Knight Nicastro Investigates Asbestos Containing Materials at University of Montana

Knight Nicastro is investigating the revelation of disease-inducing asbestos containing materials (ACM) at the University of Montana’s McGill Hall. EPA test results indicate high levels of asbestos fibers in settled dust inside the 50,000 square foot facility, including a day care center. The University has shuttered the building. McGill Hall was constructed in 1953; a time when asbestos use was rampant in the construction industry.

In Montana court filings, asbestos has been described as: . . . an extremely deadly substance consisting of tiny needle like fibers that are sharply pointed and easily penetrate and lodge in the linings of the lungs. Human lungs are unable to remove asbestos that has speared itself into lung tissue, and the asbestos spears cannot be washed out of the lung tissues by blood. As a result, affected lung areas become inflamed, in time heavily scarred, and ultimately nonfunctional. For those who undergo this disease process, it becomes increasingly more difficult to breathe. Ultimately, the person suffocates.

As The Missoulian has described,

“Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other lung diseases. The latency period for developing these illnesses can be as little as ten years or as long as forty years.”

Knight Nicastro’s attorneys have over one century of experience in asbestos litigation. We have already consulted with families impacted by this situation and understand the legal remedies available to all those affected.