A Florida court has sentenced and fined a real estate developer for negligent asbestos removal. Not only did he put workers in imminent danger from the cancer-causing mineral but also hundreds of people occupying a 480-unit complex.
About Mesothelioma
There are different forms of mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. This cancer develops in the lining of the lungs. Also, it accounts for around 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma often affect breathing and the thoracic cavity(chest), and they can often be taken for problems related to other diseases, such as pneumonia, flu, or even lung cancer.
Negligent Asbestos Removal Harms Hundreds
A Florida real estate developer hired almost 100 workers to remove 120,000 square feet of asbestos popcorn ceiling from a 480-unit complex. He did not train any of the workers on the proper removal of asbestos-containing materials. Plus, the developer did not provide the staff with proper protection methods just a basic fiber dust mask. Fiber dusk masks do not protect workers from microscopic asbestos fibers that can become airborne while scraping a textured ceiling containing the toxic mineral. Inhaling or ingesting these fibers can lead to serious health conditions years later including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The developer knew the complex potentially contained asbestos when he purchased the property. The previous owner, St. Petersburg Housing Authority, noted it in the building contract. Now, the owner faces 48 months of probation along with $250,000 to fund treatment and medical monitoring for all workers.
Extent of Exposure
Even though the developer knew about the asbestos before purchasing, he did not obtain an asbestos survey of the work areas prior to starting renovations. Instead, he ordered workers to smooth out the ceilings throughout the three main buildings of the complex. The laborers scraped the asbestos popcorn ceilings, releasing large amounts of dust and debris. Then, they swept the debris into wheelbarrows, trash cans, and trash bags. Also, they placed the asbestos material in an open-top general waste dumpster at the complex.
The developer should have known how dangerous this negligent asbestos removal was. Not only did he expose nearly 100 workers to mesothelioma but also the hundreds of people moving into the complex.
Financial Assistance
The path to mesothelioma compensation may seem overwhelming. It is important to have a knowledge attorney guiding you through the entire process. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing until you receive compensation.
A Complex Litigation attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is critical when seeking help to cover your asbestos-related expenses. Identifying when and where you were exposed to asbestos is crucial to your lawsuit. Experienced lawyers are familiar with companies that used asbestos and know which job sites had a significant amount of asbestos use. Also, they know which products contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral.
Also, consultations are completely free, confidential and have no obligation. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Those in the industry from around the country recognize our team of attorneys as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Our award-winning staff is also sought after for our knowledge of complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies, and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation. Because of this, we have received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. We will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.