FAQ: Can I Sue My Landlord for Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos Exposure in Residential and Commercial Units

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely used in construction materials due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties.

Situations in which a person can encounter asbestos in a residential rental or commercial unit can vary.

Older Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 20th century, so residential and commercial properties built before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos.

This includes buildings constructed for housing, offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial facilities.

Renovation or Repair Work

When renovations or repairs are conducted in older properties, it can disturb asbestos-containing materials.

Removing walls, ceilings, flooring, or insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing a risk to occupants, contractors, and workers.

Deterioration of Materials

Over time, asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate naturally or due to water damage, aging, or mechanical stress.

As the materials degrade, asbestos fibers can become friable (easily crumbled) and be released into the air, increasing the potential for exposure.

Insulation

Asbestos was commonly used for insulation purposes, including pipe insulation, HVAC systems, and boiler rooms.

Residential rentals and commercial units with older insulation systems may still contain asbestos.

Ceiling Tiles and Flooring

Some ceiling tiles and flooring materials, particularly those manufactured before the 1980s, may contain asbestos.

Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when these materials are disturbed or damaged.

Vermiculite Attic Insulation

Vermiculite insulation, often found in older homes, may contain asbestos.

It was commonly used as attic insulation but can pose a risk if disturbed during maintenance or renovations.

Popcorn Ceiling

Popcorn or textured ceilings, popular from the 1950s to the 1980s, frequently contain asbestos.

Sanding, scraping, or disturbing these ceilings can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Asbestos-Containing Products

Asbestos was used in various products, including adhesives, sealants, paints, caulking, and roofing materials.

In some cases, these products may still be present in residential rentals and commercial units, posing a risk if disturbed or deteriorated.

Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure can have severe health consequences, often debilitating and life-threatening conditions.

The health effects of asbestos exposure history may not manifest immediately and can take years or even decades to develop.

Here are some of the most common asbestos-related diseases:

• Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma diagnosis is a cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and it is both uncommon and aggressive. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss.
• Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure is a known cause of lung cancer. People exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if they smoke. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and recurrent respiratory infections.

It’s important to note that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

Even minimal or intermittent exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Therefore, if you have been exposed to asbestos, seeking medical evaluation and regular monitoring is essential to detect any potential health issues early.

The effects of asbestos exposure extend beyond the physical impact on individuals.

Asbestos exposure and related illnesses can also result in major emotional and financial hardships for victims and their families.

Medical expenses, loss of income, reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and even death, are common consequences of asbestos-related diseases.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease due to exposure in a rental property or commercial unit, pursuing legal action against the responsible parties may help you seek mesothelioma compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages you have suffered.

Elements of Filing a Civil Lawsuit for Asbestos Exposure

Certain elements must be established to file a personal injury lawsuit for asbestos exposure.

These elements may vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction, but the following are commonly required.

Duty of Care

The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant (typically the landlord or property owner) owed them a legal duty of care.

In the case of asbestos exposure, this duty involves providing a safe and habitable environment free from asbestos hazards.

Breach of Duty

Asbestos victims must establish that the defendant breached their duty of care.

This can be done by showing that the defendant failed to identify and address asbestos hazards or neglected to take appropriate remedial measures to prevent exposure.

For example, if the landlord was aware of the presence of asbestos but did not take the necessary steps to mitigate the risk, it can be considered a breach of duty.

Causation

With the help of asbestos lawyers, the Mesothelioma patient needs to establish a causal connection between the defendant’s breach of duty and the asbestos exposure that resulted in harm.

This requires demonstrating that the defendant’s actions or inaction directly led to the plaintiff’s asbestos exposure and subsequent health issues.

Damages

Mesothelioma patients must provide evidence of the physical, emotional, and financial harm from asbestos exposure.

This includes medical records documenting asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, and associated medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Top Mesothelioma law firms can assist with calculating damages.

What is a Premises Liability Lawsuit?

Premises liability lawsuits are legal claims filed by individuals injured or harmed on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions.

These lawsuits are based on the principle that property owners or occupiers have to maintain a safe environment for those who enter their premises.

When this duty is breached, resulting in injuries or damages, the injured party can pursue a premises liability or wrongful death lawsuit to seek financial compensation.

Asbestos exposure cases typically fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners or occupiers responsible for maintaining safe conditions.

Suing a Landlord for Asbestos Exposure

If an individual has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and the landlord or property owner failed to take necessary actions to ensure their safety, they may have grounds for asbestos exposure or mesothelioma lawsuits.

Asbestos exposure can have severe health consequences, and property owners are legally obligated to provide a safe environment for their tenants or occupants.

Proving negligence on the landlord’s part is crucial in an asbestos lawsuit.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you gather evidence and assess damages.

Gathering Evidence

Building a solid case requires gathering evidence supporting the negligence claim.

Evidence in an asbestos lawsuit may include:

• Medical records
• Employment records
• Residential information
• Photos and videos
• Any other proof of exposure to asbestos and subsequent health problems

Assessing Damages

Damages refer to the total amount of losses related to exposure to asbestos and subsequent health issues.

Damages in an asbestos lawsuit may include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Therapy costs
• Lost quality of life
• Lost wages and earning ability
• Loss of consortium
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damages
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

Statutes of Limitations

It is essential to be aware of the statutes of limitations applicable in your jurisdiction.

These are the timeframes for filing a mesothelioma personal injury lawsuit after discovering your asbestos-related illness.

Failure to meet the deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Consulting with a Mesothelioma attorney specializing in asbestos litigation will ensure you comply with the applicable time limits.

Filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit can be a complex legal process.

Asbestos laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, and the specific circumstances of each asbestos claim differ.

Consulting with mesothelioma lawyers experienced in asbestos litigation is crucial to understand your rights, navigating the legal process, and seeking fair mesothelioma lawsuit compensation for the harm caused by asbestos exposure.

TorHoerman Law: Your Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers

Exposure to asbestos can result in serious and life-threatening health problems.

It’s important for victims of asbestos exposure to seek immediate medical attention and consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney on the next steps to take.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and believe that your landlord or property owner’s negligence contributed to your exposure, taking legal action may be an essential step toward seeking justice and compensation.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for legal action instantly.

Navigating the legal process of asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits can be challenging, and consulting with attorneys specializing in asbestos litigation is crucial to ensure your rights are protected.

Reach out to our law firm today and find out how our team can help you seek justice.