Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos-related injuries may be eligible for compensation. The claims process can be complex and involve lengthy legal proceedings.
Companies that made and used asbestos knew that the dangers of asbestos could lead to serious health problems. Many victims have died as a result of this negligence. An experienced attorney can aid victims and their families in seeking justice.
Occupational Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a rare, deadly form of cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). The most common reason for this is asbestos exposure in the workplace. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of microscopic, strong fibers. Between the 1930s and 1980s, it was utilized in thousands industrial, residential commercial, and industrial products due to its resistance to water, fire and corrosion. The producers of asbestos-based products were aware of the health risks, but they hid this information from the public.
People who handled asbestos that was raw or worked in asbestos-based manufacturing or whose jobs exposed them to asbestos regularly are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos remains in older homes, buildings and vehicles. People who work or live alongside those in these professions also risk their health as they may bring asbestos home on their clothing and equipment. This is referred to as take-home exposure. It also exposes family members, such as spouses and children at risk.
Shipyard workers, coal miner asbestos removal experts and those working at construction or demolition sites are also at risk. People who repair or service aircraft are at an increased risk for mesothelioma as well. This includes pilots, mechanics and others who work with engines brakes, adhesives, insulation, and other materials that are associated with aircraft. Military and veterans are also at a greater risk of mesothelioma, since asbestos was widely used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps between 1940 between 1940 and 1979. This includes those who were stationed at Camp Lejeune where veterans were exposed to asbestos via ship and vehicle insulation and fireproofing materials, as well as other chemicals that pose a risk.
Second-Hand Exposure
Asbestos workers ingested asbestos into their homes on their clothes and shoes. This exposed their spouses, their children, and other family members. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It is just as hazardous as exposure to asbestos that is firsthand.
The cancerous tissue that lines certain organs of the body, known as mesothelium is responsible for the development of Mesothelioma. The majority of cases of mesothelioma develop in the lining of the lung known as pleura, however it can also start in the lining of the chest cavity, abdomen or other organs. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and when cellular mutations occur it causes the development of masses or tumors.
Typically, symptoms of mesothelioma are not evident until years after exposure to asbestos. This is the reason it's difficult to pinpoint what caused your condition - especially if you have suffered from asbestos exposure in more than one location.
Asbestos victims are able to file asbestos lawsuits or trust fund claims to be compensated for their ailments. Asbestos-related diseases can also be claimed by asbestos-related victims. It is important to contact an experienced asbestos lawyer to ensure you receive all the compensation you're entitled to. For more information on mesothelioma, or to file an asbestos lawsuit, call our law firm today. Our lawyers have handled complicated cases of this nature and have recovered millions of dollars for clients across the country. We can examine your case for free and discuss all options that are available to you. Contact us today for 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 become lodged in the lung, where they could persist for years. Over time this can lead to development of cancerous cells and other illnesses. The symptoms could take a long time to appear but they can develop quickly after they appear.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic, strong fibers, was used in many construction materials. It was extensively used from the 1930s to the early 1980s because it was fire-resistant and resisted water, sound, and heat. The makers of asbestos-based materials knew it was dangerous but concealed the dangers from the public.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of specific organs and cavities within the body. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure and can affect the lungs, as well as the heart, abdomen and other parts of your body. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma that is found primarily in the chest wall and lungs.
There are many different types of asbestos-related mesothelioma. However they all are linked to exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma, like other cancers is caused by the mutation of the genetic code of a cell. It is usually more difficult to detect than other cancers because the early symptoms can be mistaken for respiratory or lung conditions, such as chronic cough, or changes in the shape of the nails and fingers (finger clubbing).
While there are risk factors that increase the chance of developing mesothelioma however, none of them is preventable. The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to avoid coming into contact with asbestos. This can be accomplished by assisting efforts to ban asbestos, or by contact your congressperson asking them to support laws that prohibit the use of asbestos in construction materials that are new.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses or mesothelioma may be qualified for compensation. These benefits can help with living expenses and also pay for treatment. Compensation is offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs, or an asbestos trust. VA claims can be a great resource for asbestos victims and their families.
Asbestos sufferers and their loved relatives should file a claim as soon as possible in order to ensure they receive the highest amount of amount of compensation that is available. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist with this process, ensuring all necessary documents are submitted. This includes a mesothelioma diagnosis and medical records that demonstrate asbestos exposure. It is helpful for victims to regularly undergo x-rays and CT scans to track the condition.
Many veterans from all branches of the military have filed claims for mesothelioma. The majority of cases are filed by Navy veterans due to asbestos, which was widely employed in the Navy. Veterans must prove that their illness is directly related to exposure to asbestos in order to receive compensation. This can be difficult because asbestos-related illnesses often develop decades after exposure.
The VA recognizes several asbestos-related illnesses including laryngeal cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. It also recognizes nonmalignant conditions such as asbestosis pleural thickening, peritoneal effusion and atelectasis. These conditions all have the same common underlying factor: exposure to asbestos.
In addition to financial compensation, veterans should also pursue mesothelioma treatments as soon as possible. Early treatment can improve outcomes. In Florida, mesothelioma patients can receive treatment from specialists at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This center is an hour away from the Miami VA Medical Center. Veterans who are unable leave their homes can avail mesothelioma treatments outside of the VA system through an in-home program.
Workers' Compensation
Mesothelioma victims and their loved ones need financial compensation to cover expensive medical treatment, loss of income, and other expenses. Many people have workers' compensation or health insurance that average asbestos claim payout can pay for some of these expenses. 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 is available from a variety of sources, including trust fund awards as well as VA claims. An attorney for mesothelioma can help patients find the most appropriate sources of compensation to ensure that they get the maximum amount they deserve.
A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced is familiar with the filing of all asbestos-related claims. They will manage all aspects of the legal process while the patient or family members focus on their treatment. A lawyer can provide information on the benefits of filing an estate claim in order to safeguard assets that will be needed for future needs.
A person could file a lawsuit against an asbestos company for their mesothelioma, resulting in a trial that can result in a jury verdict or mesothelioma settlement. The majority of asbestos victims prefer to accept a settlement and avoid going to trial.
Mesothelioma lawsuits typically result in huge financial awards for the victims as well as their families. In a recent case a juror awarded $740,000,000 to a patient who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after exposure to Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder.
Workers Compensation or VA claims are a way to seek compensation for families of victims in addition to the possibility of a lawsuit. Veterans who have suffered from asbestos-related illnesses due to their military service are more likely to file VA claims. Special monthly compensation, also known as aid and attendance payment, is available for veterans who require assistance in their everyday activities and the cost of in-home health care.