Asbestos and Personal Injury

Personal injury cases vary as do the situations in which they occur and the severity and impact on the lives of those affected. One type of personal injury case has evolved from the increasing harmful heath effects caused by asbestos. The use of these types of materials in various workplaces has adversely impacted the life of many workers. These workers initially were the workers that worked directly with the asbestos materials in the factories. Later the group grew to consist of employees who worked in places that were constructed of materials that include asbestos. As a result, many legal suits have ensued that were brought on by asbestos.

The first lawsuit regarding an asbestos claim was filed in 1966. The plaintiff has been diagnosed with complications resulting from exposure to asbestos. The defendants in the case were several manufacturers who made products that contained asbestos. These companies included several well know businesses, Fiberboard, Owens Corning Fiberglass and Johns-Manville. In the end, the court ruled in favor of the defendants. But later that same year, another case was filed on behalf of a co-worker of the plaintiff. Again this case was on the grounds off adverse effects from asbestos. However, in this case the verdict was in favor of the plaintiff. After this successful case, many more asbestos cases followed.

One memorable case was filed in 1974. An employee of the Johns-Manville plant developed complications from asbestos. From the evidence accumulated for the case, it was revealed that the company had a specific policy for managers to follow. Managers were permitted from discussing employee medical results that showed that the employee has contracted an illness from asbestos exposure. Later, dubbed the "hush hush policy", it was the first of many devious attempts of employers to keep from paying on these claims.

Some later claims revealed evidence that showed that companies went to extra measures to keep information regarding the asbestos risks to themselves thus minimizing the impact of asbestos compensation. Many companies sought ways to cover up the problem and try to sweep it neatly under the rug. However, despite their attempts, many of these claims were revealed in courts of law.

Personal Injury from Asbestos - The author of this article has been researching into the impacts of asbestos and the complications the building material has caused down the line, such as mesothelioma and would like to direct those who have come into contact to read more at: http://www.mesotheliomamatters.com/