Ultimately, these cases are complex, so it will be crucial to have experienced legal counsel on your side if you think you have grounds to file a case. Reach out to Wallace & Graham to learn how our firm can assist with your legal efforts.

FAQs

Q: What Asbestos Testing Does Georgia Require?

A: Georgia requires asbestos testing for any type of project that involves asbestos-containing materials. These projects could include the construction, demolition, and renovation of buildings known to contain asbestos. The Georgia Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation Rule (Chapter 391-3-14) explains all of the requirements for performing any activities that could potentially disturb asbestos.

Q: How Do You Dispose of Asbestos in Georgia?

A: It is only legal to dispose of asbestos in Georgia by following Georgia’s asbestos regulations for proper disposal. Only properly licensed contractors may handle asbestos. When it comes to disposal, asbestos may only be taken to facilities licensed to receive asbestos and dispose of it properly. Any party transporting asbestos must keep the material in leak-tight containers, and it must be transported in an enclosed vehicle with an accompanying accurate manifest.

Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma?

A: It is possible for just a single exposure to asbestos to result in mesothelioma. This disease takes a very long time to develop, but the speed at which the disease manifests can increase with repeated exposures. Once asbestos fibers are taken into the body, they will embed and begin forming mesothelioma, most commonly in the pleura of the lungs. It is vital to pinpoint the source of your exposure in order to build a mesothelioma case in Georgia.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Violating Georgia Asbestos Regulations?

A: The penalties for violating Georgia asbestos regulations are quite severe. Any entity found to have violated these regulations faces fines for each day they are in violation. Additionally, they can be found liable for civil damages if their activities result in asbestos exposure. If you are unsure what to do about another party’s violation of Georgia asbestos regulations, it is important to speak with an attorney as quickly as possible.

Q: Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure in Georgia?

A: Yes, it is possible to have grounds to sue for asbestos exposure in Georgia. You will need to prove the cause of the exposure and identify the party or parties responsible. An experienced attorney can gather the records and other evidence you will need to establish liability, and they can help you accurately assess the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant.

Ultimately, Georgia asbestos regulations aim to prevent adverse health effects of asbestos exposure as much as possible, requiring anyone handling asbestos-containing materials to adhere to strict rules to ensure there is as little opportunity for exposure as possible. The team at Wallace & Graham has years of experience handling asbestos exposure claims for clients in Georgia, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation if you think you may have a case.