Exposure to asbestos can cause long-lasting repercussions. One of the most serious illnesses that can develop is mesothelioma, a potentially deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The exposure usually will be in an industrial setting where the person is working, or he or she may be exposed to the asbestos while in the military. Some of the consequences of mesothelioma include developing related illnesses, not being able to work, and in extreme cases, death. Since there are such serious implications with exposure to asbestos, those who are guilty of purposeful wrongdoing regarding materials with asbestos in the workplace must be held accountable. If you have been exposed and became ill, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer Alaska to get an evaluation of your case, and learn of your legal rights and about any possible compensation you may receive.
Asbestos is associated with volcanism and earthquakes, so it is no surprise that numerous deposits of asbestos materials can be found in Alaska, where there are geologically-active spots of volcanoes and a high risk of earthquakes. Because of the fact that Alaska covers the most square miles out of any other state, yet has a low population density, mesothelioma and asbestos related illnesses are not as much of a concern as in other states, such as California or Florida. However, there are industries that are either indirectly or directly connected to asbestos, so that means many people are coming in contact with it on a regular basis, specifically in the four areas in which an outcropping of deposits have been found. The industries that have the most contact are seafood processing plants, pulp mills, and marine repair facilities, among others.
Licensed asbestos abatement contractors are in abundance in the state, and have no easy task of cleaning out buildings or areas in which asbestos is a problem. Several state agencies, such as the Department of Health, have made it a point to work diligently at asbestos cleanup. In 2001, a manager at Great Pacific Seafoods, Inc. pled guilty for illegal moving of asbestos materials that were cleaned out of the facility, which violated the Clean Air Act safety regulations. The manager had to pay a $100,000 fine and serve a year of jail time, while the company was subject to a fine of half a million dollars. The State of Alaska does have a two year statute on when an individual must file a claim. This time period starts when he or she first developed a disabling condition. The statute works a bit differently in the instance of latent injuries due to exposure to asbestos. The two year period begins in this instance, when the person first discovers the malignant mesothelioma.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and developed a condition such as mesothelioma, it is important to contact an experienced Alaska mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. They can explain your legal rights and the chance of you receiving any compensation, after evaluating your case for free. Make sure that you provide them with any necessary documentation, as this will be used for evidence in court.
