Asbestos was once hailed for its durability. However, over the decades, it has become one of the most dangerous materials workers can encounter.

What are the safety measures for workers in high-risk asbestos occupations?

The stakes are high. Any exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Let’s look at the steps companies and workers can take to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Danger of Asbestos

Asbestos fibers are tiny. They are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye. But once they are inhaled, they can cause problems. These fibers often come from old insulation, roofing, or flooring. Along with that, they can also spread through the air during demolition or repairs.

Exposure to asbestos has been linked to many illnesses, including mesothelioma.

When working around these fibers, it is important to stay safe. For employers, this means performing a thorough work environment assessment to identify potential hazards. Most of this work needs to happen before workers even step onto the job site.

Here are some measures that should be taken for any workers in these high-risk areas.

A diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness is often frightening and overwhelming. Conditions like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer often result from workplace exposure decades earlier, leaving victims and their families searching for answers and financial support.

Many people qualify for compensation through lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, or workers’ compensation claims, but the process can be complex. By knowing some common mistakes to avoid, you can improve your chances of a successful verdict, getting fair compensation for your losses, and holding responsible parties accountable.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that can touch the lives of anyone exposed to asbestos. Is mesothelioma more prevalent among men or women?

The ways this disease affects people can vary depending on gender. In these cases, men are more likely to develop the disease.

In this blog, we will explore why that happens and how women can still face exposure to this cancer.

Why Men Are Affected More Often?

When it comes to mesothelioma, men make up the bulk of cases. According to the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the global incidence of mesothelioma was 0.46 per 100,000 men, compared to 0.17 per 100,000 women in 2020. This has to do with the types of jobs men held during the peak of asbestos use in the 20th century.

Construction workers, shipbuilders, factory employees, and miners were all in overwhelmingly male industries. Unfortunately, that meant they directly worked with asbestos-containing materials.

Whether they were installing insulation, working on ship engines, or repairing automotive brakes, they were surrounded by airborne asbestos fibers daily.

Many of these men had no idea of the danger they faced, especially before asbestos regulations were introduced in the 1970s. These workers were not warned about the risks, and protective gear was often nonexistent.

“Two killed in three-vehicle crash outside of Pittsfield on Tuesday night on Illinois Route 106”

“Fatal Semi-Truck Collision Shuts Down Illinois 159 Near North Deer Park Drive”

“Two dead in I-57 crash in Jefferson County, truck driver cited”

Those were a sampling of headlines for a Google search of “Illinois truck accident.” Sadly, there were dozens more recent headlines detailing all types of truck accidents with tragic outcomes. There are many reasons why these accidents happen, but when it is firmly established that the truck driver is at fault, they need to compensate the victims of the trucking accident. That is where things can get complicated.

If you’re the victim of a truck accident, you’ll want to speak to an experienced truck accident attorney who can navigate through the complexities of these kinds of claims. The attorneys at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP have helped many clients who have suffered as the result of collisions with semi-trucks. If the evidence establishes acts of gross negligence on the part of the truck driver and the company that hired them, you could be entitled to punitive damages, which can significantly increase your final settlement.

Car accidents happen every day, but where do they happen more often—on highways or in town?

Both urban roads and highways pose risks to drivers, but the frequency and severity of accidents can vary depending on location. To help you stay alert and reduce your chances of being involved in a crash, it’s important to understand the differences between town and highway accidents.

Insurance companies have embraced technology to enhance their policyholders’ experiences. Every major carrier allows you to conduct a lot of business online, such as making payments, expanding policies, and adding drivers. They also provide portals where policyholders can begin the claims process. However, filing a claim online where there could be a dispute can be problematic.

For instance, suppose there is a dispute over who caused the accident or the amount of damages you’re seeking. In those scenarios, filing online could get that claim “lost.” Instead, you should consider retaining the services of an experienced personal injury attorney, like the team at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP. We have delivered hundreds of millions in settlements for our clients in various personal injury claims. One of the first steps we’ll recommend is to send a demand letter.

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries, costly medical bills, and significant emotional distress.

When a big rig accident happens because of someone else’s negligence, the injured party or parties have the legal right to seek compensation. Often in the form of a settlement agreement.

However, determining what’s a fair amount for a truck accident settlement isn’t always so simple.

Several factors influence settlement amounts, including medical expenses, lost wages, and the severity of injuries. Accident victims must be able to assess whether a settlement offer is reasonable or if further negotiation is necessary.

That’s where the experienced professionals at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, can help.

When a truck accident happens, determining what caused the crash can be difficult. Luckily (unlike passenger vehicles), commercial trucks are often equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and event data recorders (EDRs), which are commonly referred to as “black boxes.”

These devices capture critical information about a truck’s operations before and during an accident.

Black box data can play a vital role in truck accident claims, providing objective evidence that helps establish fault, support injury claims, and strengthen legal cases.

If you’re a truck driver in Illinois or planning to become one, you might wonder whether you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The requirements for a CDL can be a bit complicated, but the good news is that not every truck driver is required to have one. Which truck drivers are exempt from cdl requirements in Illinois?

Illinois has several exceptions that could apply to you depending on your vehicle type, what it’s used for, and where you’re driving.

Let’s take a closer look at the main exemptions that might apply to truck drivers in Illinois.

Trucks Under 26,001 Pounds

One of the most common exemptions is for vehicles under 26,001 pounds in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). If a truck doesn’t weigh that much, the driver is not required to hold a CDL.

For example, if your truck weighs 25,000 pounds, you don’t need a CDL to drive it. However, remember that just because you don’t need a CDL doesn’t mean you don’t need a valid driver’s license! Even with this exemption, you still need to ensure your vehicle is legally compliant with state and local traffic laws. Otherwise, if you cause a truck accident, you could face some serious legal issues.

Asbestos was once widely used in industries across the United States, valued for its heat resistance and durability. Despite its known health risks, including its link to mesothelioma and lung disease, asbestos has not been fully banned in the U.S.

While its use has declined, asbestos remains present in certain products, buildings, and industrial settings.

To minimize exposure risks, it’s important to understand where asbestos is still found and to take appropriate precautions.