Washington State Court of Appeals makes it easier for victims of secondary asbestos exposure to get justice.

Victims of secondary exposure to asbestos who suffer from illnesses related to the substance can now have their own day in court.

A new ruling from the Washington State Court of Appeals will make it easier for family members and others living in the same home with workers who come in contact with asbestos as part of their job to file a lawsuit for their asbestos-related condition.

The Court of Appeals decision overturned a ruling made by a lower court, setting a precedent for future cases that involve secondary exposure.

Unaware of the dangers associated with the substance, tradesmen who handle asbestos or work in an environment that contain the material have been bringing hazardous asbestos fibers on their body and clothes home for decades. Many family members and other cohabitants have developed asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos cancer and lung cancer as a result. However, of those who have tried suing the employers of the working house member, the majority has failed in getting their cases to proceed.

Tradesman Lawrence Rochon’s wife of 49 years, Adeline, died from mesothelioma which he believes she developed from coming into contact with the asbestos on his clothes which she washed regularly. He still feels responsible for her death and wishes he could go back in time to change it. The couple has seven children.

Victims like Adeline now have hope that they can gain a sense of justice by seeking financial compensation from the businesses that failed to warn workers and their families about the dangers of working with asbestos.

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