While it is widely known that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to the development of mesothelioma, the concept of take-home asbestos has been less publicized until the development of several new lawsuits.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos is an extremely durable and heat-resistant compound that has been used in commercial industries for over 100 years. While it was made known to employers that asbestos was dangerous in the 1930s, many ignored these warnings and continued to let their employees be exposed to the compound. Asbestos use on a massive scale was disallowed in the 1970s, but the compound is still used in automobile brakes, insulation, and several other manufacturing industries.
“Take-home asbestos” is the term given to those persons that develop mesothelioma, but have never worked in an industry or business that used asbestos. It was discovered that a person can bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes or in their vehicle. If their spouse of another person in their family is regularly exposed to these clothes or the vehicle, oftentimes by laundering the asbestos-covered clothing, they can easily contract mesothelioma.
In this most recent case, the estate of Barbara Brandes was awarded $3.5 million after it was determine that she contracted and died from mesothelioma because it was being brought home on her husband’s clothing. The blame was placed upon Brand Insulations Inc. for not preventing their employee and, subsequently, his family being exposed to asbestos.
If you or a family member has mesothelioma, there may be financial restitution available whether you were directly or indirectly exposed to the asbestos fibers. Contact our Baltimore mesothelioma attorneys at The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP for help with your case. Call us today for a free case review at (410) 625-9330.
