Castle Rock Bike & Ski, originally built in 1976 and located in downtown Castle Rock, Colo., was damaged in a fire on January 4, 2013. According to the Castle Rock News-Press, cleanup at the storefront “came to a halt after crews discovered asbestos in the fire’s rubble.” A demolition inspector reported the asbestos spill to the state health department, although as of January 28, the department had not yet received an official permit for asbestos removal. Christopher Dan, communications liaison for the department’s air pollution control division, reported that while the origin and extent of the asbestos spill was still being investigated, the department had confirmed that asbestos fibers were disturbed and released during the fire.
As Dan explained, “When you have an event like a fire, depending on the age of building, [asbestos] can be on walls, ceilings, floor tile or behind walls as insulation and piping.” Asbestos warning signs and tape were reportedly posted at the site on January 22. According to the Castle Rock News-Press, Fire Chief Art Morales was unsure whether any firefighters had been exposed to asbestos while responding to the fire.
Firefighting is one of several occupations with a heightened risk of asbestos exposure. During a fire, toxic asbestos fibers can be released into the air, the inhalation of which can lead to serious health problems, including mesothelioma. Asbestos dust may also be present in the rubble that remains after a fire has been put out. Firefighters not only risk immediate physical harm as they battle blazes, but they also risk long-term harm to their health if they are exposed to asbestos.
Victims of asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, an experienced asbestos attorney can help you get the compensation you need and deserve. To learn more about your legal rights, contact an asbestos lawyer today.
Some of the asbestos-containing products that firefighters might encounter in a fire-damaged building include:
- Roofing materials
- Attic insulation
- Pipe covering and insulation
- Electrical wiring insulation
- Heating ducts
- Sheetrock
- Spackle
- Brick and block mortar
- Decorative plaster
- Ceiling tiles
- Vinyl flooring
- Vinyl wallpaper
- Textured paints
- Certain household appliances
If you or your family member developed mesothelioma after working as a firefighter or in another high-risk occupation, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a mesothelioma attorney today to discuss your case. A qualified mesothelioma lawyer will protect your legal rights and fight for the justice you deserve.