The effects of asbestos exposure can be quite disastrous and unfortunate. One serious illness that occurs after one is exposed to asbestos is mesothelioma, which is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The exposure may occur while someone is at their job site, or in their home or at a military shipyard. The more dismal and far-reaching affects of this illness include job loss, developing related illnesses, and in some instances, death. Those who are guilty of illegal practices in manufacturing, distributing, and processing materials containing asbestos, must be held accountable for their actions. Speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer Arkansas to find out about your legal rights and learn about any compensation that you might receive, upon receiving a free case evaluation.
Many Arkansas residents are concerned about asbestos, and for good reason. There is no actual ban on asbestos in the state, even though there are numerous government regulations. According to The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, asbestos was a popular material for siding because it does not require expensive paint jobs and it has fireproof properties. Asbestos is still a problem in many old buildings. For example, when demolition was about to occur in two buildings in 2007, tile on the floors and mastic in offices and restrooms covering 700 square feet of the house contained asbestos. Ten power generating stations and three oil companies were identified as having many of their employees be exposed to asbestos while on the job. The naturally-occurring asbestos in Arkansas is only found primarily in two areas- the Russellville and Hot Springs areas.
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality regulates the removal of asbestos containing material, under Regulation 21 of the state Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. This regulation came out in May of 2007, and works to bring the state law into accordance with EPA regulations. Licensing authority for asbestos abatement (cleanup) contractors rests with the Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. A company or entity that hires untrained workers for abatement will face severe penalties. In cases regarding an individual developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, the results are almost overwhelmingly in favor of the victims, as long as he or she goes through the proper channels within three years of discovering the illness. Surprisingly, class action lawsuits are almost never approved to go forward in Arkansas, because of previous decisions on a diet-drug case in which a class action lawsuit was denied for several reasons. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer for more details.
Having an experienced Arkansas mesothelioma lawyer to assist you will benefit you greatly in having your case run smoothly, and your chances of being awarded compensation. They will immediately tell you about your legal rights, and how compensation works, while also giving you a free case evaluation. Have your documentation in order, so that you can promptly give them to your lawyer when the time comes. You and your family should have your financial burden lifted so that you can continue to live your life without worrying about financial issues as a result of your lost wages from your illness.
