Eagan Minnesota Mesothelioma and Asbestos Law Blog

In Minnesota and beyond, there are many old buildings, homes and factories that contain asbestos. This material is very dangerous to human health. In fact, current data shows there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Workers who are hired to remove asbestos-laden materials must have proper certification to do so.

A builder in another state is facing steep penalties because he deceived those hired by him to remove asbestos from a house that was undergoing demolition. The property owners were given the impression (by the builder) that he was properly licensed to do the work. It was later learned that not only did the builder not have proper certification, but he failed to follow existing safety regulations when he removed asbestos from the property. 

Many buildings in Minnesota and other states are plagued with health hazards. The problem is that workers or visitors to such places are not always aware of the danger. To make matters worse, in some situations, employers or building owners are indeed aware of the potential risks but fail to provide information, training or equipment to help keep workers and others safe. In another state, there is currently contention brewing between city council members and the mayor regarding asbestos exposure issues.

The council members say they are seeking temporary relocation because their current office building is making members quite ill. A spokesman said the problem has gotten so bad that some members are being asked to donate their sick leave to others who are unable to report to work because of their adverse health conditions. The council members have asked to move to alternate office space in the community.

The newest of the nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices, Brett Kavanaugh, was set to hear his first cases on the high court this week. One of the cases involves an asbestos exposure situation. It is a complicated products liability case that was filed by two Navy widows. Asbestos-related illnesses and injuries are problematic in Minnesota and throughout the nation; many of those adversely affected are people who used to work in shipyards.  

In the case that was presented to the court earlier this week, two Navy widows filed a lawsuit against a company that manufactured equipment in the naval yard where their now deceased husbands once worked. The women say their spouses contracted cancer due to asbestos exposure while working with that equipment. The defendant in the case has acknowledged that it is indeed the manufacturer of the equipment in question.  

If you have worked in a Minnesota mine, mill or spray insulation industry, you are at risk for asbestos exposure. One particular illness, asbestosis, is a breathing disorder that often causes devastating life consequences and, in worst cases, even death. Those afflicted with this or other asbestos-related illnesses often need daily living assistance and legal support.  

Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibers that are dangerous to human health if ingested or inhaled. Asbestosis occurs when those fibers reach the alveoli, thus causing injury to the lungs. Although the body is equipped with cells that react to alveoli infection by attempting to digest asbestos fibers, these fibers are particularly resistant to breakdown as opposed to other chemicals or dust particles that can be broken down and eliminated through the body's defense mechanisms. As the body continues to unsuccessfully attempt to break down asbestos fibers, alveoli become inflamed and scarred.