Asbestos Exposure in Georgia
People within Georgia who work in the mining, textile, shipbuilding, and other industries are potentially at risk for asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos is a natural product that is resistant to heat and corrosion. Years ago, asbestos was commonly used for insulation, flooring, and more. Slowly, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers causes illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related cancer, and asbestosis. Although asbestos exposure has since been reduced, there are many people that continue to be exposed at work to this dangerous substance.
What is Mesothelioma?
There are several illnesses associated with asbestos. Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of these illnesses. There are three major types of mesothelioma, with the most common being pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lung's lining. Mesothelioma can also impact the cardiac or abdominal cavity. There are diffeent types of mesothelioma cells, with the prognosis varying depending upon your specific illness. All types of mesothelioma are considered extremely dangerous and must be treated as soon as possible.
Asbestos Risks in Georgia
Georgia was the first state to mine asbestos, with operations starting in the Sall Mountain region. While much exposure has been reduced today, workers in certain industries within the state remain at risk. Moreover, the state's manufacturing industry is known for exposing workers. Asbestos is found throughout Georgia and mining of certain mountains brings risks with it. Textile and power industries also continue to expose employees and potentially, their families.
Some job sites across Georgia with known asbestos exposure include:
- Keebler Company
- Babcock-Wilcox Plant
- Sall Mountain Asbestos Company
- Wallace Mine
- Fort Benning
A complete list offered by The Mesothelioma Center can be found here.
Restrictions on Asbestos Claims
In the past decade, Georgia has passed several laws concerning asbestos litigation. One major reform occurred in 2005. Previously, claimants were required to prove that asbestos was a contributing factor to their disease. However, for instance, now claimants in the state must prove that asbestos was a substantial contributing factor to the disease. This means that the exposure occurred within proximity, on a regular basis, and for an extended period.
Such changes to the law have led to a reduction in the number of claims filed, though litigation is still ongoing. Georgia-Pacific is one company that has faced hundreds of thousands of lawsuits. This company previously manufactured and sold asbestos, resulting in decades of exposure to some workers, and has paid out at least $665 million in claims since the 1980's.
Anyone who believes they could have been injured due to asbestos exposure or another dangerous workplace substance should contact an asbestos disease attorney for assistance. Those with a viable case should be able to seek compensation from their employer or the source of their exposure.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!
At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.