There are a number of protections that employees have when it comes to speaking out against unfair or unsafe practices on the job. In many cases, these workers have concerns regarding safety or illegal behavior by employers, and some employers choose to dismiss these concerns or, even worse, punish the person who spoke up against the situation.
2 men charged for massive dumping of debris containing asbestos
People in North Carolina and nationwide were shocked to learn how two men worked together to dump over 60 million pounds of debris from demolitions on open farmland bordering on a river. The truly outrageous thing was that much of the debris contained asbestos, the toxic substance that can lead to various illnesses including many respiratory ailments and mesothelioma that can result in disability and death. The two men were put on trial for criminal offenses and could also be subject to lawsuits for premises liability by anyone damaged by the presence of the asbestos.
Widow of mesothelioma victim pleads for support, information
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating for victims of the deadly disease and their families. Current medical resources cannot always identify the cancer early enough for treatment to be effective, so often times, mesothelioma patients pass away shortly after learning that they are ill. Many victims and their families may therefore shy away from taking legal action against the company responsible for conditions that caused the disease. However, a delay in holding companies accountable for their reckless actions may prove to be a costly mistake in the end.
Asbestos poses a severe risk to public health
While asbestos is present in the air and everyone breathes some in from the ambient air, the problem comes when someone is exposed to concentrated levels of the toxic substance over a period of time. The most common way that this occurs is through occupational exposure in which employees are in the presence of asbestos day after day in their work environment. When this occurs, in North Carolina or elsewhere in the nation, it often leads to injury or wrongful death from such diseases as mesothelioma.
Research uncovers new biomarker to detect mesothelioma earlier
One of the most devastating characteristics about asbestos-related diseases is that they are often caught too late to treat effectively. In most cases, people who have developed the deadly disease don't know they have it until 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, which is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Once detected, tragically, there is little that doctors can do.
Unsafe asbestos removal punished by jail time
Asbestos was once used frequently for insulation and for wrapping wires. Since it was found by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be dangerous to human health, the substance was banned. Exposure to any amount can lead to serious lung problems. Negligence during building demolition and renovations can happen anywhere, including North Carolina, leaving workers and businesses liable to the devastating consequences asbestos exposure can have on people.
Maker of asbestos-containing products to set up trust for victims
Tracing back the source of exposure to asbestos after a person develops a devastating lung disease or cancer can be difficult. Often times, victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses have been exposed to asbestos in a number of environments and job sites. However, when a company is already facing a number of claims related to making or selling dangerous products containing asbestos, it may be a little easier to track for people who worked there or used their products.
EPA says asbestos cleanup efforts not adequate
Premises liability issues are often associated with asbestos, which can have serious implications for businesses and residents of North Carolina. A new ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency, regarding asbestos exposure and proper cleanup protocols in one town in Montana, could set a benchmark for cleanup efforts in other communities across the nation.
Widow of mesothelioma victim has message: Don't give up
After watching her husband suffer through mesothelioma before passing away, a widow finally won her fight against the company responsible for his death. Despite the lengthy and difficult legal process she faced, the woman is urging other victims and their families to never give up in the fight against negligent companies when it comes to asbestos exposure.
