Two people in another state used to work together at the same company. It is not clear how long they were employed at the company. What is clear, however, is that they were both fired and have joined efforts to file a lawsuit against their former employer, claiming that their knowledge of an occupational asbestos exposure situation is the reason they were let go. Minnesota workers worried about similar issues may want to follow this case.
The two former employees had worked for a property management company. The business manages an apartment complex that comprises several buildings. While the current number of occupants is not known, there are indeed people living in the apartments that the former workers say might still contain asbestos exposure risks.
The lawsuit claims that construction crews warned the employer that suspected asbestos was found on the job. The claim accuses the employer of failing in its fiduciary duty to keep workers safe. In fact, it also alleges that the employer became outraged at the assertion and ordered everyone to get back to work.
Those who filed the claim believe they were let go out of fear that they would report the situation to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The plaintiffs are seeking $40 million in damages. One of the plaintiffs also contends that his firing was not only because he knew about the asbestos but because he happens to be a black man. Occupational asbestos exposure often leads to irreversible health damage, as numerous terminal illnesses are caused by such exposure, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. An attorney experienced with asbestos litigation would be a great source of support for anyone in Minnesota considering filing a similar claim.
