Exposure to Asbestos & Fired?

Question

Ok I need some advice on this.....

My HVAC employer, whom I've been only working for less than 90 days now. Had me on a nightmare of a job! The job was muti-split A/C system in a church. I was required to run over 800ft of line set, in 2 small tunnels (but very long) roughly 4ft wide by 4ft tall. And smaller in other spots.

On top of the ceiling other tunnels and along the side of the walls were pipes wrapped in asbestos. The tunnels were absolutely filthy, c**p all over the ground you name it. Crawling around on your hands and knees and etc. Constantly bumping into pipes and etc....

After completing "all" the tunnel work, I started to get sick. Couldn't breathe, tightness of the chest. So I went to a doctor they diagnose me with Bronchitis, and prescribed a bunch of anti-biotics. To make a long story short, I never really improved, I got worse from constant coughing spells and passed out multiple times. I was in the Hospital 2 times for testing for passing out while coughing. They claim my lungs are clear and my heart is fine and cat-scans are good.

So I've been out of work for almost 3 weeks now, and today was my first day back on the job. This morning I talk to a co-worker of mine and claimed on my 2 day of my illness my boss stated I might not becoming back to work with the company..... Like I was going to be fired for not being there..... So tonight after work my boss calls me on the phone and says today's my last day?

In Michigan it's a right to fire state. They can fire you for anything for any reason. But this is my question. Do I have a legitimate case going up against this company for my exposure to asbestos?

We were only given cheap 99 cent paper masks to wear. No suits or other protection, or proper notification on the job. No permits were pulled no nothing. I had over 250 joints in those tunnels and had NO leaks.

I have been to Hospitals/Doctors and etc, and have all the documentation to back up my illness. What could I do, and what should I do? Could I sue them for not protecting me properly?

Answer 1

Guess what, the employer is not allowed to fire you for this that I suggest that you take it to the proper people in your state.  It was improper for him not to tell you that there was asbestos in the building.  He was supposed to give you the gear while you working with the stuff.  Yes, you have a legitimate case.  I hope you told the doctors at the hospital about this.  Don't forget to make copies of what you have when taking it to whom ever you take it too.   I wish you all the luck