One of the insidious things about asbestos is that you can find it everywhere. It is a remarkable fire-proof insulator that was used in many buildings meant to be long-standing, like schools and public buildings. Asbestos is a type of mineral that can be transformed into a fabric, so it doesn’t break down fast. But it does break down eventually and that is a real public risk.
We know the dangers of mesothelioma. asbestos requires special handling whenever it is discovered. Decades after a building is constructed, later generations can find asbestos right under their noses as what happened to a school in the Chicago area.
At O’Donnell Elementary in East Aurora, some tiles became loose in a nurse’s office and a storage room. There were concerns that asbestos may have been embedded in the flooring tiles, so the school had to get them inspected. Fortunately, these tiles were waxed. Asbestos only becomes a danger when you breathe in dust from the substance. Still, due to their looseness, they had to make sure the tiles weren’t breaking down.
Why not just replace the flooring completely? There are always some standard excuses. Expense and constant use of the building are two. But sooner or later it has to get replaced. Otherwise, it could open up the owners to a lot of liability.
If you worked in a building that contained asbestos, live in Atlanta, and you contracted mesothelioma, contact John Foy and Associates. Our attorneys can help you get the compensation that you need to cover your medical bills and lost wages. Contact us for a free consultation.