Families Exposed to Asbestos Can Now File Claims

A Washington State Court of Appeals recently made the decision to allow claims to be filed by family members who have been affected by asbestos fibers being brought into their home.

The decision has paved the way for hundreds of family members to file their own claims for illnesses that they contracted from their second-hand exposure to asbestos.

Families Exposed to Asbestos

According to Seattle attorney, Matthew Bergman, many Washington workers brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing them to the cancerous material.

“Until now it has been very difficult for individuals who develop asbestos-related diseases as a result of household exposure to pursue a claim against the employer,” explains Bergman.

Worker Loses Wife to Mesothelioma

Adeline Rochon, a mother of seven, washed her husband’s work clothes during the ten years when he was employed at the Scott Paper Mill.

In 2004, Lawrence Rochon lost his wife of 49 years to mesothelioma.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could go back and change things. My wife was a wonderful woman who took pride in caring for her family. She didn’t deserve to die in such a horrible way,” says Rochon.

Asbestos Exposure Takes Lives

Asbestos was used, particularly in the early 1950’s in the shipbuilding, aluminum, and wood products industries.

Exposure to the harmful material has been linked to several diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

(Source: Press Wire)

Have you or someone you know been wrongfully exposed to asbestos? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who will give you the legal guidance you will need to pursue your case.