Several retired executives from W.R. Grace & Co. face criminal charges for exposing residents of a Montana mining town to asbestos and failing to disclose their knowledge to workers and government agencies. If convicted, they may receive up to 15 years in jail and have to pay millions of dollars in fines.
The company’s vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana contained naturally occurring asbestos fibers. Exposure to this toxic chemical may lead to the development of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Due to asbestos exposure, 200 residents of Libby have died and 2,000 others have developed a serious asbestos-related condition.
Prosecutors contend that the company had knowledge that the mine contained asbestos fibers long before any of the local residents became sick. Yet, they continued mining vermiculite in this toxic environment and even donated contaminated mine waste to local schools to use on their running tracks.
Residents of Libby currently experience a death rate from asbestosis that is 40 to 80 times higher than the rest of the country, and their lung cancer rate is also considerably higher than what would be expected in a town of that size.
It is important to consult an experienced asbestos attorney if you have suffered a serious illness from exposure to the toxic substance. When companies knowingly place people’s lives at risk by failing to safely contain asbestos, they must be held accountable for their actions.
If you have an asbestos or mesothelioma claim in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Delaware area, please contact the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C. today to schedule a consultation.
