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New Jersey Asbestos Lawyers Report on Risk of Exposure for Atlantic City Condo Residents

asbestosSeptember 18, 2013 – The New Jersey asbestos attorneys at Shein Law learned that a building in Atlantic City was recently demolished and that residents living in a nearby condominium complex expressed strong concerns about the possibility of being exposed to asbestos during the demolition process.  While authorities stated that trained professionals were completing the demolition process, the condo residents worry that enough was not done to guarantee their safety.  Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious and fatal diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestos and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Building Demolitions Require Trained Asbestos Abatement Professionals

The demolition of a building with asbestos is an elaborate and complex project that requires the participation of a professional company that specializes in asbestos removal. Proper safety precautions are necessary to prevent asbestos exposure to the workers as well as the neighboring community.  In accordance with the Clean Air Act, prior to the demolition of a building, asbestos must be removed by trained specialists and the proper authorities need to be notified including the Environmental Protection Agency, state officials and local officials.

Unfortunately, many building owners or the companies hired to do demolition jobs try to cut corners and expenses and often risk exposing the public to asbestos.  Too often building demolition companies do not follow the safety precautions for asbestos removal or unlicensed and untrained workers are hired to complete the project.  As a result of improper demolition, harmful asbestos fibers are disturbed, released into the air and breathed in by not only the employees hired to do the work but also the general public including innocent bystanders and members of the community.  If a building owner or demolition company fails to provide the proper protection for its workers or fails to safeguard the public against asbestos exposure, they can be held legally responsible for resulting injuries or illnesses.

In the case of this Atlantic City, NJ building, it was determined that the older vacant apartment building was not structurally stable. As a result, although the generally accepted demolition method when asbestos is present requires removal of the asbestos prior to demolition, it was decided that the asbestos would not be removed first. Instead, the company used an alternative method. During the demolition phase, they used a continuous spray of water on the dangerous material in an effort to keep the asbestos contained and controlled.

The condominium residents, which are part of an association, were represented by an attorney who attempted to gain reassurance from the city and the demolition company about the asbestos removal project and the safety of his clients.  Neither responded.  The association took their own precautions.  They closed their pool to avoid asbestos contamination and urged the residents of the complex to vacate their condominiums during the demolition process. They are concerned that their actions may not have been enough to protect them from the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure.

Shein Law:  Pennsylvania & New Jersey Lawyers Representing Individuals and Families Affected by Asbestos

If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos while working at or living near a demolition site or has developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer or any other asbestos-related disease, contact the New Jersey asbestos attorneys at Shein Law.  We have successfully represented many individuals as well as family members throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey whose lives have been affected by an asbestos exposure.  You can count on our experienced asbestos lawyers to provide you with the aggressive and effective legal representation that will help you obtain the financial compensation to which you are entitled.

We maintain offices in Center City, Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, but we are available to meet at another location convenient to you and your family.  Call us today at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4632) to schedule a free consultation with a qualified asbestos lawyer or contact us online.

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