Workers in Basement of Guardino Elementary School Discovered Asbestos in School’s Cellar
CLAYTON, NEW YORK (February 1, 2022) – Asbestos was discovered at Guardino Elementary School as workers were installing a new heating system.
Clayton officials are saying that the incident began in the basement of the school. Workers were in the cellar of Guardino Elementary School when they cut two holes into a wall.
Contractors were concerned that the materials they discovered were consistent with asbestos. A coat on the top layer of the plaster tested positive for asbestos.
Guardino Elementary School was closed for a day. But classes later resumed after officials said that the amount of asbestos discovered was not dangerous.
Liability for Asbestos Related Injuries
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to both corrosion and heat. It was commonly used as a form of insulation before it was banned. Long-term exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Mesothelioma, which is sometimes called malignant mesothelioma, is a fast-growing and deadly form of cancer. There are mesothelioma treatments. But for many people with mesothelioma, there is no cure.” Property owners should take a number of measures to mitigate the risk of asbestos exposure.
- Property owners should conduct an asbestos survey on buildings that were made before the 1980s.
- Property owners should ensure that asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and not disturbed.
- Property owners should hire a certified asbestos removal professional if necessary.
Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes taking steps to prevent guests from asbestos and other potentially harmful materials. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action. If a property owner knew (or should have known) about an asbestos risk and failed to take action, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any prolonged exposure to asbestos.
- Victims should avoid environments where the exposure took place.
- They should also consult with a doctor regarding the duration of the exposure.
- Certain individuals may need to undergo x-rays or CT scans in order to check for lung abnormalities.
- An experienced asbestos exposure attorney should be contacted.
The vast majority of instances of asbestos exposure are completely preventable. They tend to occur when property owners fail to take adequate safety measures. Asbestos is a known risk for older buildings. But in far too many situations, property owners failed to take any measures to identify potential sources of asbestos on their property. Any person who becomes ill due to prolonged exposure to asbestos may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Clayton Asbestos Exposure Incidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people at Guardino Elementary School. It is our sincere hope that students are actually safe at this location. Any person who may have more information about the scope of the asbestos at the school should reach out to investigators.
Have you or someone that you care about become ill after being exposed to asbestos? You may have legal recourse. Our team of mesothelioma attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of asbestos exposure are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
