An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral
An asbestos defense lawyer can help protect the financial security of those who have been harmed through exposure to this dangerous mineral. Compensation can cover medical costs, funeral and burial expenses as well as pain and suffering and lost quality of life.
Our lawyers are local, regional, and national counsel in mass toxic tort litigation. As our lawyers are well-versed with the specific issues and the complex science that go along with asbestos cases.
New York Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos is a deadly fiber that can trigger numerous serious medical conditions, such as mesothelioma lawsuits. A New York asbestos attorney is adept at handling lawsuits to seek the financial compensation of those affected by asbestos exposure and their families. These cases can be complicated and it is crucial to have a reputable mesothelioma law firm on your side.
New York has a long history of asbestos litigation, and many residents have been exposed to this dangerous substance. In recent years there have been more lawsuits filed against former asbestos producers than ever before. These cases result from the recognition of a connection between asbestos and diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These companies were aware of the dangers associated with this asbestos-containing mineral, yet they didn't warn their employees and clients.
The New York City area is particularly prone to asbestos-related diseases due to its old structures and a myriad of construction sites. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a notoriously toxic location that continues to impact on the community surrounding it.
Many workers were exposed asbestos in the workplace. However, some people are diagnosed with mesothelioma after experiencing secondhand exposure to the harmful substances. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposure workers who wore their husband's work clothes and came into contact with asbestos dust on a regular basis.
The litigation associated with mesothelioma can be costly for defendants, particularly when they are mistakenly identified as a defendant. A study indicates that more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed since 2014 in New York courts. This number could increase. Specialized asbestos law firms often advertise on TV during the day and encourage victims to file claims with the promise that they will receive substantial settlements.
The defendants may be able reduce some of the costs of these cases by arguing that their policies are in a lapse or that they are only responsible only a small percentage of the value of the claim. However, New York law has not established a clear rule on how to divide liabilities when the alleged exposure is within and outside the insurer's policy periods.
Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Exposure to asbestos can cause a wide range of diseases. The most serious condition is mesothelioma. Many people have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer and asbestosis. Pleural plaques and pleural effusion are also asbestos-related.
Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that collect in the lungs, and can cause irritation to the lining of the ribcage, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity (the Pleura). The inhalation of these small fibers can cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis, and, sometimes, the development of thickened patches on the pleura called pleural plaques or the more widespread fibrosis of the pleura known as diffused the fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis reduce lung capacity as determined by breathing tests. They can also cause pain and difficulty in breathing, however they do not lead mesothelioma or cancer.
Most of the time, symptoms of asbestos-related diseases do not appear until decades after the initial exposure. It could take up to 50 years for asbestos-related fibers to be inhaled to cause lung damage. People at risk of developing mesothelioma lawsuit and other asbestos-related diseases include those who handled, cleaned and removed asbestos-containing products from their workplaces, as well as spouses and children of those who were exposed to asbestos.
In addition to mesothelioma other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the ovary. Ovarian cancer is among the most deadly form of mesothelioma lawsuit for women however, it is much less common than mesothelioma in general. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma lawyer, because it is found within the linings of reproductive organs. Symptoms can be similar to other illnesses.
Many companies employed asbestos in the 20th century, but they were aware that it was a risk. They exposed thousands of people to asbestos because they failed to remove it from their products. These people can now sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related manufacturers are bankrupt. The victims can now seek compensation from trust funds established by bankruptcy courts.
Asbestos Litigation in New York
For decades, asbestos-related companies put profits above the safety of their employees as well as consumers by producing dangerous products, without warning of the dangers. These companies are now confronting the consequences of their carelessness. Victims of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and full settlement.
Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals get the justice they deserve. With more than 25 years of experience and accomplishments, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our New York Mesothelioma Lawyers (Telegra.Ph) work to hold responsible large corporations accountable and seek maximum compensation for our clients.
Many states have created asbestos courts with specialization, where claims can be filed more efficiently. Judges have also established specific procedures to assess and resolve these cases.
New York is one such state that has its own asbestos court known as NYCAL. As asbestos victims continue to seek compensation from solvent asbestos defendants who have been bankrupt and have been unable to pay, the workload of this special court has been steadily increasing. The New York Supreme Court created an extra judicial board to oversee NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.
A panel of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine if it should be accepted or not. Judges will also consider the merits of each case to determine the amount a plaintiff should receive.
The panel is currently reviewing more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to issue its final ruling by the end of this year.
New York asbestos lawsuits can be complicated and involve several defendants. The lawyers at Belluck & Fox have extensive experience in the litigation of these complicated issues. They are familiar with New York's asbestos courts, including their rules, regulations and policies and other jurisdictions where they have handled multi-district litigation.
The firm also has vast experience as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients throughout the nation in complex, multi-district litigation. In this capacity lawyers formulate strategies, manage local and regional counsel, and ensure consistent and efficient defenses for clients. They have been in close contact with trial judges, coordination judges, and special masters of litigation from various jurisdictions.
Representation of Plaintiffs
A skilled Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best approach to defend a client from an asbestos-related personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels suppliers, manufacturers contractors, distributors, contractors and premises owners in matters involving claims of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses. The firm works with clients to develop internal programs to determine and resolve potential liability and safety concerns.
Bowles Rice, in addition to its asbestos practice in the national level and multi-state asbestos litigation serves as national Coordinating counsel. In this capacity, Bowles Rice develops litigation strategies and oversees local and region counsel to ensure a consistent and cost-effective defence in coordination with the client's objectives. Additionally, it plays a key role in the management of asbestos dockets and negotiations with plaintiffs' counsel and also leads discovery for its clients.
The firm's lawyers are skilled in defending clients against mesothelioma attorney-related claims and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense attorneys are acquainted with the intricate science involved with these cases, as well as the unique 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 trial counsel in consolidated trials involving a variety of claimants. She has a wealth of experience arguing asbestos-related cases in state and federal courts and before a variety of supreme and appellate courts.
While at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including the Asbestos Claim Facility in Northern California. The case files included SEAR forms (Short Evaluative Reports Encapsulated) which contained confidential information about claimants. The files contained medical reports as well as work histories and an inventory of asbestos-related products that plaintiffs worked with or near. Vogel required access to a password to access the files. She could then review any SEAR forms that she received from her current employer.
In addition to its extensive trial and appellate experience, the Bowles Rice Asbestos Team is recognized nationally for its ability to negotiate settlements on behalf of its clients. The firm has worked closely with plaintiffs’ lawyers to develop and execute settlement agreements. The firm also has extensive experience in defending businesses against appeals.