An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma
Asbestos-related victims are often affected by conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma, which can take decades to show symptoms. A New York asbestos lawyer can help those who suffer from this debilitating illness receive compensation for their losses.
An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation against owners of buildings or worksites, manufacturers and others who are responsible for exposing workers as well as customers to this dangerous mineral.
Military Personnel
In all branches of the military, asbestos was used extensively from the 1930s through the 1970s. It increased the resistance to fire as well as heat insulation and tensile strengths of vessels, aircrafts, bases, and vehicles. Military veterans who worked with or around asbestos-laden materials are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other cancers. The Navy is the most frequent cause of asbestos-related illness however other branches of the military could be as well.
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 the bedding, ceiling tiles and flooring were constructed from asbestos. As these materials degraded they released toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos dust can cause serious health problems like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Army veterans also have mesothelioma risk due to their exposure this deadly substance. Although the Army had stopped using new asbestos products in the late 1970s Army bases had years of asbestos-based materials that were not removed or replaced. When they were on the base, Army personnel were exposed to asbestos while working on military vehicles and equipment, such as electric wiring and brake components. The harmful mineral was also present in the barracks and living areas of the Army.
Additionally, soldiers were sent to war zones and occupied buildings were in the process of being bombed or burned down. These buildings contained huge quantities of asbestos, which were then destroyed and released into the air. By inhaling asbestos, veterans suffered serious health issues. An experienced asbestos attorney could help veterans recover financial compensation to cover medical expenses such as lost wages, home care as well as funeral and burial costs if they have a mesothelioma diagnosis. A successful claim could also pay for veterans' families' losses in the event that they lose a loved one to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. An asbestos attorney could also assist family members in filing an action against negligent companies that manufactured and sold dangerous products.
Industrial Workers
Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos throughout the course of their job. This is particularly relevant for those who worked in shipyards, construction projects, textile mills, power plants and automotive brakes.
Asbestos was commonly incorporated into various building materials, like fireproof coatings, insulation and drywall. Asbestos was also utilized in various consumer products like roofing, flooring and pipes. Asbest was also employed in a number of public institutions, including schools, offices and hospitals. Unfortunately the industries have ceased to exist and a large number of people suffer from asbestos-related ailments like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Mechanics, fabricators and welders who deal with vehicles and equipment containing asbestos or who work in older buildings that do not have 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.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized that these types of jobs are more at risk for exposure than other professions. Additionally, certain individuals who have served in the military or in the rescue and recovery efforts after natural disasters are at risk of future exposure when they go into 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 statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits are three years. However in the case of asbestos compensation-related illnesses, this time is usually extended since it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or other conditions to develop.
If a person is discovered to have a condition like mesothelioma, or asbestosis it can have a devastating impact on their loved ones. A New York mesothelioma law firm can assist those who have been diagnosed with the financial compensation they need to help their families live a life of comfort.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos is an extremely hazardous mineral that could cause lung diseases and cancer like mesothelioma. Asbestos was used extensively in American industries in the 20th century. The dangers of asbestos were not limited to those who handled it directly. The asbestos fibers are so tiny that they can stick to hair, clothing, and equipment. When blue-collar workers brought the dust home on their clothes, in their hair or on their work tools they did not realize that they exposed their spouses and children to the harmful particles. This is known as secondary exposure.
This has led to a large number of people who have never worked with asbestos in their work environments are now receiving mesothelioma diagnoses. Victims of asbestos settlement exposure can bring lawsuits against companies that failed to warn of the dangers associated with their products. An experienced attorney can assist victims in tracing out the source of their exposure and locate the defendant who could be held accountable for this inattention.
Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer right away if you are diagnosed with an illness that is related to asbestos. These attorneys can help sufferers locate compensation sources to cover medical expenses and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients can also pursue wrongful death lawsuits against companies who did not warn of the risks their products could cause.
For those working in construction mesothelioma can be particularly dangerous. Construction workers are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses since they typically renovate, demolish or rebuild old structures that contain asbestos-containing materials.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma the symptoms can be treated by taking medications. These drugs can improve a victim's quality of life and increase the odds of survival. However, these treatments are expensive. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.
Fortunately, New Jersey and other states have passed laws that permit spouses of asbestos workers to sue negligent employers for their ailments. To be successful in such claims, victims must prove that the defendant's negligence led to the exposure to asbestos. This can be a challenging task, as mesothelioma and lung cancer have a time-to-latency of up to 30 years.
Homeowners
You could be entitled to compensation if you have mesothelioma, a lung disease, due to asbestos exposure. You could be entitled to compensation through an asbestos trust funds claim or an injury lawsuit against the company who exposed you to asbestos. A New York asbestos lawyer can help you determine the best option for you.
While asbestos isn't mined or processed in America, it can be found in many homes and buildings. It was used for insulation, particularly in older buildings that needed to withstand extreme temperatures and fires. It was also used for building materials such as pipes, ceilings and roofing shingles. Other asbestos-containing products included flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. It was also used in automotive friction products (brake, clutch and transmission pads) and in heat-resistant clothing.
Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when these materials are disturbed. The fibers may also adhere to clothing, posing the possibility of exposure to second-hand asbestos. Homeowners who are remodeling their homes must have their homes checked for asbestos. If asbestos is discovered, it should be tested before being removed by a professional.
Homeowners should not attempt to collect samples of the materials themselves. Asbestos is a difficult material to test, and trying to collect samples without proper training could lead homeowners and others in the vicinity to serious health risks. If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and will not be disturbed, a professional who is trained can advise that it be left in its place.
Asbestos-related illnesses are extremely painful and dangerous, however they can be treated. An asbestos lawyer with experience can assist victims and their families file a lawsuit against negligent employers and building owners and also the manufacturers of products. Contact a New York asbestos lawyer today in the event that you or someone near you has an asbestos-related disease. Our attorneys are available to review your case for no cost, and we do not charge unless we get money back for you. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with a lawyer.