ASBESTOS IN FLOOR TILES

Installing or removing vinyl floor tiles has been linked to fatal asbestos-related diseases

Weitz & Luxenberg has obtained monies for asbestos-injured construction workers for 25 years – longer than most law firms in the nation. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients, including those exposed to asbestos in floor tiles.

ASBESTOS IN VINYL FLOOR TILES

June 28, 2010 – Until the 1970s, asbestos vinyl floor tiles were the construction industry’s No. 1 choice when building new homes. Asbestos in vinyl floor tiles was also used in many commercial and industrial buildings.

As long as the vinyl asbestos floor tile has not been broken, sanded or ripped up, the asbestos contained beneath the vinyl is not likely to be an immediate health threat.

But with heavy foot traffic and time, the asbestos in vinyl floor tiles may wear or break down, in which case toxic asbestos fibers may be released into the air. Even though these tiles were installed in homes and buildings decades ago, they pose a greater threat today because of their aged condition.

Removal of old tiles releases asbestos fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled accidentally by work-site laborers. Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers qualifies as an asbestos exposure and can lead to fatal asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Ten thousand people die every year from asbestos-related diseases in the United States.

By law, only a licensed asbestos contractors should attempt to extract asbestos floor tiles from homes, schools or commercial buildings. Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products which do are required to be labeled.

Legal options

The manufacturers of vinyl asbestos floor tiles have placed the public at risk for developing serious asbestos-related illnesses. Many dying workers have successfully filed asbestos claims against these manufacturers and obtained large financial settlements, with help from the New York City law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg.

Weitz & Luxenberg specializes in asbestos-injury litigation and is recognized in the legal community for obtaining record-breaking verdicts and settlements for construction workers who have fallen ill (sometimes decades later) from occupational asbestos exposure.

If you once installed or removed asbestos vinyl floor tiles and you or a family member have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we will help you determine your eligibility to receive financial compensation.

Protect your family’s financial future today and obtain a free appraisal of your case.