What we look for when investigating asbestos exposure

Today, most homeowners and employers and well aware that asbestos is dangerous and should be addressed as soon as it is discovered. Those who fail to do this can end up putting people’s lives in danger can face serious repercussions. Now with the Internet and news stories at our fingertips, it can be easier than ever to file a complaint and read about companies or parties who were negligent with asbestos practices.

However, there are some aspects of asbestos litigation that are still very complex. One of the most frustrating obstacles people can come up against is tracing the source of their asbestos exposure. This is because the thousands of people who have been or will be diagnosed with illnesses including mesothelioma this year were likely exposed to asbestos decades ago.

The span of time between exposure and diagnosis can provide a very tricky situation for victims who wish to hold a negligent party accountable for their illness and damages. However, as we noted in this article, there are important clues we can use to start looking for where and when you may have been exposed.

For instance, an investigation can involve tracing a person’s history back and looking for common red flags. Questions that are often asked could include:

• Did you live near an asbestos mine or in an area where high levels of asbestos have been recorded?
• Did you work in certain jobs that historically have caused others to develop asbestos-related illnesses?
• Were you ever using products that are now known to have contained asbestos?
• Have any of your relatives been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness?

It can be enormously difficult to try and find answers to these questions on your own. Thankfully, there are now several agencies involved in regulating asbestos use and ensuring it is handled properly. These agencies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, have vast amounts of resources and statistics that can help others figure out potential exposure sources.

However, wading through all the available information and trying to determine what is and is not relevant can seem impossible. For help getting through all this to find answers that can help you make decisions about your future, you can discuss your case with an attorney who understands the specific challenges of asbestos litigation and how to help you seek the resolution you deserve.