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St. Louis judge reverses decision in asbestos case involving Lambert International Airport

St. Louis judge reverses decision in Lambert International Airport asbestos case.

Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of blue-collar workers since 1986. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients injured by job-related asbestos exposure.

NEWS STORY:

August 17, 2009 -- The U.S. district court judge who heard a case regarding improper treatment of asbestos in demolished buildings near St. Louis’ Lambert International Airport reversed her earlier decision at the urging of airport attorneys, according to St. Louis Today. The reversal prevents airport and city authorities from incurring any penalties for the demolitions.

The case dealt with houses near the airport that were demolished to make room for a new runway. A group of concerned residents in the nearby town of Bridgeton filed the suit, alleging that airport authorities used improper techniques to tear down the buildings and that they did not employ proper asbestos disposal methods.

Asbestos removal 'wet method' does not meet with federal regulations

Contractors reportedly sprayed the potentially toxic asbestos fibers down with water (a technique known as the “wet method”) to keep asbestos fibers from becoming airborne. Airborne asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis and other forms of lung cancer.

The “wet method” is usually faster and cheaper than recommended disposal methods. Contractors received approval to use the procedure from St. Louis County Health Department officials, although the tactic does not meet with federal environmental regulations.

The truth about asbestos

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most often the result of asbestos exposure on jobs – and usually contracted through employers’ blatant disregard for the health and safety of their workers.

Time to seek justice

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and seek FREE legal guidance and answers to your concerns, please notify us through the communication form on this page. We will pursue your claim with vigilance to help you pay for medical bills, future and past lost wages, suffering. There is no cost to you until we win a verdict or settlement.