Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims

Asbestos-related injuries could qualify for compensation. The claims process can be complex and involve lengthy legal proceedings.

Companies that manufactured and used asbestos knew that the material could cause serious health problems. This negligence has led to the deaths of many victims. An experienced attorney can help victims and their families pursue justice.

Exposure to occupational hazards

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, deadly type of cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally composed of microscopic and strong fibers. Between the 1930s and 1980s, it was utilized in thousands industrial, residential, and commercial products because of its resistance to water, fire and corrosion. The manufacturers of asbestos-based products were aware the health risks, but they hid this information from the public.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who handle asbestos in its raw form and work in asbestos lawsuit-based product manufacture and those who are frequently exposed to asbestos. Asbestos remains in older homes, buildings and vehicles. People who work or live with those who work in these fields are also at risk since they may bring asbestos home on their clothing and equipment. This second exposure is referred to as take-home exposure, and puts family members at risk, including spouses and children.

Shipyard workers, coal miner asbestos lawyer removal experts and those who work at construction or demolition sites are also at risk. Mesothelioma can also pose a threat for people who repair or service aircraft. This includes mechanics, pilots and others who work on engines, brakes, adhesives, insulation and other aircraft-related materials. Military and veterans are also at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma because asbestos was widely used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps between 1940 and 1979. This includes those who worked at Camp Lejeune, where veterans were exposed to asbestos from the insulation of vehicles and ships, fireproofing products and other dangerous chemicals.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos workers frequently brought asbestos to their homes on their clothes and shoes, exposing spouses, children, and other family members to the dangerous carcinogen. Secondhand exposure to asbestos is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure. It's just as dangerous as asbestos exposure from the first hand.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that arises from the tissue that lines certain organs in your body, called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lung (pleura) however it can also be found in the lining the abdomen, chest cavity or other organs. Inhaled asbestos fibers can irritate mesothelium and when cellular mutations occur it causes the development of masses or tumors.

Typically, mesothelioma-related symptoms don't show up until decades after an asbestos exposure. It can be difficult to determine the root of your illness, especially when asbestos exposure has occurred in multiple locations.

Asbestos victims can file asbestos lawsuits or trust fund claims to receive compensation for their diseases. Asbestos-related diseases can also be claimed by asbestos-related victims. A lawyer for asbestos will ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. For more information about mesothelioma or to file an asbestos lawsuit, contact our law firm now. Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with these kinds of complicated cases and have recovered millions of dollars for clients across the nation. We can examine your case for free and explain all the options available to you. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation. We provide compassionate and individualized treatment to our clients in Florida, California, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.

Wrongful Death

When asbestos fibres are breathed in, they get stuck in the lung, where they could stay for years. This can lead to cancerous cells, or other diseases over time. The symptoms may take some time to show, but they can progress quickly after they appear.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally comprised of tough, microscopic fibers, was once utilized in many construction materials. It was widely used from the 1930s to the early 1980s since it was fire-resistant and resisted water, sound, and heat. Makers of asbestos-based products knew it was dangerous however, they concealed the dangers from the public.

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues of certain organs and cavities within the human body. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure, and can affect the lungs as well as the abdomen, the heart and other areas of your body. Pleural mesothelioma has the greatest prevalence of mesothelioma. It is typically found in the chest wall, lungs and abdomen.

There are many different types of mesothelioma derived from asbestos. However they all are linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, as with other cancers is caused by an alteration in a cell's genetic code. It's usually harder to diagnose than other cancers, because the first symptoms are often mistaken for other lung or respiratory conditions, such as chronic cough, or changes in the shape of the fingers and nails (finger clubbing).

There are no known mesothelioma-related risk factors. The only way to prevent mesothelioma is to never come into contact with asbestos. You can do this by assisting the efforts of banning asbestos or by contacting Congress and asking them to pass legislation that prohibits the use of asbestos in building materials that are new.

VA Benefits

Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses or mesothelioma may be qualified for compensation. These benefits can be used to pay for living expenses and treatment. Compensation can be obtained from the Department of Veteran Affairs or an asbestos lawsuit trust fund. Asbestos victims and their family members are able to receive assistance in navigating the VA claim process.

Asbestos victims and their loved ones must make a claim as quickly as they can to ensure that they receive the most amount of compensation that is available. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist with this process, ensuring that all required documents are filed. This includes a mesothelioma-related diagnosis and medical records proving exposure to asbestos. It is also beneficial for victims to receive periodic x-rays and CT scans to track their condition.

Veterans from all branches have filed mesothelioma lawsuits. However, Navy veterans have the highest percentage of cases due to the fact that asbestos was extensively used in the Navy. Veterans must prove that their illness is directly related to their asbestos exposure in order to be compensated. Asbest-related diseases often develop decades after exposure.

The VA recognizes asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. It also recognizes non-malignant conditions like asbestosis, the pleural thickening process, peritoneal effusion and atelectasis. These conditions all have an underlying link: exposure to asbestos.

Veterans should seek treatment for mesothelioma as quickly as they can and also receive financial compensation. Early treatment can improve outcomes. In Florida, mesothelioma patients can receive treatment from a specialist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This facility is located just an hour away from the Miami VA Medical Center. Veterans who are unable leave their homes can receive mesothelioma treatments outside of the VA system by enrolling in the homebound program.

Workers' Compensation

Mesothelioma patients and their families require financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other expenses. Many people also have health insurance or workers' compensation insurance that can help pay for some of the expenses. A mesothelioma lawyer can help asbestos victims apply for insurance or other forms of compensation and assist them to understand what options are available.

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 options to ensure they receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve.

A mesothelioma attorney who is adept in asbestos cases will manage all aspects of the legal process which allows patients and their families to concentrate on their treatment. A lawyer can provide information on the benefits of filing an estate claim to safeguard assets that will be needed for future needs.

A person may make a mesothelioma lawsuit against an asbestos-related company. This may result in an appeal that could lead to a verdict by the jury or a mesothelioma agreement. The majority of asbestos victims prefer to accept a settlement instead of going to trial.

Mesothelioma lawsuits often result in substantial financial awards for the families of victims. In a recent instance, a jury awarded $740,000,000 to a person who contracted mesothelioma after being exposed to Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder.

Workers' compensation or VA claims can be used to obtain compensation for the families of victims in addition to a lawsuit. VA claims are usually made for veterans who develop asbestos-related illnesses as a result of military service. Veterans who require assistance with daily chores and home maintenance can receive special monthly compensation (also known as aid and attendance pay).