Certain individuals are more likely to be exposed to asbestos, including construction workers, industrial plant workers, shipyard workers, and firefighters. If you are employed in one of these professions and you get exposed to asbestos, there are certain measures you can take to protect yourself.
What to Do After Asbestos Exposure
While short-term asbestos exposure rarely leads to the development of mesothelioma, it’s still smart for you to take safety measures after coming into contact with the substance. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or somewhere else, take these three steps:
- Prevent further exposure. The best way to protect yourself is to step away from the area the asbestos is located. Let your employer or building manager know where you found the asbestos so they can warn others of the dangerous area. Put on a heavy-duty face mask that will filter out remaining asbestos particles while you remove clothing that may have the substance on it.
- Visit the doctor. It’s smart to schedule a doctor’s appointment soon after your exposure. Tell your doctor about the exposure and your concerns about mesothelioma. Your doctor may order tests to determine if the asbestos exposure caused any damage to your lungs, and ask you to come in for follow-up appointments down the line.
- Contact an attorney. Employers and building managers must identify and remove hazards from their properties, including toxic substances like asbestos. If you experienced harm after asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Our mesothelioma attorneys at Shrader & Associates L.L.P. have helped countless patients recover the compensation to which they are entitled. Learn how we can help you, too.
Call Shrader & Associates L.L.P. at (713) 787-3733 to schedule a consultation with our team.