Topeka, KS (Mesothelioma News)--Have employees and visitors of the Jackson County Courthouse been unknowingly exposed to asbestos since 1983? According to two recently filed lawsuits, that's exactly what's been happening. For 27 years, airborne asbestos fibers combined with dust have been released into the air at the courthouse, possibly exposing tens of thousands of people to the toxic material, as reported by The Kansas City Star.
The two lawsuits filed on Thursday, March 18, 2010 in the Jackson County Courthouse claim that workers and visitors were exposed to asbestos, at the downtown Jackson County Courthouse. The toxic tort lawsuits name Jackson County Kansas City-based U.S. Engineering Company, which has completed demolition projects at the courthouse as defendants.
Thirty-five-year courthouse employee, Nancy R. Lopez, filed one of the two lawsuits after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer in April 2009. The second lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit on behalf of all courthouse visitors, employees, and employees' family members, who came into contact with toxic material at the courthouse from 1983 until present.
Both lawsuits charge that the defendant, U.S. Engineering Co., performed renovation, demolition, and maintenance projects at the courthouse for more than 30 years. A notice on the courthouse's Web site and at locations around the building stated that an independent indoor air-quality consultant has tested the areas where the court conducts business. The tests revealed "any asbestos levels within the tested areas are presently within safe limits under applicable state and federal guidelines."
Lopez, who has worked at the courthouse since 1975, is seeking an undisclosed amount. Compensation for ongoing monitoring and medical evaluation has been sought for the members of the class-action suit. Once a person is exposed to asbestos, it may take 20 to 40 years before any signs or symptoms of asbestos-caused disease, like asbestosis or mesothelioma cancer, are detectable.
The lawsuits contend, "Once asbestos fibers have entered the body, they cannot be destroyed or expelled from the body... They remain embedded in the lung tissue and cause chronic irritation and inflammation that lead to the development of many different types of asbestos-related diseases and conditions." According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization, asbestos-related diseases kill nearly 10,000 United States citizens every year, which accounts for 30 deaths per day.
If you or someone you love has developed a life-threatening asbestos related disease due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contacting an experienced mesothelioma litigation attorney may help recover the damages you deserve.
News article by asbestos mesothelioma litigation attorneys Cooney & Conway
120 N Lasalle Street - Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60602-2415
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