Court Official Sued for Asbestos Exposure

Article Added September 29th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

In a turn from normal events, employees of a Massachusetts courthouse are suing one of their own. The case alleges that the man knew of the threat of asbestos exposure and did nothing about it.

Robert Mulligan has a long title for his job, but the short of it means he’s responsible for managing the courthouses of Massachusetts . At this point, he is probably wishing he had a smaller title, since workers of the Cambridge Courthouse have decided to sue him for inaction. In 2004, high asbestos levels were found in the building, prompting workers to become concerned they would be exposed to the hazardous material.

Though the case may continue, the overseeing judge has halted the suit while Mulligan attempts to make amends. He stated that government funding never allowed for the abatement of the asbestos, and that, though, he tried, and he could not obtain funding to address the issue. He is currently working with the county and the state to obtain funding, and in the interim has ceased work in the areas most affected by asbestos. Constant asbestos exposure can lead to many harmful diseases, including a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma, emphysema and asbestosis.

Article Added September 29th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story