Parkview Junior High School Closed For Asbestos Removal

Unsafe Premises - April 28, 2024

Parkview Junior High School In Lawrence Closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday To Remove Asbestos In The School’s Boiler Room

Parkview Junior High School Closed For Asbestos Removal

LAWRENCEVILLE, ILLINOIS – Parkview Junior High School was closed for three days in order to remove asbestos from the school’s boiler room.

Lawrence County officials are saying that the incident was announced in a press release on November 12, 2024. Parkview Junior High School was closed from Monday, November 13 to Wednesday, November 15.

The closure came after officials determined that there was asbestos in the boiler room. School officials said that they were working with the State Department of Health.

A new heating system was installed as the school was closed. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Lawrence County School Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was commonly used in a wide variety of different industries. It was banned as a construction material in 1989 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). But a number of older buildings still have asbestos. According to the Teamsters, “About 20% of all public and commercial buildings in the U.S. contain some asbestos material, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In about two-thirds of those buildings, at least some of the asbestos material is damaged. Almost half have “significantly damaged” asbestos.” Exposure to asbestos is associated with a number of illnesses.

  • Mesothelioma
  • Lung cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Laryngeal cancer
  • Bile duct cancer

Depending on the facts of any case, a school could be liable if students or other people were injured after being exposed to asbestos. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/1), property owners must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action. There are a number of steps that schools should take in order to prevent students from being exposed to asbestos.

  • Schools should conduct an asbestos survey to identify any locations where asbestos may have been placed. This should typically be done by an inspector.
  • Schools should develop and implement a plan to manage and identify asbestos-containing materials.
  • Schools should keep records of asbestos surveys and inspections.

Finding all liable parties in any instance of asbestos exposure can be a difficult proposition. Liability may also flow to contractors if they fail to follow proper protocols for removing or containing asbestos. Unfortunately, though, schools and school districts will do everything in their power to deny liability if students are exposed to asbestos. This is why it is so important for victims to seek legal guidance as early as possible.

Investigating Asbestos Exposure Incidents At Lawrence County Schools

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates were deeply concerned to learn about the discovery of asbestos at Parkview Junior High School. It is our sincere hope that school officials do everything in their power to make sure that there is not an ongoing threat to students or faculty. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators.

Have you or someone that you care about been exposed to asbestos at an Illinois school? Our team of school safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of asbestos exposure are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.