The State of Illinois has taken legal action against a building owner and a tenant after it was discovered that they did not follow the correct procedures for removing deadly asbestos from the building. Illinois claims that the owner and tenent not only put themselves at risk of asbestos exposure, but unknowing guests of the building at risk as well. Lisa Madigan, the Illinois Attorney General, filed a lawsuit against tentent Ben Slotky and building owner Merle Huff after it was discovered that they were incorrectly removing asbestos-filled flooring materials during a renovation project in March 2006.
During that time, the Department of Public Health told the building owner that he was required, by state law, to hire a licensed professional to remove the asbestos. An emergency order was given for them to stop their renovation project until the matter was settled. Mr. Huff ignored this order and continued with the renovation. The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants regulation requires that all buildings are checked for asbestos before any construction or demolition can begin. Mr. Huff is being charged with failure to comply to these laws.
The tenent, Mr. Slotky, is accused of removing asbestos without a license and using unsealed bags to move the hazardous materials. He also failed to decontaminate the area where the asbestos had been found. The men will be heavily fined for their negligent actions.
Learn more about asbestos exposure and speak to a mesothelioma lawyer at Williams Kherkher by calling 800-220-9341.