Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Handeland Flooring Inc. of Thiensville, Wisconsin has settled a lawsuit brought against them for asbestos violations related to a renovation project they completed at Earliest United Methodist Church in 2007. The flooring company was contracted to remove asbestos floor tiles from the church dining room as well as hallway as well as replace them with recent flooring. Asbestos is a hazardous substance that was commonly used in building materials through the 1970s. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to humorless illnesses similar mesothelioma as well as asbestosis, so asbestos work is strictly regulated because of the danger to community health.

The lawsuit alleged that Handeland did not conduct an asbestos inspection prior to beginning the renovation work, as is required by state law. The contractor as well as failed to provide prior written notice of the renovations to the Department of Common Resources (DNR). The asbestos work was undertaken by individuals who had not been properly trained in the control of asbestos emissions, as well as the asbestos was not kept damp during the project or prior to its disposal. The contractor has agreed to pay $20,000 according to the settlement agreement approved by a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge.

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