The overwhelming majority of known mesothelioma diagnoses have been attributed to asbestos exposure that occurred in the workplace. This is true of military veterans, industrial employees and construction workers alike. However, it is also possible to be exposed to the harms of asbestos and receive a mesothelioma diagnosis outside of work.
An asbestos exposure that occurs outside of the more likely work setting is referred to as a non-occupational asbestos exposure. Here is a closer look at the possible and known forms of asbestos exposure that have occurred outside of an occupational setting.
While this form of non-occupational asbestos exposure is of course causally linked to an employer and a workplace, the actual asbestos exposure does not occur at work for loved ones of the employee. When a worker carries home asbestos on their clothing (or even in their hair or skin), it is possible for loved ones to be diagnosed with mesothelioma many years later.
Of course, it is also true that a cancer diagnosis is less likely for a loved one since they were almost certainly exposed to less asbestos than the employee, many loved ones have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in this way. However, research has shown that a single exposure to asbestos may be all that is necessary for someone to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
California’s Supreme Court has ruled in favor of California families by holding that loved ones who were exposed to asbestos within the home may receive legal compensation from an employer when the exposure causes mesothelioma. The court’s reasoning argued that employers have duty of care that requires the protection of an employee’s household members from asbestos exposure.
In addition to an employee serving as the point of contact for asbestos exposure, people who live nearby a jobsite that uses asbestos are also at risk. When the microscopic fibers of asbestos are nearby and airborne, it is far more likely that residents living in close proximity to the jobsite may inhale the fibers and receive a mesothelioma diagnosis.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma that you believe was caused by a non-occupational exposure, The Ledger Law Firm will fully investigate the facts of your case. To receive compensation, it must be shown that a legally responsible party breached a duty of care owed to you by exposing you to asbestos. Effectively, then, a thorough and full investigation is the best path toward pursuing and receiving the legal compensation that you are owed.
Our team puts its national resources to use for your claim, building a strong case based on the evidence needed to recover damages from responsible parties. If you or someone you know is struggling with an asbestos-related disease from a non-occupational exposure, it is time to take action and hold responsible parties accountable.
Contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your non-occupational asbestos exposure claim.
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