Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle material. Its heat resistance and durability meant it was used widely in insulation, roofing, and countless other industrial products. However, these days it makes headlines due to its links to life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
For businesses, this shift from trusted material to toxic hazard has created ongoing liability issues. Companies operating in construction, property management, or manufacturing need to understand the realities of asbestos lawsuits to protect both people and their bottom line.
Why Asbestos Is Still a Legal Risk
Despite its ban in many industries, asbestos is still around in older buildings, machinery, and infrastructure in the United States. Any business that owns or works on properties built before the 1980s may encounter asbestos. The risks are greater when doing renovations or demolitions. Exposure doesn’t cause immediate harm, though. However, the diseases linked to asbestos often take decades to appear.
The long latency period means lawsuits are being filed today that are due to exposure as much as 30 or 40 years ago. Employers, landlords, and contractors can all face claims if workers, tenants, or customers were put at risk. Even companies that never directly used asbestos products may end up pulled into litigation if they manage older properties where asbestos is still present.
The Scope and Cost of Asbestos Lawsuits
There’s an enormous impact financially with asbestos litigation. Since the first cases back in the 1970s, asbestos lawsuits have cost companies billions of dollars. This is made up of settlements and verdicts in court. Even one individual case can cost a company millions. This is particularly true in cases of wrongful death where there is compensation for pain and suffering as well as medical bills and lost wages.
The damage goes beyond money. Businesses involved in cases often face reputational harm too. Trust may be eroded with employees, clients, and the wider community. Smaller companies may find the financial strain too much to bear and a threat to their long-term survival. Knowing these risks is essential if you’re a leader who wants to safeguard your operations.
Legal Responsibilities for Businesses
Employers and property owners have clear responsibilities under federal and state laws. Agencies like OSHA and the EPA set strict standards for asbestos management. Companies must conduct asbestos surveys in older buildings and disclose any known risks. They must also ensure safe handling when asbestos is present.
Negligence is the most common trigger for litigation. Failing to warn employees, skipping inspections, or ignoring safety procedures can all lead to liability. Even unintentional oversights can mean a business is exposed to costly claims. Businesses that take compliance seriously can reduce the likelihood of becoming a defendant in asbestos lawsuits.
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Protecting Your Business from Liability
The best defense is proactive risk management. Regular inspections of older facilities can identify asbestos to be dealt with before it becomes a problem. If removal is required, you should only use licensed asbestos abatement professionals. This means they’ll comply with the required safety standards.
It’s also imperative to train employees. Workers must be told how to recognize potential asbestos. Then, if it’s discovered, they need to know the steps to limit exposure. Detailed record-keeping is also crucial. Inspection reports, abatement documentation, and safety logs will provide proof of diligence if legal issues arise.
Finally, businesses should consult legal and insurance experts to help them develop a comprehensive strategy to manage potential asbestos liabilities. While prevention requires investment, of course, it’s far less costly than defending a lawsuit further down the line.
Endnote
Asbestos may feel like a problem of the past, but it’s a present-day risk both legally and financially. The lawsuits are real, the costs are high, and the duty to act responsibly is clear. Companies that take asbestos seriously protect their employees, their business, and their long-term reputation.
