Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos victims could be eligible for monetary compensation. However, claims can involve lengthy legal processes.
Companies that made and used asbestos were aware that the substance could cause serious health problems. This negligence has led to the death of many victims. An experienced lawyer can help victims and their families seek justice.
Workplace Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a rare and deadly type of cancer is a form of cancer that affects the linings in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal msothelioma), or the testicles (pericardial msothelioma). It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos during work. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is composed of strong and microscopic fibers. It was utilized in a variety of residential, industrial and commercial products between the 1930s and 1980s because it was resistant to fire, water sound, and corrosion. The manufacturers of asbestos-based products were aware its health risks but hid this information from the public.
People who handled raw asbestos and worked in asbestos manufacturing or who were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis have the highest risk for mesothelioma. As of today, asbestos can be found in older structures as well as in vehicles, homes and even in the interior of buildings. People who work or live with those in these occupations also risk their health as they may bring asbestos home on their clothing and gear. This second exposure is referred to as take-home exposure, and puts family members at risk, including spouses and children.
Other occupations that are related to mesothelioma comprise shipyard workers, coal miners asbestos removal specialists, and those who work on construction or demolition sites. Mesothelioma can also pose a threat for those who repair or maintain aircraft. Technicians, pilots, and others who work with brakes, engines or other materials for aircraft, such as adhesives insulation, adhesives, and other materials are at risk. Military personnel and veterans are also at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma because asbestos lawyers was extensively employed by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps between 1940 and 1979. This includes those stationed at Camp Lejeune where veterans were exposed to asbestos through insulation for vehicles and ships and fireproofing materials and other toxic chemicals.
Second-Hand Exposure
Asbestos workers often brought asbestos home on their clothes and shoes, exposing their children, spouses and other family members to the toxic carcinogen. This secondhand exposure to asbestos is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure. It is just as hazardous as exposure to asbestos that is firsthand.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that arises from the tissue that lines a few organs within your body, referred to as mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lining that surrounds the lung (pleura) however it may also occur in the lining of the abdomen, chest cavity or other organs. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium, and when cell changes occur, it triggers the formation of masses or tumors.
Typically, mesothelioma-related symptoms don't show up until decades after exposure to asbestos. It can be difficult to determine the cause of your disease, especially when asbestos exposure has occurred in more than one location.
Asbestos victims can file asbestos lawsuits or trust fund claims to receive compensation for their diseases. asbestos lawyer victims can also apply for VA benefits for their asbestos-related conditions. Contacting an asbestos lawyer will ensure that you receive the compensation you're entitled to. For more information about mesothelioma or filing an asbestos lawsuit, contact our law firm today. Our lawyers have handled complex cases of this nature and recovered millions for clients across the country. We can examine your case for free and provide you with all the options available to you. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation. We serve clients throughout the United States including Florida, California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. We are committed to providing caring and personalized care to our clients.
Wrongful Death
Asbestos fibres can stay in the lungs for a number of years after inhalation. Over time this can lead to the growth of cancerous cells and other diseases. The symptoms can take a long time to appear but they can develop quickly after they appear.
Asbestos is a natural mineral comprised of microscopic, strong fibers, was used in a variety of building materials. It was widely used between the 1930s to the early 1980s due to its resistant to sound, heat and water. Makers of asbestos-based products knew it was a risk however, they concealed the dangers from the public.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues of certain organs and cavities within the human body. It is typically caused by exposure to asbestos and can impact the lungs, the abdomen, the heart and other areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the greatest incidence of mesothelioma. It is most often found in the lungs, chest wall and abdomen.
There are a variety of types of asbestos-related mesothelioma. However, they are all linked to asbestos exposure. Similar to other types of cancer mesothelioma develops when the DNA of a cell undergoes mutations and starts to multiply unchecked. It's usually harder to diagnose than other cancers because the initial symptoms can be mistaken for respiratory or lung illnesses, such as chronic cough, or changes in the form of the nails and fingers (finger clubbing).
There are no preventable mesothelioma risk factors. To avoid developing mesothelioma, one must never come into contact asbestos. You can do this by assisting the efforts to ban asbestos, or by contacting Congress and asking them to support legislation that prohibits the use of asbestos in new building materials.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related diseases or mesothelioma could be eligible for compensation. These benefits can help with expenses for living and treatment. Compensation is available from the Department of Veteran Affairs, or an asbestos trust. VA claims can be a great resource for asbestos victims and their families.
Asbestos sufferers, and their families, should initiate a claim right away to receive the maximum compensation. A mesothelioma attorney can help with this process by ensuring that all documents are filed. This includes a mesothelioma diagnosis as well as medical records that show exposure to asbestos. It is recommended for patients to have periodic x-rays or CT scans to check for the condition.
Veterans from all branches have filed mesothelioma lawsuits. However, Navy veterans have the most cases due to the fact that asbestos was extensively used in the Navy. To be eligible to receive compensation they must show that their illness is directly related to their exposure to asbestos. Asbest-related illnesses typically manifest for years after exposure.
The VA recognizes various asbestos-related illnesses including laryngeal cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. It also recognizes nonmalignant conditions such as asbestosis, peritoneal effusion, pleural thickening, and atelectasis. These conditions all share an underlying link: exposure to asbestos.
In addition to financial compensation, veterans should also pursue mesothelioma treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment improves outcomes. Patients with mesothelioma who reside in Florida are treated by an expert at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This facility is only a short distance from the Miami VA Medical Center. For those who are unable to leave their homes, a homebound program permits veterans to receive treatment for mesothelioma from outside the VA system.
Workers' Compensation
Mesothelioma victims and their families require financial compensation to pay for expensive medical treatments, loss of income, and other expenses. Many people have workers insurance or health insurance that could help with these costs. A mesothelioma lawyer is able to help asbestos victims file for insurance or other forms of compensation and assist them to know what options are available.
Compensation is available from multiple sources, including trust fund awards as well as VA claims. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients identify the most effective compensation sources to ensure that they receive the full amount of compensation they deserve.
A mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced is familiar with the filing of all asbestos-related claims. They can handle every aspect of the legal process while the patient or family concentrates on their treatment. A lawyer can also discuss the benefits of filing an estate claim to safeguard assets for the future needs.
A person may sue an asbestos-related company for mesothelioma, resulting in an investigation that could lead to a jury verdict or mesothelioma settlement. Most asbestos victims would rather accept a settlement instead of going to trial.
Mesothelioma lawsuits often result in huge financial awards for the victims and their families. In a recent case the jury awarded $740 million to a victim who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder.
Workers compensation or VA claims can be used to obtain compensation for families of victims in addition to the possibility of a lawsuit. Veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos attorneys-related ailments as a result of their military service are more likely to submit VA claims. Veterans who require help with daily chores and home maintenance may be eligible for special monthly compensation (also known as aid and attendance pay).