Most mesothelioma lawsuits focus on workplace asbestos exposure. Many workers in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding spent years inhaling asbestos fibers, often without knowing the risks. However, asbestos exposure isn’t limited to job sites. You can file a lawsuit against product manufacturers, landlords, and secondhand exposure sources. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have more legal options than you realize.
Lawsuits Against Consumer Product Manufacturers
Many household and cosmetic products contained asbestos-contaminated talc. These products exposed consumers to asbestos without warning. Some of the most well-known cases involve talc-based powders used for personal hygiene. Major companies such as Johnson & Johnson have faced lawsuits from people who claim their products led to mesothelioma.
Other consumer products that may have contained asbestos include:
- Makeup and personal care products made with talc.
- Old home insulation materials sold for DIY use.
- Certain construction and auto repair products like joint compounds and brake pads.
If exposure to these products led to mesothelioma, lawsuits against manufacturers may provide compensation.
Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits
Many people with mesothelioma never worked directly with asbestos. Instead, they were exposed through a family member who unknowingly carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing. This is known as take-home exposure.
For decades, workers came home in asbestos-covered uniforms. They exposed their spouses and children to asbestos. Some courts have ruled that employers were responsible for failing to protect workers and their families. Lawsuits have been successful in cases where companies knew about the risks but did nothing to prevent secondhand exposure.
Holding Property Owners Accountable
Asbestos was widely used in buildings before the 1980s. Landlords and property owners are responsible for keeping rental properties safe, but some fail to address asbestos hazards.
Some of the products that can release asbestos fibers into the air include deteriorating ceiling tiles, floor insulation, and drywalls. Tenants who develop mesothelioma due to long-term exposure in their homes may have a legal claim against landlords who ignored asbestos risks.
If mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation, even if your exposure wasn’t at work. Contact Pourciau Law Firm today to discuss your asbestos case and explore your legal rights.