Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos-related injuries could qualify for compensation. Claims can be complicated and require lengthy legal procedures.
Companies that produced and used asbestos were aware that the hazardous material could cause serious health issues. Many victims have died because of this negligence. A skilled attorney can assist victims and their families pursue justice.
Workplace Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos during work. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic and strong fibers. Between the 1930s and 1980s, asbestos was used in a variety of residential, industrial, and commercial products because of its resistance to fire, water and corrosion. The makers of asbestos-based materials were aware of the health risks, however, they kept this information from the general public.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who handle raw asbestos and work in asbestos-based manufacturing and are regularly exposed to asbestos. Asbestos can still be found in older buildings, homes and vehicles. People who live or work alongside those in these professions also face risk as they may bring asbestos home on their clothes and equipment. This second exposure is referred to as take-home exposure and puts family members at risk, such spouses and children.
Other occupations that are linked to mesothelioma include shipyard workers, coal miners asbestos removal experts, and those who work on construction or demolition sites. People who repair or service aircraft are at a high risk for mesothelioma as well. Pilots, mechanics, and others who are involved in the maintenance of engines, brakes or other materials for aircraft like adhesives insulation, adhesives, and insulators are at risk. Veterans and military members also have a higher risk of mesothelioma, as asbestos was heavily employed in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army between 1940 until 1979. This includes those stationed at Camp Lejeune where veterans were exposed to asbestos through insulation for vehicles and ships and fireproofing materials, as well as other hazardous chemicals.
Second-Hand Exposure
Asbestos workers frequently brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes and shoes, exposing children, spouses and other family members to the dangerous carcinogen. This secondhand exposure to asbestos is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure. It's just as dangerous as firsthand asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that arises from the tissue that lines certain organs inside your body, known as mesothelium. Westminster asbestos attorneys of cases of mesothelioma start in the lining of the lung, called pleura, but it could also begin in the lining of the chest cavity, abdomen or other organs. Inhaled asbestos fibres can irritate the mesothelium. Cellular mutations can result in masses or tumors to develop.
The signs of mesothelioma generally do not appear for decades after exposure to asbestos. This is the reason it's difficult to determine what caused your illness - particularly if you've suffered from asbestos exposure in more than one place.
Asbestos-related diseases can be compensated through filing asbestos lawsuits or trust funds claims. Asbestos-related ailments can also be claimed by asbestos-related victims. It is crucial to contact an experienced asbestos lawyer to ensure that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm for more information about mesothelioma and filing an asbestos lawsuit. Our lawyers are skilled in dealing with these kinds of complicated cases and have recovered millions for clients across the country. We can examine your case for free and explain all the options available to you. Contact us today to arrange your free consultation. We provide individualized and compassionate treatment to our clients in Florida, California, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
Wrongful Death
When asbestos fibres are inhaled they are absorbed into the lung, where they can persist for years. As time passes, this can lead to growth of cancerous cells and other diseases. It takes some time for symptoms to appear however, when they do, they tend to progress very quickly.
Asbestos is a natural mineral comprised of strong, microscopic fibers, was once utilized in a variety of building materials. It was extensively employed from the 1930s until the early 1980s because it was fire-resistant and resisted water, sound, and heat. The producers of asbestos-based products were aware that it was dangerous but hid the risks from the public.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer is a disease that affects the linings and tissues of certain organs and cavities in the human body. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and can affect the lungs, the abdomen, the heart as well as other parts of the body. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which is primarily found in the chest wall and lungs.
There are a variety of mesothelioma types, but all are related to asbestos exposure. Like other cancers mesothelioma occurs when a cell's DNA experiences mutations and begins to grow without being checked. It is usually more difficult to detect than other types of cancer, as the initial symptoms can be mistaken for other lung or respiratory illnesses, such as a chronic cough or changes in the shape of the nails and fingers (finger clubbing).
While there are risk factors that increase the chances of developing mesothelioma but none of these is preventable. The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to never come into contact with asbestos. You can do this by supporting the fight to ban asbestos or by contact Congress and asking them to support legislation that prohibits the use of asbestos in building materials that are new.
VA Benefits
Patients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses could be eligible for compensation. These benefits can be used to pay for the cost of living and treatment. Compensation is offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs, or an asbestos trust. VA claims can be a valuable resource for asbestos victims and their families.
Asbestos victims, and their families, should file a claim immediately to receive the maximum compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist in this process by making sure that all documents are submitted. This includes a mesothelioma diagnosis and medical records that show asbestos exposure. It is beneficial for patients to have periodic x-rays or CT scans to monitor the condition.
Many veterans from all branches of the military have filed claims for mesothelioma. The majority of cases are filed by Navy veterans, because asbestos was heavily employed in the Navy. In order for veterans to receive compensation they must prove that their condition is directly linked to their exposure. Asbest-related illnesses typically manifest for years after exposure.
The VA recognizes asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer. It also recognizes non-malignant conditions such as asbestosis the pleural thickening process, peritoneal effusion and atelectasis. All of these conditions have an underlying cause that is common exposure to asbestos.
Veterans need to seek treatment for mesothelioma as quickly as they can, in addition to receiving financial compensation. Early treatment has been shown to increase the chances of success. Patients with mesothelioma who reside in Florida can be treated by specialists at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This center is a short drive from the Miami VA Medical Center. Veterans who are unable to leave their homes are able to receive mesothelioma-related treatments outside of the VA system through a homebound program.
Workers' Compensation
Mesothelioma victims and their families require financial compensation to pay for expensive medical treatment as well as loss of income and other expenses. Many people have workers insurance or health insurance which can help with these costs. A mesothelioma lawyer can help asbestos victims file for insurance or other types of compensation and assist them to determine the options available to them.
Compensation can be derived from a variety of sources, including trust fund awards as well as VA claims. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients identify the most effective compensation sources to ensure they receive the full amount of compensation they deserve.
A mesothelioma attorney who is experienced in asbestos claims will manage all aspects of the legal process, allowing the family members of patients to concentrate on treatment. A lawyer can explain the advantages of making an estate claim in order to safeguard assets that will be needed for future needs.
A person may file a lawsuit against an asbestos company for their mesothelioma. The result is a trial that can result in a verdict by a jury or mesothelioma settlement. Most asbestos victims prefer to settle and avoid trial.
Mesothelioma suits often result in huge financial awards for the victims as well as their families. In a recent instance, a juror awarded $740,000,000 to a person who contracted mesothelioma after exposure to Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder.
In addition to a mesothelioma lawsuit the victims and their loved ones may also be eligible for compensation through workers' compensation or VA claims. Veterans who have suffered from asbestos-related diseases as a result of their service in the military are more likely to file VA claims. Veterans who require assistance with daily tasks and home care may be eligible for special monthly compensation (also called aid and attendance pay).