As a construction employee, you likely know all about the dangers of asbestos. Although the use of asbestos in construction has been banned for many years, workers can still be exposed to asbestos particles during demolition of older structures or renovations on buildings that were built before the ban. If workers do not have proper respiratory protection, they may suffer a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma.
Here are a few things construction workers should know about mesothelioma:
- Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers burrowing into the moist pleural lining of the lungs. The body’s natural defenses try to remove these particles, causing swelling and eventual thickening of the lung tissue, leading to breathing problems and coughing fits.
- Many workers dismiss early symptoms of mesothelioma, assuming that they are suffering from asthma, a respiratory infection, or short-term effects of breathing in dust at the construction site.
- While there are treatments available, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma.
- If asbestos exposure is caused by employer negligence, you may be able to pursue a work injury case for compensation.
Like most forms of cancer, the symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until months or even years after the worker’s initial asbestos exposure took place. As a result, many sufferers will be denied workers’ compensation by their employers, making the excuse that the asbestos exposure could have happened while the employee was working for another company.
At Manfred F. Ricciardelli, Jr., we know that all employers have a duty of care to their employees. This means taking all possible precautions to protect the health and safety of their workers. If your employer failed to provide adequate protective equipment, such as barrier clothing and respirators, you could be owed compensation for your suffering.
Call (877) 360-0183 today to speak with a trusted NJ mesothelioma construction attorney about your legal options, or click the link on this page to download our FREE electronic book, What the Injured Worker Needs to Know: Your Workers’ Comp Guide.