Contractor Fined for Asbestos Violations at Bureau of Indian Affairs Building in Holbrook, AZ

Arizona DEQ and Attorney General’s office investigate contractor for violations that took place during abatement of asbestos at Holbrook, AZ dormitory building. Those exposed to asbestos during improper asbestos abatement are at risk for serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and  asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, complete the form on this page for information about your legal rights.

After an investigation into a 2007 demolition of a dormitory building at the Holbrook, AZ Bureau of Indian Affairs, a New Mexico contractor was fined $225,000.

When a subcontractor began the demolition of the building in May 2007, the company had been assured that the building had undergone asbestos abatement. However, after the demolition began, the subcontractor discovered asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the demolition debris. The demolition was halted, and an investigation was begun by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

The ADEQ issued an abatement order to the contracting company related to their alleged failure to properly complete asbestos abatement at the site. The contractor completed the abatement project in November 2007, at an estimated cost of $900,000.

Asbestos Exposure Risks for Workers and Area Residents
The workers hired to perform the demolition, as well as those who live or work in the area where the Holbrook dormitory facility was demolished, were placed at risk for exposure to the dangerous cancer-causing mineral.

The time between exposure to asbestos and when asbestos-related diseases are diagnosed can be 30-40 or more years long. This latency period is caused by the way in which asbestos damages the lungs. The sharp edges on microscopic asbestos fibers cause them to attach to lung tissue, causing scarring to occur over decades. In some cases, the scarring can cause chronic lung diseases like asbestosis or emphysema to develop. In more serious cases, damaged lung tissues begin to produce the abnormal cells that cause lung cancer tumors to form.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.