Tracking down the source of asbestos exposure

People all across the U.S. have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. For most people, this exposure is not serious enough to warrant any type of legal action because it does not lead to any type of illness or health problems.

However, there are also thousands of victims who do end up being diagnosed with a condition caused by asbestos. In these situations, it can be crucial to track down where, when and to what extent they were exposed to the toxic material. Often, this is an overwhelming task and people don’t even know where to begin.

Attorneys familiar with asbestos cases understand that there are some fairly common sources of asbestos exposure and often focus on a victim’s employment history, military service and living situation to track down the source of exposure. These are three of the most often-cited areas of exposure.

Based on a person’s employment history, it can be determined that he or she worked regularly with products that are known to have contained asbestos. There are also established cases where an employer is found to have neglected the responsibility to protect workers from asbestos exposure.

A military background can also be a crucial lead in identifying the source of exposure. Military veterans are known to have come into contact with asbestos most commonly on military ships, in old buildings or through work completed in construction or demolition.

Certain geographical locations can also be an important clue in identifying the source of a person’s exposure to asbestos. There are some locations that are known to have been near asbestos mines, or homes or apartment buildings that were built in a certain year or with materials that commonly contained asbestos.

Most people do not understand that reckless and negligent practices regarding asbestos have been in place for decades. However, attorneys who are familiar with asbestos claims are well aware that there are some sources of exposure that are more likely and can help victims and their families investigate when or where they may have been exposed to asbestos. For many people, this information proves to be the key pursuing a successful claim and compensation.

Source: FindLaw.com, “Who Is at Risk for Asbestos-Related Illnesses?” accessed on Oct. 13, 2014