Hotel Owner Fined for Exposing Workers to Asbestos

Mar 26,2018

A Seattle hotel has been fined for knowingly exposing construction workers to asbestos. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), the owner of Seattle Pacific Hotel put untrained workers at risk, actions the Department of L&I deemed “unconscionable.”

Hotel Owner Knew About Asbestos in Ceiling

According to the investigation, hotel owner Raj Nariya had been told by an asbestos-abatement contractor there was asbestos in the ceiling of the hotel. Despite knowing this, Nariya hired untrained workers to work on the hotel lobby renovation. These workers were not trained to safely remove the asbestos, and where unknowingly exposed to the dangerous fibers. Not only are these actions unethical, but they are a violation of the law.

In July, L&I issued a stop-work order for the hotel. Nariya has been fined $355,000 for 12 intentional violations of workplace health. The offenses include failing to provide respiratory protection and leaving asbestos on a worksite.

When inhaled, asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other illnesses.

“This hotel owner’s actions are inexcusable. Innocent workers are now at risk for numerous health problems because of his carelessness,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.