Buck Law Firm An Asbestos Injury Law Firm 2026-10-30T16:33:21Z https://www.buckfirm.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1302418/2021/11/cropped-Favicon-min-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[Can you sue a company for asbestosis after it closes in Georgia?]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46717 2026-10-30T16:33:21Z 2026-10-30T16:33:21Z File a claim with an asbestos trust When a company gets too many asbestos claims, it might file for bankruptcy. When this happens, under the Federal Bankruptcy Code, the company often moves its asbestos debts into a special trust fund. This trust handles the claims directly. You can still get money from this trust even if the company is closed. Each trust follows its own Trust Distribution Procedures (TDP) that set specific medical and exposure criteria claimants generally need to meet. Documentation you might need includes medical records confirming your diagnosis, a physician's statement and evidence connecting your illness to that specific company's products.

Filing a civil lawsuit against other responsible parties

If additional parties, such as solvent manufacturers or suppliers, also contributed to your asbestos exposure, you might file a civil lawsuit against them. This can be separate from or in addition to a trust claim. Alternatively, if the exposed individual passes away due to an asbestos-related condition, surviving relatives or loved ones can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.

Georgia's filing deadlines for asbestosis claims

Georgia gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for asbestosis. This two-year clock does not start on the day you were exposed. Instead, it starts from the date you discovered – or reasonably should have discovered – the connection between your asbestosis and your asbestos exposure. Asbestos trust funds may also carry their own separate deadlines, independent of Georgia's statute.

Steps you can take next

You do not have to handle complex trust rules and court deadlines alone. An attorney with experience in asbestos cases can review your work history and may help you pinpoint which trusts owe you money. They can also handle the legal paperwork, track strict filing timelines and ultimately build a strong case to secure the payout you deserve.]]> by Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[What did companies agree to do in the EPA asbestos settlements?]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46715 2026-10-16T12:31:02Z 2026-10-16T12:31:02Z Which asbestos rules did companies allegedly break? The EPA reported that several companies failed to inspect buildings for asbestos or provide required advance notice before demolition. These rules help prevent harmful asbestos fibers from entering the air and putting workers and nearby residents at risk.

What penalties did the companies pay?

The EPA reached settlements with four companies over alleged asbestos regulation violations. The announced penalties included:
  • AACR, Inc.: $1,378
  • Wells Contracting Inc.: $195
  • Horizon Construction Company: $5,425
  • J.D.R. Construction & Design, Inc.: $8,223
These amounts reflect the penalties listed in the EPA’s September 30, 2024, announcement. Each settlement addressed the alleged violations identified by the agency. The settlements show that federal regulators can fine companies for breaking asbestos rules. However, each company may have faced different allegations.

How do these settlements help protect the public?

When you see an asbestos-related settlement, the key issue is whether the company has addressed the violations and reduced the risk of future problems. The EPA’s announcement explains that federal asbestos rules aim to protect workers and nearby communities during demolition and renovation. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibers into the air, increasing the risk of lung disease. If you own or manage an older building, check for asbestos before starting repairs. Hire a qualified contractor, ask for proof of required licenses and request copies of any required inspection reports and notices. These steps can help you check that the contractor follows safety rules and protects workers and others from asbestos exposure.

Take steps to prevent asbestos violations

Breaking asbestos safety rules can harm people and lead to fines. If you plan to repair or tear down an older building, check for asbestos first and make sure your contractor follows EPA rules. These steps can help keep workers and nearby people safe from asbestos exposure.  ]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[Why was asbestos ever used if it is so dangerous?]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46713 2026-09-25T17:52:26Z 2026-09-25T17:52:26Z Today, scientists and medical professionals are well aware of the dangers of asbestos. One of the greatest risks is that it can lead to a type of cancer known as mesothelioma. This is typically in the chest cavity or the abdomen, and it has a very high fatality rate. But if asbestos is so dangerous to people that remediation teams have to wear hazmat suits and special air filters so that they can breathe, why was the product used in the first place? After all, it was very common in previous decades, which is why it can still be found in many older homes and structures today. Why were people using it if the risk level was so high?

It is heat resistant

One of the top reasons for asbestos use is that it does not burn. This high level of heat resistance made it excellent for insulation. It was often used around ducts and pipework because it was not a fire hazard, which was thought to make homes safer.

It is highly durable

It is also a very strong and durable substance. This is why you have products like asbestos cement and why it was often used in tiles and other materials. This durability was highly prized in construction projects.

Mesothelioma has a long latency period

Finally, the latency period between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma can be decades long. Someone could be exposed in their 30s but not develop mesothelioma until they are in their 60s or 70s.  Because of this long latency period, the connection between exposure and mesothelioma was not immediately obvious. People just saw the benefits of a durable, heat-resistant material and did not understand the risks that it posed. These risks are clear now, and many people do suffer from mesothelioma and other related disorders. It is important for them to understand all their legal options.]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[When does Georgia require a licensed asbestos abatement contractor?]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46710 2026-09-14T22:03:51Z 2026-09-14T22:03:51Z You’re in the middle of a remodel at your construction job when someone pulls up some old flooring, breaks through a wall or exposes damaged insulation – and it looks like it might contain asbestos. Your supervisor tells everyone to just keep working, insisting that it’s harmless enough to just cover or bag up and toss. This is not a situation where you should just do as you’re told and hope for the best. Once materials containing asbestos break down, microscopic fibers become airborne and you can breathe them in without seeing, smelling or knowing they are there.

Georgia has rules for asbestos remediation 

You can’t confirm something is asbestos just by looking. In general, an inspection is needed unless any suspicious material is going to be treated as if it is automatically asbestos and handled appropriately.  A dust mask and gloves are not adequate protection, either. Under state law, any project involving 10 square feet or 10 continuous linear feet of crumbled or broken material containing asbestos needs a licensed asbestos-abatement contractor. The contractor, in turn, is required to notify the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and use specific procedures for containing, removing and disposing of the contaminated materials. In general, if you encounter a situation like this at work, you need to raise your concerns with your boss. Do not collect a sample yourself or take your equipment or work clothing into your vehicle or home to prevent secondary transfers of the asbestos fibers. If you’ve been exposed in the past to asbestos and you’ve developed an illness as a result, the best thing you can do is seek legal guidance. There are funds available, and an experienced asbestos attorney can help you document your exposure, investigate what safety requirements were ignored and determine your legal options. ]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[Can you see asbestos fibers?]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46708 2026-08-30T03:53:03Z 2026-08-30T03:53:03Z Asbestos fibers can be seen under a microscope. There are ways to test for them, which is why those who suspect they have encountered asbestos particles will often send them to a lab. The samples can be examined in a controlled environment, and a report can be made to tell the individual if it is asbestos or not. But to the naked eye, these fibers are often invisible. Someone may believe that they can just be on the lookout for asbestos in an older building, for example, but this is a mistaken belief. They are not actually going to be able to see these microscopic fibers. Often, they just float in the air, where they are at risk of being inhaled. This can lead to a type of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Looking for common materials

Instead of looking for asbestos fibers themselves, people will often look for materials where these are used. They were often used in insulation in the past, for example, such as around old pipes or duct systems. Asbestos was also commonly used in flooring tiles. It may be present in the tiles themselves, in some types of rolled flooring, in the glue attaching the tile to the floor or even in the layer of tarpaper below the tile. The danger with interacting with these materials, especially when removing them from an older property, is that it disturbs the asbestos fibers and releases them into the air as the materials are broken up. This can create extreme hazards for anyone who is exposed and may breathe in those particles.

What are your legal options?

Issues involving asbestos and mesothelioma can be very complicated, both from a medical and a legal standpoint. It can help to work with an experienced law firm to explore all of your options.]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[Tarpaper under tile could also contain asbestos]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46705 2026-08-14T13:15:26Z 2026-08-14T13:15:26Z In older homes, asbestos was often used as part of the flooring material. In many cases, it was incorporated into old tiles, for instance, which may be used in a kitchen. For some laminate materials that get rolled down onto the floor, or for the tiles themselves, the glue can also contain asbestos. In some cases, beneath these layers of flooring, people will find a substance that looks like roofing tarpaper. This is known as felt underlayment or a felt backing. It is often a thin and papery substance, which has been rolled down as yet another layer of flooring. While there are cases in which this is just a non-harmful type of tarpaper, it is important to note that the felt underlayment itself could also contain asbestos. People will sometimes carefully remove the tile and the glue and then simply try to sand away this felt underlayment, but doing so can be dangerous because it releases a lot of asbestos particles into the air.

Why are airborne particles an issue?

Asbestos becomes most dangerous when it can be inhaled. That is why remediation teams are careful to wear the right protective equipment, including specific masks. Felt underlayment in particular tends to deteriorate with age. While it was trapped below the tiles, asbestos particles may not have been released into the air. But the process of ripping out the tiles and the glue above the underlayment can cause it to fragment, increasing the chances that it will lead to a dangerous condition like mesothelioma. This is especially true if someone tries to scrape or sand away the paper layer, perhaps believing it is a harmless type of tarpaper when it is actually full of asbestos particles. There are significant risks of asbestos in older buildings, as it used to be widely used before the dangers were fully understood. Those who have developed mesothelioma or suffered other health complications need to know what legal options they have.  ]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[What is second-hand asbestos exposure?]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46704 2026-08-05T20:24:06Z 2026-08-05T20:24:06Z Many people think that asbestos exposure only happens at work, such as in construction, manufacturing or shipbuilding jobs where many materials contain asbestos. These workers are likely to face a high risk of asbestos exposure and develop lung cancer and mesothelioma later in life. However, asbestos exposure may occur closer to home than many people think. Family members may be unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibers from loved ones. This is known as second-hand asbestos exposure. Here is what you should know:

How family members can be exposed to asbestos

Second-hand asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are trapped on work clothes, shoes, tools and hair and inhaled by another person. Workers who are not aware that they are exposed to asbestos may return home with asbestos on their clothing. As these workers spend time at home around their family, asbestos fibers can go airborne. These fibers may remain in the air or settle on surfaces for weeks or months without anyone knowing. These fibers can be inhaled by the worker’s family, causing devastating consequences in their future. People who work in construction, manufacturing or shipping industries should be aware of their exposure to asbestos fibers. Workers can be proactive and protect their family members from second-hand asbestos exposure by routinely washing their clothing and cleaning before returning home. Companies may provide equipment that helps protect workers and their family members from being exposed to asbestos.  If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. You can reach out for professional legal guidance to learn more about your rights.]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[What are the complications of peritoneal mesothelioma?]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46701 2026-07-23T16:02:49Z 2026-07-23T16:02:49Z Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen and is often linked to asbestos exposure in the workplace. As the disease progresses, it can affect multiple organs and lead to serious health complications that require ongoing medical care. Understanding the potential complications can help patients and their families recognize symptoms early and discuss appropriate treatment options. It can also be important for those considering filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Georgia after a workplace asbestos exposure.

Common complications of peritoneal mesothelioma

The most common peritoneal mesothelioma complications result from tumor growth within the abdominal cavity. One of the earliest issues is persistent abdominal pain, which develops as tumors place pressure on nearby organs and nerves. Many people also experience ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that can cause swelling, discomfort and difficulty eating. Although the fluid can often be drained, it may return as the disease progresses. Digestive problems are also common. Tumors may interfere with normal bowel function, leading to nausea, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite and unintended weight loss. In more advanced cases, a bowel obstruction may occur, preventing food and waste from moving through the intestines. This is a medical emergency that often requires prompt treatment. Treatment for mesothelioma may also cause complications. Chemotherapy can increase the risk of infection by lowering the body's ability to fight illness. Other possible side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, bruising, and changes in kidney, liver or nerve function. Surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, blood clots and damage to surrounding tissues, while recovery may be prolonged depending on the extent of the procedure. Beyond the physical effects, many people experience emotional challenges after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Anxiety, depression, stress and feelings of isolation can affect both patients and their loved ones, making emotional support an important part of treatment. Understanding peritoneal mesothelioma complications can help you prepare for the challenges that may arise during treatment. If your diagnosis is related to asbestos exposure in the workplace, seeking legal guidance about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Georgia may help you understand your rights and the options available to you.]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[Older workplaces can lead to increased asbestos exposure risks]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46699 2026-07-16T09:19:16Z 2026-07-16T09:19:16Z Renovations can sometimes lead to asbestos exposure Older buildings may undergo a renovation, which means that the asbestos fibers might be released into the air. This can happen when something is drilled, cut, sanded, demolished, renovated or maintained. Workers can also release asbestos fibers into the air by repairing pipes, removing old flooring or disturbing insulation. The issue with asbestos fibers is that they’re too small to see, so a person can be exposed without knowing. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, which is a fatal lung disease. It can take decades to appear after the asbestos exposure, but it can progress quickly once symptoms appear. Workers who were exposed to asbestos should ensure they get immediate medical attention if they have any signs of mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or persistent cough. Mesothelioma can physically and financially devastate a victim, so it’s critical that they learn about their legal options. It’s possible to seek compensation for financial damages, but there are time limits in place. Working with a legal professional who understands these cases may be beneficial as a result.]]> On Behalf of Buck Law Firm <![CDATA[Asbestos claims could force Georgia business into second bankruptcy]]> https://www.buckfirm.com/?p=46698 2026-06-28T03:18:50Z 2026-06-28T03:18:50Z Companies that expose workers or consumers to asbestos may be liable for causing illness. The clear connection between asbestos and mesothelioma, as well as several other types of cancer, has resulted in the judicial system prioritizing the protection of those exposed to asbestos. Companies that close or file for bankruptcy generally need to account for asbestos-related claims during that process. They often need to fund specialized trusts. Here in Georgia, numerous manufacturers have potentially exposed both their employees and the public to asbestos. For one of those companies, Bestwall, a subsidiary of Georgia-Pacific, asbestos-related claims have forced the company to consider a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Asbestos claims carry high price tags

During a recent hearing, an executive from Bestwall, formerly known as Bestwall Gypsum Company, acknowledged that the parent company, Georgia-Pacific, cannot fully absorb the massive costs associated with successful asbestos litigation. In fact, Bestwall primarily exists as a vehicle to hold asbestos-related liability for the parent company. The company has attempted the so-called “Texas Two-Step,” which involves moving debts to a subsidiary and then having the smaller organization file for bankruptcy relief. The organization has committed more than $1 billion in funds to a trust that provides asbestos compensation. Bestwall previously restructured in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The organization now seeks to further restructure and may potentially file a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy, sometimes known as a Chapter 22 bankruptcy. The courts generally take appropriate steps to ensure that even bankruptcy does not eliminate the financial liability of businesses that had workers handle asbestos or exposed consumers to asbestos. Still, the process of seeking compensation can be complex. Working with an attorney can help people pursue Georgia asbestos claims. Even companies that closed or filed for bankruptcy may have a trust in place for those with asbestos-related illnesses.]]>