Attorneys for Asbestos Exposure
From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was widely employed in construction materials. It was used as insulation for pipes, fireproofing materials, cements and plasters, automobile brakes and many more. The exposure to this mineral can lead to a variety of severe medical conditions like mesothelioma, and other respiratory illnesses.
A New York mesothelioma attorney can help victims receive compensation from the companies responsible for their exposure. It is crucial to choose the right lawyer for this kind of claim.
Look for a Specialist
When asbestos is mined and processed, the tiny fibers separate easily and are able to be inhaled. This could lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. People who handle asbestos directly are at greater risk, but anyone can breathe asbestos. This kind of exposure, also known as secondary exposure can affect anyone who is around the worker’s contaminated clothes or equipment. This includes relatives that wash the uniforms of the worker as well as anyone living in the same house. This is also a possibility in military bases and on ships where employees wear the same clothing for long periods of time.
Construction, insulation, shipyards, mining, milling and other occupations could be exposed to asbestos. This was particularly true in the United States from the 1950s to the 1990s. Workers could be exposed to asbestos when older buildings were demolished or renovated and also when construction materials were damaged. Even these days, the demolition and remodeling in older buildings can release asbestos into the air.
It could be a long time between exposure to asbestos and the mesothelioma onset symptoms or other symptoms. It is therefore essential to consult a doctor in the event that you have been exposed to asbestos, or suspect that you are suffering from any of the ailments associated with it.
Your doctor will examine your lungs and ask about any past work that might have involved asbestos. If they suspect you have an asbestos-related illness, they will likely refer you to a specialist to get additional tests. Asbestos-related diseases can be detected through chest X-rays and CT scans. However, they might not be detected in these tests.
These diseases can manifest in the lungs, stomach (abdomen) and heart. It is rare that mesothelioma develops in the brain.
Some experts believe that the best method of preventing asbestos exposure is to stay clear of dust, never smoke, and to not work in industries that might employ it. Other experts believe that this is impossible and that people should be screened regularly for symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses.
Look for a Firm That has a presence across the country.
Asbestos has been used in many industries before it was found to be dangerous. Asbestos is a natural material, but when it becomes disturbed and agitated, it releases microscopic fibers that can be inhaled or consumed. This can result in a variety of medical conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Workers who worked in asbestos-related industries are at higher risk, but also those who lived in homes or schools where asbestos was present are vulnerable to the diseases.
It is important that victims find the appropriate lawyer to represent them in a asbestos lawsuit. Attorneys who specialize on asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses have the expertise, resources, and experience needed to file a successful lawsuit. They also have the relationships and expertise to identify the most suitable defendants.
An experienced attorney will evaluate your asbestos exposure in order to determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. This includes a claim for premises liability if you were the victim of an exposure at work or property damage if your home was contaminated, and product liability when you were exposed to asbestos from a consumer product.
A New York attorney can also assist you in determining what kind of legal action is appropriate for your case. You can make a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit, based on the circumstances and how you were exposed to asbestos.
The location in which you were exposed to asbestos is a crucial factor in the value of your case, but there are other factors as well. The duration of your exposure as well as the identity of the responsible parties will be key factors in determining the amount of settlement.
It is also essential to select a firm that has an extensive presence across the country. This will allow victims to meet with lawyers in person instead of over the telephone or via videoconference. Firms that are nationally-practicing have the resources and connections necessary to travel quickly for in person meetings. They can be reached via Zoom or any other electronic method for virtual meetings. This will allow victims from across the country to connect with a mesothelioma legal firm and begin pursuing their claims.
Report Your Suspicion to Your Employer
Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that is used in a variety of industrial applications because of its resistance to heat as well as its flexibility and strength. However, asbestos can also cause a variety of serious health issues, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. These illnesses can be debilitating, painful and even fatal. Patients who have been exposed to asbestos could be entitled to compensation. A successful lawsuit could be used to pay medical bills and lost wages, as well as homecare costs, and many other expenses.
Workers who have been exposed to asbestos should report any signs of illness right away. Construction workers are at the highest risk because they are frequently exposed to asbestos during renovations of older structures. These buildings were built before asbestos was recognized to be a carcinogen and could contain harmful levels of asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to numerous diseases, and the signs of these ailments generally do not show up until 25 to 50 years after the exposure. Therefore, anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should have regular health checks with a doctor. This is the best way to prevent the development of asbestos-related disease or to detect any early warning signs.
Certain people are more at risk of being exposed to asbestos than others. Navy veterans, for example might have been exposed to asbestos while serving on military vessels and other facilities. In addition, those working in shipyard repair, heating system repair, construction, or the automotive industry have been known to be exposed to asbestos.
Numerous agencies have laws and regulations that employers must adhere to regarding asbestos in the workplace. If you suspect that your employer isn’t complying with the standards or regulations, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for more information or an inspection.
In addition, certain veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces may be qualified for disability compensation. Veterans who are eligible can file a claim with the VA for benefits relating to asbestos exposure while serving.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, it is important to consult an New York mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you determine if you are entitled to a financial settlement or verdict for your suffering.
Claim Your Claim
Your attorney will gather your medical records and employment records to establish a timeline for your asbestos exposure. Then, they’ll build your case by gathering evidence that proves that you were exposed and that exposure caused harm. They will send every defendant a copy of your complaint and they will have 30 days to respond. Defendants typically deny liability and will try to pin blame on someone else. This is why you require an attorney team that knows how to manage these claims.
Once your attorney has all the documentation required, they will file your asbestos case. They will file the suit in the state court that is appropriate for your case. During this time, the attorneys will gather evidence and conduct discovery, in which they will exchange information regarding the case with the opposing party. They will also argue your case in trial if you decide to go to trial. However, most cases resolve through an asbestos settlement.
It is crucial to hire a mesothelioma expert because asbestos litigation is distinct from other personal injury claims. They have access to a database that reveals to patients the asbestos products they employed on their job. This helps patients to determine the asbestos products that were the cause of their exposure.
In addition, they’ll know what types of companies are accountable for your exposure, which includes the companies that manufacture the asbestos claim-containing items you handled and even the property owners of buildings that contained asbestos. They can also file claims with multiple asbestos trust funds if you were exposed to more than one company’s asbestos-contaminated products.
It is imperative to act fast if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer, mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness. There is a time limit to file a claim for asbestos. The laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Request your free case evaluation to talk to an experienced attorney who can help you get compensation.