Illinois Fire That Destroyed Several Building puts Residents at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Last month a fire destroyed at least six buildings in the downtown area of Minonk, IL, and took almost one hundred firefighters to put the blaze out. Now, not only do residents of the small have to grapple with the clean-up, they now have to worry about being exposed to a known carcinogen.

The residents of Minonk have learned that the rubble from the destroyed buildings contains asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring material commonly used throughout the 20^th century in numerous industries, including construction.

For many years the dangers of asbestos was largely ignored and as a result many people contracted life-threatening pulmonary diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The medical costs associated with these lung diseases can add up very quickly, and numerous patients have chosen to retain mesothelioma attorneys to recoup the expenses incurred for their treatments.

Minonk City Administrator, Doug Elder, has assured citizens that, “The whole area has been fenced off, warning the public that it is hazardous waste.”

When the asbestos is disturbed the minerals can become airborne, putting people at risk of developing potentially fatal diseases.

Anyone who feels they have contracted mesothelioma can contact a mesothelioma lawyer to seek damages from companies that failed to warn them of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Because mesothelioma attorneys have specialized knowledge, they are qualified to attain a just settlement for the victims of asbestos-related diseases.