An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma
Asbestos victims can suffer from mesothelioma or lung cancer. These illnesses may not show symptoms for a long time. A New York asbestos lawyer can help those who suffer from this debilitating illness receive compensation for their losses.
An attorney may bring a lawsuit against owners of buildings or worksites manufacturers, as well as other parties responsible for exposing workers and consumers to asbestos.
Military Personnel
From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was widely employed throughout the military. It added the ability to resist fire, heat insulation and tensile strength to bases, aircrafts, vessels and vehicles. Veterans of the military who have worked in or around asbestos-rich materials are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other cancers. The Navy is responsible for the highest number of asbestos-related illnesses, but members of other branches of the military are also at risk of exposure to this carcinogen.
Asbestos was prevalent on Navy ships and also in the armored vehicles of the Navy. It was weaved into the ropes of boats and used as an insulation in boiler rooms and engine rooms. Even bedding, ceiling tiles and flooring were constructed from asbestos. As the products degraded, they released toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos dust can lead to serious health complications such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Army veterans are also at risk of developing mesothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos. While the Army stopped using new asbestos products in the late 1970s, many Army bases were still stocked with years of asbestos-based products that weren’t removed or replaced. Army personnel were exposed to asbestos while on base when they worked on military vehicles and equipment, such as brake components as well as electric wiring. The harmful mineral was also present in the barracks and living areas of the Army.
Soldiers also occupied buildings in war zones that were being destroyed or bombed. These sites were contaminated with large amounts of asbestos, which were then melted and released into the atmosphere. These veterans inhaled the asbestos and suffered severe health consequences. An experienced asbestos lawyer can assist veterans in obtaining financial compensation to pay for medical expenses such as lost wages and home treatment as well as funeral and burial costs when they have mesothelioma as a diagnosis. Veterans may also be compensated for the losses of their families in the event that they lost a loved one to mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness. A lawyer with expertise in asbestos law may be able to help family members sue negligent companies that sold and manufactured asbestos-related products that are dangerous.
Industrial Workers
Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos throughout the course of their jobs. This is especially relevant to those who worked on shipyards, construction projects and power plants, textile mills automotive brakes, and other industries that utilized asbestos extensively during the 20th century.
Asbestos was commonly incorporated into various building materials, like insulation, fireproof coatings and drywall. Additionally, it was used to make many consumer products, including roofing, flooring, cement and pipes. Asbest was also employed in a number of public institutions, including hospitals, schools, and offices. Unfortunately most of these industries have since shut down, and the victims are now suffering from severe asbestos-related illnesses including mesothelioma lung cancer and asbestosis.
Mechanics, fabricators and welders who deal with machinery and vehicles that contain asbestos or who work in older structures that are not equipped with asbestos abatement are the most at risk. They may have also handled asbestos-contaminated tools and safety gear, such as gloves and fire blankets made of asbestos-treated cotton.
OSHA has recognized that exposure to these types of jobs is higher than many other occupations. In addition, some people who have worked in the military or served in rescue and recovery efforts after natural disasters are more at risk of being exposed in the future when they go into damaged buildings.
Anyone who has recently experienced symptoms of asbestos exposure should speak to an New York mesothelioma lawyer immediately. The prompt reporting of asbestos exposure is essential, since the statutes of limitations for personal injury lawsuits are three years. In the case of asbestos-related disease, this period can be extended since it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or any other diseases to develop.
If a person is discovered to have a condition like asbestosis or mesothelioma, it can have a significant impact on their family and loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can assist those who have been diagnosed with the financial compensation needed to help their families.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos can cause cancer as well as lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. Asbestos was used extensively in American industries during the 20th century. The dangers of asbestos went beyond those who handled it directly. The asbestos fibers are so small that they can stick to clothing, hair, and equipment. When blue-collar workers carried the dust home on their clothes, in their hair or on their work tools they did not realize that they exposed their children and their spouses to these hazardous particles. This was referred to as secondary exposure.
As a result, many people who never handled asbestos in the workplace are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. These victims can file lawsuits against the companies that did not warn of the dangers of their products. A knowledgeable attorney can assist those who suffer from this condition to identify the source of their exposure, and to a defendant who could be held responsible for this carelessness.
If a person is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease it is crucial to speak with an asbestos exposure attorney immediately. These attorneys can help sufferers discover compensation sources to cover medical bills and other expenses. In addition, mesothelioma victims may pursue wrongful death claims against companies who failed to fulfill their obligation to warn consumers about the dangers of their products.
For those working in construction mesothelioma can be particularly deadly. Construction workers are at risk for asbestos-related illnesses because they often renovate, demolish or rebuild old structures that contain asbestos materials.
There is no cure for Mesothelioma. However you can treat the symptoms with medication. These medications can improve the quality of life for a victim and increase the likelihood of survival. These medical treatments can be expensive. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.
New Jersey, as well as other states have passed laws that allow spouses of asbestos workers hold negligent employers accountable for their illnesses. In order to be successful in such lawsuits, victims must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence was responsible for the exposure to asbestos. This can be a challenging task since mesothelioma as well as lung cancer have a latency period that can last up to 30 years.
Homeowners
If you’ve developed mesothelioma, a lung disease, because of exposure to asbestos, you could be entitled to compensation. You can make a personal injury claim against the company which exposed you to asbestos, or you could be entitled to compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. A New York asbestos lawyer can help you decide the best way to proceed.
While asbestos is not extracted or processed in the United States anymore, it can still be found in many homes and buildings. It was used in insulation, particularly for older buildings that needed to withstand fires as well as high temperatures. It also was used as a building material for pipes, ceilings roof shingles, siding, and ceilings. Other asbestos-containing products included flooring products, paper products felt, and fake fireplace embers. Asbestos was also used make friction products for automobiles (brake transmission, clutch and brake pads) and heat-resistant clothing.
Asbestos fibers can release into the air when they are disturbed. They can also stick to clothing, increasing the risk of second-hand exposure. Homeowners who are constructing their properties should have their homes examined for asbestos. If asbestos is found to be present, it must be examined by a professional prior to being removed.
Homeowners should not attempt to collect samples of the materials themselves. Asbestos testing is a complex process, and taking samples without proper instruction could cause health hazards for the homeowner and any other person in the area. If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and will not be disturbed, a professional who is trained can recommend that it be left alone.
Asbestos-related ailments can be severe and painful, but they can be treated. A lawyer experienced in asbestos can assist the victims and their families file a claim against negligent building owners and employers as well as product manufacturers. Contact a New York asbestos lawyer today if you or someone near you has an asbestos-related disease. Our lawyers will evaluate your case for free and won’t be paid unless you receive a payment. Call us today to arrange your free consultation with a lawyer.