Contractor Did Not Follow EPA Guidelines for Asbestos, Indicted on Federal Charges
A man from Little River, SC, has been indicted on federal charges for violating the Clean Air Act after he allegedly released asbestos into the environment during a condominium renovation.
David Braswell, who owns Cool Cote LLC, has been indicted on federal charges for blowing friable asbestos onto the beach, the building’s parking lot, and landscaped areas while renovating a beachfront condo tower in 2009.
Friable asbestos is any material that readily releases asbestos fibres when damaged or disturbed.
Braswell has also been accused of knowingly creating a health risk to the condo’s residents, as well as his own workers. He allegedly did not provide proper respiratory protection for his employees, nor did he conduct an asbestos inspection on the building or file a written notice with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, all of which are steps required by law. Employees pressure washed the front of the building without properly securing the area to prevent asbestos release.
“The workers for Cool Cote Inc. were not provided with respiratory protection, nor were the residents of Regency Towers informed of the danger and provided personal or environmental protection,” the indictment states.
Prosecutors say that Braswell and employees of Cool Cote knew about at least 35 cubic feet of asbestos-containing material in the building’s exterior coating, but conducted the renovation without complying with the law regarding asbestos and safety.
Cool Cote was, reportedly, a Florida company at the time they renovated the Regency Towers condominium. However, the state of Florida dissolved the company in 2010 when it failed to file an annual report. Braswell then filed to incorporate in the state of South Carolina.
Braswell has pleaded not guilty to all the charges in court last month, after he was indicted in May. He is currently free on an unsecured $35,000 bond. If he is convicted on the asbestos charges, he faces up to 45 years in prison.
South Carolina Asbestos Lawyers
Despite of being aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure, companies continued to produce asbestos products for use in factories, mills, shipyards and other engineering environments.
Asbestos litigation involves the exposure of individuals, often in large numbers, to harmful chemical or biological substances.
When this exposure results in serious injuries or health problems and you can show that those problems were caused by the negligence or carelessness of others, the law says that those who are injured or suffered the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death are entitled to compensation.
If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos in one of these surroundings, then the specifics are straightforward:
- Your health was put at risk for financial profit
- You could be eligible for compensation
The Strom Law Firm Understands the Complexities of Toxic Tort Asbestos Litigation
Toxic torts for asbestos contamination cases can be challenging. There are often multiple parties at fault, and any legal claim must consider all avenues of potential liability, making it extremely important to select a toxic tort law firm with experience necessary to successfully pursue a claim. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm collectively have over 30 years’ experience with personal injury and toxic tort litigation, including cases against asbestos contamination. If you or a loved one has become sick, or a loved one has died, due to asbestos in the environment, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help you recover compensation for medical bills and personal financial damages. We offer free consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800
