An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma
Asbestos-related victims may suffer from mesothelioma or lung cancer. These illnesses might not be apparent for decades. A skilled New York asbestos lawyer could help those suffering from this devastating disease receive compensation for their losses.
An attorney could make a claim for
asbestos compensation against the owners of work sites or buildings and manufacturers, as well as other individuals who are responsible for exposing workers as well as consumers to this deadly mineral.
Military Personnel
From the 1930s to the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in all branches of the military. It provided resistance to fire, heat insulation and the ability to tensile strengthen bases, aircrafts, vessels and vehicles. Military veterans who worked in or around asbestos-laden materials are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other cancers. The Navy is the most common cause of asbestos-related diseases but other branches of the military could also be at risk.
Asbestos was used extensively on Navy ships and armored vehicles. It was woven into the ropes of boats and used as an insulator in boiler rooms and engine rooms. It was even incorporated into flooring, bedding and ceiling tiles. When these products deteriorated, they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos dust could lead to serious health complications such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Army veterans are also at risk of mesothelioma because of their exposure to asbestos. The Army has stopped using
asbestos litigation-based products in late 1970s but many Army bases still had asbestos-based products from decades ago that were not replaced or removed. During their time on base, Army personnel were exposed to asbestos through their work on military vehicles and equipment, including brake and electric wiring. The toxic mineral was also present in the Army's barracks and living quarters.
Additionally, soldiers were deployed to war zones and occupied buildings were in the middle of being destroyed by bombs or burned down. These buildings typically contained large amounts of asbestos that were burned before being released into the air. As a result of inhaling asbestos, the veterans suffered serious health issues. A knowledgeable asbestos attorney can help veterans recover financial compensation to cover medical expenses such as lost wages and home treatment and pain and suffering, as well as funeral and burial costs in the event of mesothelioma-related diagnosis. A successful claim may also compensate veterans for their families' losses in the event that someone close to them died from mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness. A lawyer who is specialized in asbestos law can assist family members in suing negligent companies that sold and produced the dangerous products.
Industrial Workers
Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos in the course of their job. This is especially relevant for those who worked in shipyards, construction projects, textile mills, power plants and brakes for cars.
Asbestos is commonly used in building materials, such as fireproofing, insulation, and drywall. Additionally, it was used to manufacture a wide variety of consumer goods, including roofing, flooring cement, pipes and even cement. Many public establishments also used
asbestos litigation, including schools, offices, hospitals and sewage treatment facilities. Unfortunately many of these industries have since shut down and the victims are now suffering from a variety of devastating asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma asbestosis and lung cancer.
Mechanics, fabricators and welders who work with equipment and vehicles that contain asbestos or work in older buildings that do not have asbestos abatement are the ones 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 susceptible for exposure than other professions. Certain people who have been in the military, or in rescue and recovery efforts after natural disasters, are also at risk of exposure when they enter buildings that have been damaged.
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 crucial, as the statute of limitations for personal injury claims are three years. In the case of asbestos-related disease, this time frame can be extended because it can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma and other conditions 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 law firm can assist patients in obtaining the financial compensation they require to support their families and enjoy a life of peace.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos is known to cause cancer and lung diseases, like mesothelioma. Asbestos was extensively used in American industries in the 20th century. The dangers of asbestos extended beyond those who handled it directly. The minuscule fibers that make up asbestos tend to stick to clothes, hair and equipment. Blue-collar workers were unaware of exposing their spouses and kids to asbestos dust when they brought it home on their clothing, hair, or equipment from work. This was referred to as secondary exposure.
This has led to a large number of people who never handled asbestos in their work environments are now receiving mesothelioma diagnoses. These victims can file lawsuits against the companies that did not warn of the risks of their products. A knowledgeable attorney can assist victims in tracing the source of their exposure and locate an individual who could be held accountable for their error.
If someone is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease it is crucial to consult an asbestos exposure lawyer right away. These attorneys can help sufferers discover compensation sources to pay for medical bills and other expenses. In addition, mesothelioma victims can pursue wrongful death claims against companies who failed to fulfill their duty to warn about the dangers of their products.
For construction workers mesothelioma can be particularly fatal. Construction workers are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses since they typically renovate, demolish or rebuild old structures that are made of asbestos-containing materials.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma the symptoms can be treated with medications. These medications can enhance the quality of life for a victim and increase the odds of survival. However, these treatments can be costly. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.
New Jersey, as well as other states, have passed laws allowing spouses of asbestos workers hold negligent employers accountable for their ailments. To be successful, victims must prove that negligence by the defendant led to their asbestos exposure. This can be a daunting task when mesothelioma, lung cancer and other conditions have a lengthy latency of 30 years or more.
Homeowners
You may be entitled to compensation if you developed mesothelioma or another lung disease due to asbestos exposure. You can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the company which exposed you to asbestos or you may be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. A New York asbestos lawyer can help you decide the best course of action.
While asbestos is not mined or processed in the United States anymore, it is still present in a variety of homes and buildings. It was used in insulation, particularly for older buildings that needed to withstand fires and high temperatures. It also was used as a building material to construct pipes, ceilings roof shingles, siding, and ceilings. Other asbestos-containing products included paper products, flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. Asbestos was also used make friction products for automobiles (brake, transmission and clutch pads) and heat resistant clothing.
If these materials are disturbed, asbestos-like airborne fibers can be released. The agitation of these materials could cause the fibers to stick to clothing, creating the possibility of exposure to others. Homeowners who are constructing their homes should have their homes examined for asbestos. If asbestos is discovered, it should be checked by a certified professional prior to being removed.
Homeowners should never try to take samples of the materials themselves. Asbestos is a complex material to test, and attempting to take samples without proper education could expose homeowners and others living in the vicinity to take on grave health risks. If the asbestos-containing material is in good health and is not disturbed, a professional who is trained may recommend it be left alone.
Asbestos-related illnesses are severe and painful, but they can be treated. An asbestos lawyer who has experience can assist victims and their families file a lawsuit against negligent employers and building owners, as well as the product manufacturers. If you or someone you love suffers from an asbestos-related illness, contact a compassionate New York asbestos attorney today. Our lawyers are available to review your case no cost, and we do not get paid unless we collect money for you. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.
