Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" About Asbestos Exposure Attorney
Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Attorney
If you or a loved one suffers from an asbestos-related illness It is essential to speak with a seasoned New York asbestos exposure attorney. These lawyers can help you obtain compensation from owners of the worksite or building and employers, as well as product manufacturers, and more.
Exposure to asbestos can cause numerous serious diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. These conditions are painful, debilitating, and, in some cases, fatal.
Reporting to Your Employer
Certain work environments like shipyards, construction sites, and auto repair shops, are prone to asbestos exposure. Federal and state laws require employers to inform workers on the dangers of asbestos and provide them with protective equipment. Unfortunately, many workers have been exposed to harmful levels of asbestos for a long time before they develop symptoms.
It is important that you inform your employer when you suffer from a condition that is related to asbestos. You could be able to bring a lawsuit against your employer if sickened by their inability to follow government safety standards. However, the time of limitations differs by state, so it is essential to seek legal help as soon as you notice any symptoms.
An experienced lawyer can review your past work history and identify asbestos exposures that could be a cause. They can also examine medical records to help determine if your symptoms are related to asbestos exposure. An attorney can also explain the various compensation options that are available to you.
Employers may be held responsible for workplace injuries when they fail to follow asbestos safety rules. These standards are set by regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. OSHA for instance requires employers to make sure that all asbestos that is friable in the workplace is removed or enclosed. Contact OSHA if you suspect that your employer isn't following these regulations. OSHA will not reveal the name of your employer, and will investigate the matter without disclosing details.
In addition to worker's compensation, you could also be a victim of a third-party asbestos lawsuit against the manufacturer of a defective product that led to your exposure. These types of cases are typically covered under the product liability. However, this kind of claim is usually dealt with separately from a worker' comp case.
If you worked as an independent contractor, you may not be able to file a worker's compensation claim. If you're an IC then you should think about seeking legal help from someone who handles personal injury claims for independent contractors. In certain states, this is called a "causation suit." These cases are typically filed with a mesothelioma lawyer (Recommended Resource site).
How do I file a Workers' Compensation Claim
Asbestos exposure can trigger many serious medical diseases. People who have been exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma - a cancerous lining in the abdomen and chest. Mesothelioma can be fatal within just a few days after diagnosis.
People who suspect they could be suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease should consult their doctor immediately. If a worker suspects they have been exposed to asbestos or other asbestos-related substances, the doctor should take a detailed history of work and ask about any symptoms the worker is experiencing. A complete physical examination should be performed which includes a chest Xray and pulmonary function tests. An expert should interpret the Xrays to make sure that the doctor is aware of any potential asbestos exposure.
When the asbestos-related illness is diagnosed, an employee can file a workers' compensation claim. New York law requires that workers report any injuries or illnesses they believe are caused by their job within 30 days. This allows the worker to fulfill their legal obligations and have the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the employer if they are not paid.
An experienced asbestos attorney can help workers get the workers' compensation they require to cover hospital expenses, home care costs loss of wages, and other expenses. The amount of compensation a claim can receive will depend on the nature and severity of the illness. In some instances victims may be eligible for compensation to allow them to live a comfortable life and spend time with their family.
A New York asbestos lawyer can help workers pursue compensation from companies who manufacture or use products that contain asbestos. You can start by filing a personal injuries lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits can seek compensation for a range of losses, such as medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses. The lawsuits for wrongful death can also provide financial assistance for surviving loved ones.
Veterans, construction workers, and industrial workers are among the most frequent asbestos-related illnesses. These people were likely exposed to asbestos while performing their jobs at construction sites, shipyards and auto repair shops. They could also have brought asbestos fibers home from their jobs which exposed their families to the dangerous substance.
How to file a personal injury claim
A successful asbestos suit could result in financial compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, home care expenses, funeral and burial costs and loss of companionship and other losses caused mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease. A seasoned New York asbestos exposure lawyer can assist victims and their families get the money they deserve from companies that wrongly exposed them to asbestos that is dangerous.
Asbestos was a fibrous substance used in a variety of products such as insulation, fireproofing, and pipe coverings until it was phased-out due to health issues. Workers who were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces could be eligible for' compensation. However other legal options such as filing a lawsuit against the company or trust fund responsible for asbestos can result in greater compensation.
Many people who developed asbestos-related illnesses have not even been in direct contact with asbestos-containing materials; they were simply exposed to dust and other airborne particles while performing their daily routines at home, at work or in public places. Many first responders and 9/11 survivors have also been diagnosed with lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure from secondhand sources.
A lawyer should be consulted immediately by anyone who has been diagnosed with a health condition that is caused by asbestos. An asbestos lawyer with experience can analyze the details of a person's history of exposure and assist the victim's family and other responsible parties file a lawsuit.
Since mesothelioma lawsuits, along with other asbestos-related illnesses do not typically manifest until years after exposure, it is essential to seek legal assistance immediately if you can. An experienced lawyer can file an asbestos suit before the time limit for filing a suit expires. In New York, this is three years after the date of diagnosis.
Some attorneys handle general personal injury cases, while others specialize in asbestos law. Mesothelioma lawyers have experience with mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses, as well as other types of lung cancers, lung diseases and other health issues. They know how to question witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare for trial in order to secure their client the compensation they deserve.
Contacting an attorney
Asbestos lawyers are able to help those who have been exposed to asbestos and their families to seek compensation for the injuries they've suffered. They can help victims file an action against asbestos companies that caused their exposure, including filing an action in court. They can also explain to victims the restrictions on filing a lawsuit, known as statutes or limitations.
Federal safety experts have found that prolonged exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing various types of cancer. Asbestos exposure is also linked to lung cancer, larynx cancer, and ovarian carcinoma.
While asbestos' use has declined dramatically after it was discovered that it could trigger a myriad of health issues, this hazardous substance remains an issue. Its use in shipyards, military as well as other industries exposes workers to the dangers of occupational exposure, and it was used in many commercial and residential structures before asbestos was banned. Certain asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma lawsuit are not symptomatic until years after exposure.
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal disease, is caused by exposure to asbestos. People who suffer from this disease are entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP are capable of pursuing justice for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Contacting an asbestos lawyer to discuss your situation is a good idea for victims of asbestos-related illnesses. An asbestos lawyer can help those suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease obtain compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages and other damages.
Experienced asbestos lawyers tend to work for national law firms, which handle cases in multiple states. They also often fly to meet with clients for a no-cost legal consultation without having to travel long distances. The best New York asbestos attorneys offer an initial consultation for free and do not charge upfront costs.
The lawyers featured on Nolo's sites (full disclosure that lawyers pay fees to be listed on the website) specialize in mesothelioma attorneys and other asbestos-related injuries, and they have provided information about their education, professional background and other qualifications. You can find a mesothelioma lawyer who is suitable for your situation by using the website's tools that include the ability to search for lawyers that allows you to filter your search by location and specialty.