Asbestos-related cases are not always simple. They tend to be very complicated and usually involve years of misunderstandings and negligence. These cases can create a lot of tension because they involve serious health risks and legal blame.

If you own or manage an older commercial building where asbestos could be present, it’s important to know who is liable in asbestos cases. Being aware of the risks can help you make better decisions to protect your business, your employees, and even yourself. This asbestos removal contractor in Des Plaines, Illinois is going to explain the basics of asbestos liability below.

Learn what “liability” means when asbestos exposure is involved.

Liability is a legal term that means determining who is at fault and responsible for a problem. In asbestos cases, this means identifying who allowed people to be exposed to asbestos.

If a company, building owner, manufacturer, or contractor is found liable, they may have to pay for the damages caused. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, emotional pain and suffering, or even wrongful death claims in serious cases — and the costs of these claims can add up fast.

Most asbestos exposure happens at work. Employees in older commercial or industrial buildings often breathed in asbestos without knowing it, especially if the building was built during the 1970s when asbestos was an extremely popular construction material. The problem is that asbestos-related illnesses take a long time to develop (sometimes even decades) so people don’t realize they were exposed until it is too late.

Liability does not only fall on employers, however. Manufacturers and distributors, property owners who did not maintain safe buildings, or contractors who installed asbestos materials can also be held accountable.

If you want to avoid any liability concerns, it is best to act fast. If you have any doubts, it’s best to contact an asbestos removal contractor in Des Plaines, Illinois to inspect your building and remove the asbestos safely.

Liability in asbestos cases is proven by tracing who caused the risk.

Proving liability in asbestos cases can be a long and complicated process. It requires looking through years (or decades) of records to learn who knew about the risks of asbestos and did nothing about it.

For example, did the manufacturer of asbestos products fail to warn buyers about the health risks? Did a building owner ignore their responsibility to keep their tenants or contractors safe? Or did an employer skip safety measures to save money?

Any (or all) of these could lead to a legal liability claim, and sometimes more than one party is at fault. Lawyers, investigators, and experts work together to get to the truth, but it is not easy. Taking steps to address asbestos issues sooner rather than later can save everyone a lot of time, money, and trouble.

Proving asbestos liability is hard because of long timelines and evidence.

One of the biggest challenges in asbestos cases is how long it takes for health problems to show up. Asbestos-related diseases, like mesothelioma, can take 20, 30, or even 60 years to develop.

By the time someone realizes they were exposed, the company responsible might have gone out of business, or the property could have been sold many times. This makes it incredibly hard to hold someone accountable for the harm caused.

To prove liability, investigators also must prove that the asbestos-containing product or material was a “substantial factor” in causing the disease. This involves a lot of detective work, like finding old work records, product information, and even testimonies from people who worked in the same place. Again, not the easiest thing to do.

Removing asbestos now can prevent future health risks.

If you have found asbestos in your commercial or industrial building in Des Plaines, Illinois, do something about it as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem or hoping it does not become a bigger problem is a dangerous gamble. Asbestos is a toxic material that does not break down or disappear on its own. It stays in your building and creates a serious health risk for anyone who encounters its microscopic fibers.

If you want to protect yourself, your employees, and other building occupants, you can always contact an asbestos removal contractor in Des Plaines Estates, Illinois. A professional contractor can inspect your property and safely remove the asbestos. Acting now can save lives and prevent costly problems in the future.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Des Plaines, Illinois?

Have you recently discovered asbestos in your commercial building? If so, and if you are ready to have it safely removed by a professional asbestos removal contractor in Des Plaines, Illinois, Axis Response Group is the top choice. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to learn how we can help.