Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos-related injuries may be eligible for compensation. However, claims can involve lengthy legal proceedings.
Companies that produced and used asbestos knew that the dangers of asbestos could lead to serious health problems. This negligence has led to the deaths of many victims. An experienced lawyer can help victims and their families seek justice.
Exposure to occupational hazards
Malignant mesothelioma, which is a rare and deadly form of cancer that affects the linings of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal msothelioma) or the testicles (pericardial msothelioma). The main reason for this is asbestos exposure in the workplace. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic and strong fibers. It was utilized in a variety of residential, industrial and commercial products between the 1930s and the 1980s as it resisted fire, water sound, and corrosion. The makers of asbestos-based materials were aware of the health risks but they concealed this information from the general public.
The people who handled asbestos in raw form, worked in asbestos product manufacturing and those who were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is still found in older homes, buildings and vehicles. Asbestos can be ingested by people who live or work near the workers, and can be harmful to those who are in close proximity. This second exposure is known as take-home exposure, and puts family members at risk, such spouses and children.
Shipyard workers, coal miner asbestos removal experts, and those who work at construction or demolition sites are also at risk. People who repair or service aircraft are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, too. Pilots, mechanics and others who work with engines, brakes or other materials for aircraft including adhesives insulation, adhesives, and other materials are at risk. Military and veterans also are at risk for mesothelioma more frequently because asbestos was widely employed in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army between 1940 between 1940 and 1979. This includes those who worked at Camp Lejeune, where veterans were exposed to asbestos through vehicle and ship insulation, fireproofing products and other hazardous chemicals.
Second-Hand Exposure
Asbestos workers typically brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes and shoes, which exposed their spouses, children and other family members to the dangerous carcinogen. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, it is the same risk as exposure to asbestos from firsthand sources.
The cancerous tissue that lines certain organs in the body, known as mesothelium is responsible for the development of Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be located in the lining that surrounds the lung (pleura) however it can also be found in the the abdomen, chest cavity, or other organs. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium, and when cellular changes occur, it triggers the development of masses or tumors.
The signs of mesothelioma generally don't show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. This is why it is so difficult to know what caused your condition - particularly if you've been exposed to asbestos in multiple places.
Asbestos victims can file asbestos lawsuits and trust fund claims to receive compensation for their diseases. Asbestos victims can also apply for VA benefits for asbestos-related conditions. It is crucial to contact an experienced asbestos lawyer to ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve. For more information on mesothelioma, or to file an asbestos lawsuit, call our law firm now. Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with these kinds of complicated cases and have secured millions for clients across the nation. We will evaluate your case and show you all of the options available. Contact us today for asbestosis claims your free consultation. We provide services to clients across the country, including Florida, California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. We are committed to providing caring and individualized care for our clients.
Wrongful Death
When asbestos fibres are inhaled they get stuck in the lungs, where they can persist for years. This can result in cancerous cells or other illnesses in the course of time. The symptoms could take a long time to appear but they can develop quickly after they appear.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of tough, microscopic fibers, was used in a variety of building materials. It was widely used between the 1930s and the beginning of the 1980s because it was resistant to sound, heat and water. Makers of asbestos-based products knew it was dangerous but hid the risks from the general public.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of certain organs and cavities within the body. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure, and can affect the lungs as well as the abdomen, heart and other areas of your body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common rate of mesothelioma. It is found primarily in the lungs, chest wall and abdomen.
There are a variety of mesothelioma types, but all are linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, like other cancers is caused by the mutation of a cell's genetic code. It is more difficult to detect because the early symptoms are often misinterpreted as other respiratory and lung conditions.
There are no known mesothelioma-related risk factors. The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to never come in contact with asbestos. You can do this by supporting the efforts to ban asbestos, or by contact Congress and asking them to support legislation that bans the use of asbestos in the construction of new materials.
VA Benefits
Veterans with asbestos-related diseases or mesothelioma may be qualified for compensation. These benefits help with living expenses and pay for treatment. Compensation can be received from the Department of Veteran Affairs or an asbestos trust fund. Asbestos victims and their families can receive assistance navigating the VA claim process.
Asbestos victims, and their families, should make a claim as soon as possible to get the maximum compensation. A mesothelioma attorney can help in this process by ensuring that all documents are submitted. This includes a mesothelioma-related diagnosis and medical records showing exposure to asbestos. It is also beneficial for patients to get regular x-rays and CT scans to check their condition.
Many veterans from all branches of the military have filed claims for mesothelioma. The most cases are among Navy veterans due to asbestos, which was heavily employed in the Navy. In order for veterans to be compensated they must show that their condition is directly linked to their exposure. This can be a challenge because asbestos-related diseases typically develop for decades after exposure.
The VA recognizes various asbestos-related illnesses including laryngeal cancer, mesothelioma as well as ovarian cancer and lung cancer. It also recognizes diseases that aren't malignant like asbestosis and pleural thickening. All of these conditions have an underlying cause that is common: exposure to asbestos.
In addition to financial compensation, veterans should seek mesothelioma treatment as soon as they can. Early treatment has been proven to increase the chances of success. Patients with mesothelioma in Florida are treated by specialists at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This facility is located just a few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For those who are unable to leave their homes the homebound program allows veterans to receive treatment for mesothelioma outside of the VA system.
Workers' Compensation
Mesothelioma patients and their families need financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other costs. Many people have workers' compensation or health insurance that could cover some of 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.
Some people may be eligible for multiple sources of compensation, including mesothelioma lawsuit settlements, trust fund awards, and VA claims. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients choose the most appropriate compensation sources to ensure they receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve.
A mesothelioma attorney who is skilled in asbestos claims will handle all aspects of the legal process so that the family members of patients to concentrate on their treatment. A lawyer can also explain the advantages of pursuing a claim for estate to protect assets to meet future needs.
A person may bring a lawsuit against an asbestos company to recover mesothelioma. This can lead to a trial that can result in a verdict by a jury or mesothelioma settlement. The majority of asbestos patients would prefer to accept a settlement instead of going to trial.
Mesothelioma lawsuits often result in significant financial awards for the families of victims. For instance, in one recent case the jury awarded $740 million to a patient of mesothelioma caused by exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder.
In addition to a mesothelioma lawsuit, victims and their loved ones may also be eligible for compensation through workers' comp or VA claims. VA claims are typically filed for veterans who developed asbestos-related ailments as a result of their military service. Veterans who require assistance with their daily tasks and home care may be eligible for special monthly compensation (also known as aid and attendance pay).