An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma
Asbestos-related victims may suffer from mesothelioma and lung cancer. These illnesses might not be apparent for a long time. A New York asbestos lawyer can assist those suffering from this debilitating illness receive compensation for their losses.
An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation against building or worksite owners as well as manufacturers and other parties accountable for exposing workers and consumers to the deadly mineral.
Military Personnel
Across all branches of the military, asbestos was employed extensively from the 1930s to the 1970s. It increased the fire resistance as well as heat insulation and the tensile strength of vessels bases, aircrafts and vehicles. Military veterans who worked in or around asbestos-rich materials are at greater risk of risk of developing mesothelioma and other cancers. The Navy is the one responsible for the most asbestos claim-related illnesses, but members of other branches of the military are also at risk of being exposed to this carcinogen.
Asbestos was a common ingredient on Navy ships and in the Navy's armored vehicles. It was woven into the ropes of boats and was used as an insulation in boiler rooms and engine rooms. Even the bedding, ceiling tiles and flooring were constructed from asbestos. When these products degraded, they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. When asbestos lawsuit dust is inhaled it could cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Army veterans are also at risk of developing mesothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos. Although the Army has stopped using asbestos-based products in the late 1970s Army bases were still stocked with years of asbestos-based materials that weren't removed or replaced. During their time at the base, Army personnel were exposed to asbestos while working on military vehicles and equipment, including brake and electric wiring. The mineral that causes harm was present in the Army's barracks and living quarters.
The soldiers also occupied buildings in war zones that were being bombarded or burned down. These sites were contaminated with large amounts of asbestos, which were then melted and released into the air. The veterans breathed in asbestos and suffered severe health consequences. An experienced asbestos attorney could assist veterans to obtain financial compensation to pay for medical expenses such as lost wages as well as home care, pain and suffering and funeral and burial costs in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. A successful claim can also compensate veterans for their family's losses if they lose a loved one to mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases. A lawyer who is specialized in asbestos law could assist family members in suing negligent companies that sold and manufactured asbestos-related products that are dangerous.
Industrial Workers
Asbestos was a common material used in the workplace of a lot of industrial workers across New York State. This is especially true for those who worked on shipyards, construction sites, and power factories, textile mills, automotive brakes and other industries that utilized asbestos extensively in the 20th century.
Asbestos is often used in building materials, such as insulation, fireproofing, as well as drywall. Asbestos was also used in a variety of consumer goods including roofing, flooring and pipes. Asbest was also employed in a number of public institutions, such as schools, offices and hospitals. Unfortunately many of these industries have been closed and the people who were affected are suffering from a variety of devastating asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Fabricators, mechanics and welders who deal with vehicles and equipment containing asbestos or who work in older buildings without asbestos abatement are 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.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has acknowledged that these kinds of jobs are more at risk for exposure than other careers. Additionally, certain individuals who have served in the military or participated in rescue and recovery efforts following natural catastrophes are at risk of future exposure when they enter damaged buildings.
Anyone who has recently suffered symptoms of asbestos exposure should speak to an New York mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Notifying asbestos exposure experts immediately is vital, as the statutes of limitations for personal injury claims are three years. However, in the case of asbestos-related diseases, this is usually extended since it can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or other conditions to develop.
If a person is discovered to have a condition like asbestosis or mesothelioma it can have a profound impact on their family and loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can help patients diagnosed with the disease to receive the financial compensation they need to help their families.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos can cause cancer and lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. Asbestos was used extensively in American industries during the 20th century. The dangers of asbestos were not limited to those who handled it directly. The asbestos fibers are small enough that they tend to stick to clothing, hair and even equipment. Blue-collar workers were unaware of exposing their children and spouses to asbestos dust when they brought it home on their hair, clothing, or equipment from work. This was referred to as secondary exposure.
In the end, many people who were never exposed to asbestos in their work environments are now receiving mesothelioma diagnoses. The victims may sue companies that did not warn of the dangers of their products. A knowledgeable attorney can assist such victims to trace the source of their exposure and to a defendant that may be held responsible for this carelessness.
Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer as soon as possible when you're diagnosed with a condition related to asbestos. These lawyers can assist victims in finding compensation to cover medical expenses and other expenses. In addition, mesothelioma victims can bring wrongful-death claims against companies that did not fulfill their duty to warn about the dangers of their products.
For workers in the construction industry, mesothelioma can be especially dangerous. Construction workers are more susceptible to asbestos-related illnesses since they typically remodel, demolish and reconstruct old structures that contain asbestos-containing materials.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the symptoms can be treated by taking medications. These medications can increase the chance of survival and improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it. However, these treatments are costly. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.
Fortunately, New Jersey and other states have passed laws that allow spouses of asbestos workers to sue negligent employers for their illnesses. To be successful, the victims must show that the defendant's negligence led to their exposure. This can be a difficult task when mesothelioma and lung cancer, and similar conditions have a lengthy latency of 30 years or more.
Homeowners
You could be entitled to compensation if you developed mesothelioma, a lung disease, as a result of asbestos exposure. You could file a personal injury lawsuit against the company that exposed you to asbestos or you could be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. An experienced New York asbestos attorney can assist you in determining the best way to proceed.
Although asbestos is no longer mined or processed in the United States, it can be found in a variety of homes and structures. It was used as insulation, particularly in older buildings that needed to withstand high temperatures and fires. It was also used in building materials, such as pipes, ceilings and roof shingles. Other asbestos-containing products included flooring products, paper products felt and fake fireplace embers. Asbestos was also used to make friction products for automobiles (brake transmission, clutch and brake pads) and heat resistant clothing.
If these materials are disturbed, asbestos-like airborne fibers are released. They can also stick to clothing, posing the possibility of exposure to second-hand asbestos. Homeowners who are renovating their properties should have their homes inspected for asbestos. If asbestos case is discovered and tested, it should be removed before being removed by a professional.
Homeowners should never try to take samples of materials themselves. Asbestos testing is a complex process, and taking samples without proper training can result in health risks for the homeowner as well as any other person in the area. A trained professional can suggest that asbestos-containing products should be kept to themselves provided they are in good shape and won't be disturbed.
Asbestos-related illnesses are extremely painful and abrasive, but they are treatable. A lawyer experienced in asbestos can help the victims and their families file a claim against negligent employers and building owners and also the manufacturers of products. If you or someone you love has an asbestos-related disease, get in touch with an experienced New York asbestos attorney today. Our lawyers are available to review your case for no cost, and we do not get paid unless we recover money for you. Contact us today to set up your complimentary legal consultation.