An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma
Asbestos-related victims may suffer from lung cancer or mesothelioma. These diseases may not show symptoms for a long time. A New York asbestos lawyer can assist those suffering from this debilitating disease receive compensation for their losses.
An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation against owners of buildings or worksites and manufacturers, as well as other individuals who are responsible for exposing workers as well as consumers to this deadly mineral.
Military Personnel
All branches of the military, asbestos was used extensively from the 1930s to the 1970s. It improved the fire resistance, heat insulation, and tensile strengths of vessels, bases, aircrafts and vehicles. Veterans who worked with asbestos-containing materials or who were in close proximity to them are at greater risk of developing cancers, such as mesothelioma. The Navy is the one responsible for the highest number of asbestos-related illnesses, however members of other branches of the military are also at risk of exposure to this carcinogen.
Asbestos was prevalent on Navy ships and also in the Navy’s armored vehicles. It was woven into ropes of boats and used as an insulation in engine rooms and boiler rooms. Even bedding, ceiling tiles and flooring were constructed from asbestos. As these materials degraded they released toxic asbestos fibers into the air. When asbestos dust is inhaled it can cause serious health problems including mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.
Army veterans are also at risk of developing mesothelioma because of their exposure to asbestos. While the Army had stopped using new asbestos products in the latter part of the 1970s, a lot of Army bases were still stocked with years of asbestos-based materials that were not replaced or removed. Army personnel were exposed to asbestos during their stay on the base, when they worked on military vehicles and equipment such as brake components as well as electric wiring. The mineral was found in the living areas and barracks of the Army.
They also occupied structures in war zones that were being bombed, or burning down. These places were often filled with large quantities of asbestos that were burned and then released into the air. The veterans breathed in asbestos and suffered severe health effects. If a veteran is diagnosed with mesothelioma an asbestos attorney can help them obtain financial compensation for medical expenses loss of income and home care, pain funeral and burial costs, and discomfort and pain. Veterans may also be compensated for the losses of their families in the event that a loved died from mesothelioma, or a different asbestos-related illness. A lawyer who specializes in asbestos law can assist family members in suing negligent firms that sold and made the dangerous products.
Industrial Workers
Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos throughout the course of their job. This is especially relevant for those who worked in shipyards, construction projects textile mills, power plants and automotive brakes.
Asbestos is widely used in building materials like insulation, fireproofing, and drywall. In addition it was used in the production of various consumer products, such as roofing, flooring cement, pipes and even cement. Many public institutions also employed asbestos, such as hospitals, schools, offices and sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately these industries have been shut down and a large number of people suffer from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Industrial workers who are most at risk of being exposed include fabricators, mechanics, and welders who work on equipment and vehicles that have asbestos or are working in older structures that have not been subjected to asbestos removal. They may have also handled asbestos-contaminated tools and safety gear, such as gloves and fire blankets made of asbestos-treated cotton.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has acknowledged that these kinds of jobs are more susceptible for exposure than other occupations. Additionally, those who have worked in the military or served in the field of rescue and recovery after natural disasters are more at risk of exposure in the future if they go into damaged buildings.
Anyone who has experienced symptoms of asbestos exposure in the past should contact a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer immediately. It is crucial to report any suspected exposure away, as the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years following an incident. In the case of asbestos compensation-related disease, this time period may be extended as it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or any other diseases to develop.
If a person is discovered to be suffering from a condition such as asbestosis or mesothelioma it can have a devastating impact on their family and loved ones. A New York mesothelioma law firm can assist those who have been diagnosed with the financial compensation they require to provide for their families and live a comfortable life.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos can cause cancer and lung diseases, like mesothelioma. When asbestos was widely used in American industries in the 20th century, the dangers extended far beyond the workers who directly handled the material. The tiny asbestos fibers tend to cling to clothes hair, equipment and clothing. When blue-collar workers carried the dust home on their clothes or hair, or on their work tools they did not realize that they exposed their children and their spouses to these harmful particles. This is referred to as secondary exposure.
In the end, many people who were never exposed to asbestos in the workplace are now receiving mesothelioma diagnosis. Victims of asbestos exposure can file lawsuits against companies that failed to warn of the risks associated with their products. A knowledgeable attorney can assist victims in tracing the cause of their exposure to find the defendant who could be held accountable for the negligence.
When a person is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease it is crucial to consult an asbestos exposure lawyer immediately. These attorneys can assist victims in obtaining compensation to cover medical bills and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients may also pursue claims for wrongful death against companies who failed to warn of the risks their products could pose.
Construction workers are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Because this construction industry often involves demolitions, renovations, and reconstruction of old structures that contained asbestos materials, these individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.
There is no cure for Mesothelioma. However, you can treat the symptoms with medication. These medications can boost the chances of survival and increase the quality of life for a victim. However, these medical treatments are costly. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.
Fortunately, New Jersey and other states have passed laws allowing spouses of asbestos workers to hold negligent employers liable for their ailments. In order to be successful in these claims, victims must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the exposure to asbestos. This can be a daunting task when mesothelioma and lung cancer, and similar conditions have a lengthy latency of 30 years or more.
Homeowners
You could be entitled to compensation if you developed a lung condition like mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. You could be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust funds claim or by filing an individual injury lawsuit against the business that exposed you to asbestos. A seasoned New York asbestos attorney can help you determine the best method to pursue.
While asbestos is not extracted or processed in the United States anymore, it is still found in many buildings and homes. It was used as insulation, particularly for older buildings that had to withstand fires and extreme temperatures. It was also used for construction materials like ceilings, pipes, and roofing shingles. Other asbestos settlement-containing products included flooring, paper products, felt and fake fireplace embers. Asbestos was also used to make friction products for automobiles (brake, transmission and clutch pads) and heat-resistant clothing.
When these materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers that are airborne can be released. Disturbing these materials can also cause the fibers to stick to clothes, posing the possibility of exposure to other people. Homeowners who are remodeling their homes should have their properties inspected for asbestos. If asbestos is found, it should be tested before being removed by a professional.
Homeowners should never attempt to collect samples of materials themselves. Asbestos testing is a complicated process, and attempting to collect samples without proper instruction could result in health risks for the homeowner and anyone else in the area. A qualified professional can advise that asbestos-containing materials should be kept to themselves if they are in good condition and will not be disturbed.
Asbestos-related diseases can be severe and painful, but they can be treated. An asbestos lawyer with experience can help victims and their families file a lawsuit against negligent building owners and employers as well as the product manufacturers. Contact an New York asbestos lawyer today should you or someone near you has an asbestos lawsuit-related disease. Our attorneys are available to review your case for no cost, and we do not receive any compensation unless we get money back for you. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.