Although Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the union, it has been found to contain a large amount of asbestos. In this east coast state, residents and workers aren’t just put at risk from construction sites and industrial areas; asbestos can also be found in public buildings, restaurants and schools located throughout the state. According to reports, there are over 600 areas in Connecticut where there have been known instances of asbestos exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer, you may be eligible to recover a significant amount of financial compensation. To learn more, contact a mesothelioma attorney Connecticut today.
Mesothelioma Rates in Connecticut
Mortality rates that are associated with asbestos in this state match the national average. Since the dangers of asbestos exposure really became known around 20 years ago, there have been approximately 500 deaths in CT related to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Jobsites in Connecticut
The most common asbestos site in this state is Electric Boat Company, followed by the CT Submarine Base, and then the new London Submarine Base. In each of those locations, shipyard workers were exposed to asbestos over many years. Also Connecticut Yankee Nuclear site.
How Does Exposure Occur?
Asbestos in its natural form is not toxic; it only becomes toxic when it is disturbed and the fibers that are woven together separate. The tiny fibers, if ingested or inhaled, can become lodged in the lining of the chest and other areas of the body and, overtime, can result in scarring that can lead to the development of serious, life-threatening conditions.
Toxic asbestos fibers can be released when natural mineral deposits have been exposed to harsh weather; or during the application, disturbance and removal of asbestos-containing products such as:
- Floor tiles
- Roof shingles
- Cement
- Exterior siding
- Insulation
- Plaster
- Brakes, clutches and gaskets
- Boilers
Several homes, schools and public buildings throughout Connecticut contain asbestos materials. And, although the asbestos fibers found in these products are so tightly wound that they do not pose a health risk, they can pose a risk if they are abraded, sanded or sawed, or otherwise disturbed.
Note that a good deal of asbestos containing materials have been found in schools in this state. This is not necessarily that significant, given the fact that many schools were built before 1980, when asbestos was often used in construction projects. However, in some cases, asbestos has even been found in children’s school supplies. A letter in 2007 that was sent to parents by some schools stated that some clay that was used in art classes for children contained talc, which may have had asbestos fibers in it. Some talc miners in NY have suffered from high rates of mesothelioma.
In general, the more friable an asbestos-containing product is, the more likely it is to release toxic fibers. The term “friable” refers to products that can be easily crushed, pulverized or reduced to powder. Examples include insulation, ceiling tiles and dried out caulking. Non-friable products, such as table tops, roofing and floor tiles are less likely to release dangerous fibers. But, either way, you should be careful when handling materials that contain asbestos so the fibers are not disturbed.
If you live in an older home or work in a building that was built during the 1900s, chances are it was made with asbestos. It is important to note that just because asbestos may be present, it doesn’t mean you are at risk of being exposed. You should, however, have the products regularly inspected to ensure the safety of all residents, consumers and workers.
Legal Update on Mesothelioma in Connecticut
There have been no mesothelioma lawsuits in this state that went to the state Supreme Court, but there have been several cases at the supreme court level where asbestos and mesothelioma were referenced that could be useful as precedent in future CT cases:
- Maher v. Quest Diagnostics: Mesothelioma was mentioned several times in this lawsuit related to determination if doubling times of disease were actually scientific facts that should be admitted to a case in a lower court.
- Hatt v. Burlington Coat Factory: This case was regarding a state law that indicated that the law should only apply to repetitive trauma and occupational diseases. It cites mesothelioma as related to this legislation. A victim of asbestos exposure in this state only can bring a lawsuit against their last employer.
Mesothelioma Attorney Connecticut
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another illness related to asbestos exposure, you should speak with an attorney about your rights.
You should know that this state does not have language in its statutes that govern how much you can receive in damages if you or your loved ones have been exposed to asbestos on the job or at home. However, Connecticut does have a timeline in place for processing claims against asbestos manufacturers. You should get in touch with an experienced mesothelioma attorney to ensure that you meet the statute of limitations for claims.
If you choose to contact us, be prepared to provide a detailed summary of your work history, such as the names and times you were employed with each company. This will help us determine who may be named a defendant in your case. It is also important to keep in mind that the latency period for symptoms to develop may be anywhere between 20 to 50 years, so your exposure may date back to a jobsite 50 plus years ago.
It is best for asbestos cancer victims in Connecticut to seek legal support from law firms that employ attorneys with specific experience in asbestos cases. Only attorneys qualified in this specific area of law will be able to get you a full financial recovery. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney, please call 1-800-352-0871 or send us an email and someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly.
