An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral
An asbestos defense attorney can help protect the financial security of those who have been harmed by exposure to this toxic mineral. Compensation can cover medical expenses funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life.
Our attorneys are involved in mass toxic tort litigation at a national, regional and local level. As a result, we are well-versed in the unique issues and complex aspects of science associated with asbestos cases.
New York Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos is a deadly fiber that can trigger numerous serious medical conditions, such as mesothelioma. A New York asbestos attorney is experienced in handling lawsuits to seek financial compensation for those who have suffered from asbestos exposure and their families. These cases can be extremely complex and therefore it is essential to have a reputable mesothelioma lawyer on your side.
New York has a long history of asbestos litigation, and many residents have been exposed to this dangerous material. In recent times there have been more claims against former asbestos manufacturers than ever before. These cases arise out of the recognition that asbestos can cause illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. These companies knew of the dangers associated with this asbestos-containing mineral, yet they did not warn their employees and clients.
The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related illnesses due to its old structures and numerous construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously toxic area that continues impact the surrounding community.
Many workers were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. However, people also get diagnosed with mesothelioma lawyer following exposure to harmful substances. This includes spouses who wear their husband's clothing to work and come into contact with asbestos dust regularly.
Mesothelioma-related litigation can be expensive for defendants. This is especially true if they have been incorrectly identified as defendants. According to an investigation, more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed in New York courts since 2014 and the number could increase even more. Specialized asbestos law firms often advertise on TV during the day and encourage victims to submit claims under the premise that they will receive substantial settlements.
The defendants may be able lower some of the costs associated with these cases by asserting that their policy periods have expired or they're only accountable for a small percentage of the total claim value. New York law does not provide a definitive rule on how to divide the liability if the alleged risk is of and outside the insurance policies.
Asbestos-related Illnesses
A wide range of asbestos-related illnesses can be triggered because of exposure to the toxic mineral. The most serious condition is mesothelioma. Many people have died due to mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and pleural effusion.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal illness that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that collect in the lungs and irritate the lining of the ribcage, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity (the Pleura). Inhaling these tiny fibers can result in scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis and occasionally, the development of thickened patches on the pleura called plaques on the pleura, or an enlargement of fibrosis in the pleura called diffused pleural the fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis reduce lung capacity as measured by breathing tests. They can also cause discomfort and breathing difficulties, though they do not lead to cancer or mesothelioma.
The signs of asbestos-related illness typically don't manifest until decades after initial exposure. It can take as long as 50 years for asbestos fibers that are inhaled to cause lung damage. People at risk of developing mesothelioma attorney and other asbestos-related conditions include workers who handled, cleaned, and removed these materials from their workplaces, as well as spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos.
Other asbestos-related diseases in addition to mesothelioma, include laryngeal cancer and lung cancer as well as peritoneal, ovarian and peritoneal cancer. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest form of mesothelioma for women, but it is less common than mesothelioma general. It is typically diagnosed later than other forms of mesothelioma lawyer since it develops in the lining of the reproductive organs, and the symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other diseases.
A number of companies used asbestos in the 20th century. They were aware that it was dangerous. They exposed thousands of people to asbestos when they didn't eliminate asbestos from their products. Now, those exposed have the right to claim financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies are bankrupt. The victims are now able to claim compensation from the trust funds created by bankruptcy courts.
Asbestos Litigation in New York
For decades, asbestos companies put profits above the safety of their employees and consumers, producing dangerous products, without warning of the risks. These companies are now paying the price for their carelessness. Patients who have suffered asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and complete compensation.
Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals receive the justice they deserve. Our lawyers have more than 25 years of experience and have helped clients receive millions of dollars in compensation. Our New York mesothelioma lawyers work to hold accountable large corporations accountable and seek the highest amount of compensation for our clients.
A number of states have established special asbestos courts in which claims can be filed and resolving more efficiently. Judges have also developed specific procedures to assess and resolve such cases.
New York, a state that has its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL), is one of the states. The number of cases in this court has been increasing steadily as increasing numbers of asbestos victims seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who have gone bankrupt. To ensure that the justice system isn't overloaded and overwhelmed, the New York Supreme Court has established a special judicial panel to oversee NYCAL.
A panel comprised of six Supreme Court judges will review each case in NYCAL to determine whether to accept or reject it. Judges will also consider the merits of every claim to determine the amount of money each plaintiff should receive.
The panel is currently studying more than 3,500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to issue its final decision before the end of the year.
New York asbestos lawsuits are usually complex and involve allegations of several defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have vast experience in the litigation of these difficult issues. They are familiar with New York's asbestos courts and their rules, regulations and policies in addition to other jurisdictions in which they have handled multi-district litigation.
The firm also has vast experience serving as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients across the country in multi-district, complex litigation. In this role, lawyers develop strategies, manage local and regional counsel, and ensure consistent and efficient defenses for clients. They have been in close contact with trial judges, coordinating judges and special masters of litigation from various jurisdictions.
Representation of Plaintiffs
A knowledgeable Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best approach to defend a client in an asbestos personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team advises suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, distributors, and premises owners on matters involving mesothelioma claims, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm collaborates with clients to develop internal programs to identify and address potential safety and liability issues.
Bowles Rice in addition to its asbestos practice across the country and multi-state asbestos litigation, is also the national Coordinating counsel. In this capacity the firm designs litigation strategies, manages local and regional counsel, and achieves consistent and cost-effective defense in coordination with client goals. It also plays a significant role in the administration and management of asbestos dockets aswell in negotiations with plaintiffs' lawyers and leading discovery for its client.
The firm's lawyers have a wealth of trial and appellate experience defending clients against claims made by injured claimants, including those claiming mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense attorneys are familiar with the complex science that is associated with these cases, as well as the particular legal issues that arise when defending companies in federal and state courts across the United States.
Catherine has represented numerous manufacturers in asbestos and products liability personal injury cases, acting as the lead counsel in consolidated trials involving a variety of plaintiffs. She has a wealth of experience arguing asbestos-related cases in federal and state courts as well as before a variety of supreme and appellate court bodies.
During her time at Brobeck, Vogel worked on asbestos cases, including those for respondents to the Asbestos Claims Facility in Northern California. The case files included SEAR forms (Short Encapsulated Evaluative Reports), which contained confidential information about the plaintiffs, including medical reports, work history, and a list of asbestos products that the plaintiff worked with or around. Vogel was required to have a password to access the files and was able to review the SEAR forms of any case at her current employer.
The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team, in addition to its extensive experience in trial and appellate work, is widely acclaimed for its ability to successfully negotiate settlements for clients. In this capacity, the firm works closely with plaintiffs' lawyers in the development and execution of settlement agreements. It also has extensive experience in defending businesses against appeals.