Workers’ Compensation in the Face of Asbestos Exposure

People often connect asbestos exposure with older homes with popcorn ceilings, vinyl flooring, and outdated roof and wall insulation. Even though asbestos was banned from new construction by the mid-1980s, many workers still face it daily. This is because asbestos is still lawfully utilized in many commercial areas.

Mesothelioma and Workers’ Compensation

Laws like these exist so workers can get the money they need without having to sue their employers. Companies are typically obligated to make contributions to workers compensation systems that cover mesothelioma. These programs are funded by state programs or private insurance.

A large percentage of injured workers can collect benefits under workers’ compensation. The fact that asbestos exposure in the workplace can lead to mesothelioma makes it a disease that is often associated with work. Furthermore, other disorders associated with asbestos, such as asbestosis, are also addressed.

Workers’ Compensation Mesothelioma Restrictions

Although workers’ compensation can ease the financial burden of your condition, it restricts you. By capping how much an employee can get in compensation, workers’ compensation protects businesses.

Workers’ compensation additionally protects you from punitive or personal harm damages if you sue your employer. Unlike workers’ compensation, litigation can often yield larger sums for mesothelioma plaintiffs.

Companies that produce or provide goods are also not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Your employer is the only entity that can pay you. Nevertheless, after collecting workers’ compensation, you might have legal recourse against other liable businesses.

Which Workplaces Raise Concerns About Asbestos Exposure?

People who work in retail, office, and other similar settings are among those who are at risk of asbestos exposure. To be sure, asbestos exposure is more common at the following types of workplaces than others:

Shipyards

In bygone decades, asbestos played a significant role in the shipbuilding process. Despite its omission from shipbuilding, it is nevertheless present at many shipyards and poses a risk to employees who are near it or come into touch with it.

Paper mills

Asbestos was extensively used for the production of paper products in bygone decades, making paper mills a typical occupational source of asbestos exposure. The process remains incomplete at many plants, despite the requirement that paper mills decrease workers’ exposure to asbestos.

Military bases

Asbestos is no longer used in the construction of new structures on military bases or any other type of occupational site. However, civilian contractors may be exposed because it is still present in older structures on numerous military bases.

Construction sites

Asbestos is usually not a problem for workers constructing new buildings, but it could be a problem for those repairing or renovating older structures.

Filing a Lawsuit Against Your Employer

If you file a lawsuit against your employer, workers’ compensation may not cover all medical expenses or wages. Litigation may be better for your family’s financial security.

If you were exposed to asbestos at work, your employer may be liable. By using your company instead of submitting a workers’ compensation claim, you can seek full compensation for your pain and suffering and punitive damages for their negligence.