This old house is becoming a serious health hazard as renovations are made to asbestos laden homes. A recent study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reports that an increased trend of mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer causally connected to asbestos exposure, in exposures related to home renovation. The latency period for the disease's development, time of exposure to time of manifestation of mesothelioma, was found to be shorter than expected.
Even though asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003 the number of claims has continued to increase. This is a typical occurrence in asbestos related illness. The cancer may not develop for 15 to 35 years following exposure.
While workers' compensation have provided some benefit to injured workers and dependents in the US over the last 3 decades, most claims have sought recoveries against the suppliers, manufacturers and health research organizations of asbestos fiber. That litigation is not limited by the narrow and limited recovery caps of a workers' compensation claim.
Old housing stock may contain many asbestos products including: attic insulation, boiler and plumbing insulation, asbestos backed flooring tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing, and spackling and plaster. While asbestos is not yet banned in the US, workers should carefully test old houses before renovations.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
