Tennessee Asbestos Regulations – Deadlines, Liability, & Lawsuits

At the federal level, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces strict rules for handling asbestos throughout the United States, and each state also enforces specific regulations pertaining to asbestos. Tennessee asbestos regulations apply to various industries, especially construction. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma from work, it’s important to determine whether an employer has violated any Tennessee asbestos regulations.

Important Tennessee Asbestos Regulations

In Tennessee, there are many regulations that apply to asbestos:

• There are specific certification requirements for contractors who work with asbestos. Only certified contractors are permitted to perform asbestos abatement, removal, and disposal. Additionally, employers are required to submit applications for performing jobs that involve any risk of asbestos exposure.
• Employers are required to implement engineering and work practice controls aimed at reducing asbestos exposure in workplaces. Additionally, OSHA enforces permissible exposure levels that all employers must acknowledge.
• Employers may be required to perform air quality testing, arrange for certified inspections, and follow specific notification requirements if asbestos is discovered during work.
• Workers who are at risk of asbestos exposure must be provided with respiratory protection and other protective gear to minimize the risk of exposure. Workers should also receive detailed training so they can understand the risks of asbestos and be more likely to follow applicable safety regulations.

These are just a few examples of the Tennessee asbestos regulations that may apply in your workplace. If you are unsure whether an employee has followed them or if you believe an employer has violated them, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney at your first opportunity.

What to Do About Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma in Tennessee

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and there are roughly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year. Additionally, about 2,500 deaths from mesothelioma are recorded nationwide each year. It can take a very long time for mesothelioma to develop, sometimes decades following exposure. This can make it hard for victims to accurately determine when and where they were exposed.

An experienced Tennessee mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in determining the most likely cause of your condition. Mesothelioma is a terminal diagnosis, and life expectancy with treatment is only 18 to 31 months. More than 65% of mesothelioma patients who receive chemotherapy survive for three or more years, but time is a crucial factor in any case when it comes to ensuring accountability for those responsible for asbestos exposure.

If an employer has violated OSHA rules for asbestos and/or Tennessee asbestos regulations, it is crucial to work with experienced legal counsel if you want to have the greatest chance of ensuring accountability. You may be able to file a toxic exposure lawsuit if a specific party is responsible for your asbestos exposure. You may have grounds for legal recourse against a current or former employer, property owner, or a company that produced asbestos products.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing, and you’re likely to have many legal questions after receiving this news. The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have extensive experience handling all types of mesothelioma and other toxic exposure claims for clients in Tennessee, and we’re ready to put this experience to work for you. If you believe you have grounds for a claim, reach out to our team as quickly as possible so we can start working on your case.

FAQs

Q: What Are the OSHA Rules for Asbestos?

A: OSHA rules for asbestos include guidelines for training and certification, engineering and work practice controls, protective equipment, and inspection rules for various operations that involve handling or the risk of encountering asbestos. Employers throughout Tennessee are not only required to follow the OSHA rules for asbestos but also all applicable Tennessee asbestos regulations.

Q: What Happens if You Find Asbestos During Renovation?

A: If you find asbestos during renovation, Tennessee asbestos regulations require that you stop work immediately and arrange for a certified inspection. Anyone who finds asbestos during renovation needs to notify the Air Pollution Control division immediately. Only certified contractors are allowed to perform asbestos abatement or removal. In some cases, intact asbestos may be left as-is at the discretion of certified inspectors.

Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma?

A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. It’s possible for someone to encounter asbestos and never develop mesothelioma, and it is also possible for a single exposure to cause mesothelioma. Genetic predisposition to cancer, as well as the frequency and intensity of exposure, are also factors when it comes to whether a person is likely to develop mesothelioma, and the disease typically takes a long time to develop noticeably.

Q: Can I Work in a Building That Contains Asbestos?

A: It is inherently unsafe to work in a building that contains asbestos, but sometimes such work is essential. Tennessee asbestos regulations include strict rules for contractors performing work in buildings known to contain asbestos. If asbestos-containing materials are left undisturbed and are in good condition, an inspector may allow them to remain as-is, or sealing can be used on some asbestos containing materials to prevent them from shedding particles.

Q: Can I File a Lawsuit for Asbestos Exposure?

A: Yes, it is possible to have grounds to file a lawsuit for asbestos exposure if a specific party is responsible for your exposure and the exposure has caused you to develop mesothelioma or other adverse health conditions. Consult an experienced attorney at your first opportunity after your diagnosis. They can help you determine the most likely source of your asbestos exposure and explain the legal options available to you.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have successfully represented many Tennessee clients in all types of asbestos cases. If you believe that a current or former employer has violated Tennessee asbestos regulations and you have been harmed as a result, we can help you pursue accountability and compensation for your damages. You have limited time to build your case, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.