Essentially every human behavior, interaction, or relationship carries with it the responsibility to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. Under the law, if a person fails to fulfill this responsibility, that failure is called “negligence”. So, if a person does something that a reasonably careful person in the same situation would not do, then that is negligence. Similarly, if a person fails to do something that a reasonably careful person in the same situation would do, then that is also negligence.
We know that some industrial and commercial employers have acted irresponsibly (“negligently”) when it comes to their employees’ safety. Asbestos has been used by human beings for thousands of years. Its flexible, long fibers which can be easily manipulated into different shapes or combined with other substances, make asbestos a useful and easy to use material. In the 1800’s, asbestos use boomed along with the industrial revolution. Its light weight, fire resistance, and durability made it ideal for use in manufacturing. By the middle of the 20th century, asbestos became especially common in construction materials like concrete, insulation, bricks, and flooring.
Unfortunately, asbestos is also a dangerous substance. Its thin fibers can easily be inhaled, and once inside the body, the fibers frequently cause cells to change and become cancerous. This connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma started to become well known during the 1980’s. Atrociously, some industrial and commercial employers were already aware of the link between asbestos and cancer. A responsible person would inform their employees and the public of the dangers. A responsible person would do what they reasonably could to shift their business practices away from asbestos use. However, these employers did nothing about the harms of asbestos which they were aware of –they even took steps to hide the dangers of asbestos. These employers irresponsibly continued to send their employees into harm’s way, and this irresponsibility has harmed numerous people and their families.
If you or a loved one has worked with asbestos or been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to recognize that your employer may have treated you irresponsibly. During that time, they took in huge profits based on their mistreatment of their employees. There are over 65 trust funds set up for asbestos disease compensation. With the help of the Ledger Law Firm, you can get financial compensation to you may be entitled. Contact us today to see how we can help you!