An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos sufferers can develop mesothelioma and lung cancer. These conditions may not show symptoms for years. A New York asbestos lawyer can assist those suffering from this debilitating condition receive compensation for their losses.

An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation (additional reading) against the owners of work sites or buildings and manufacturers, as well as other individuals who are responsible for exposing workers as well as customers to this dangerous mineral.

Military Personnel

From the 1930s until the 1970s, asbestos was extensively employed in all branches of the military. It improved the resistance to fire as well as heat insulation and the tensile strength of vessels, aircrafts, bases and vehicles. Veterans of the military who were exposed to asbestos-rich materials are at greater risk of chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other cancers. The Navy is responsible for the highest number of asbestos-related illnesses, but members of other branches of the military are as well at risk of exposure to this carcinogen.

Asbestos was a common ingredient on Navy ships and in the Navy's armored vehicles. It was used in the engine room and boiler rooms as an insulator and ropes were woven on boats. It was even used in bedding, flooring and ceiling tiles. When these products deteriorated they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. When asbestos dust is inhaled, it can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Army veterans are also at risk of developing mesothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos. Although the Army stopped using new asbestos products in the latter part of the 1970s, a lot of Army bases had decades of old asbestos-based materials that were not removed or replaced. When they were on the base, Army personnel were exposed to asbestos from working on military vehicles and other equipment, such as electric wiring and brake components. The harmful mineral was also present in the barracks and living areas of the Army.

Additionally, soldiers were deployed to war zones and occupied buildings that were in midst of being bombed or burned down. These buildings were often filled with large quantities of asbestos that were burned before being released into the air. Inhaling asbestos, these veterans suffered serious health issues. If a veteran is diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos attorney can help the veteran recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income and home care, pain, funeral and burial costs, and discomfort and pain. Veterans could also be compensated for the loss of their families if they lost a loved one to mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease. A lawyer who specializes in asbestos law can help family members sue negligent companies that sold and manufactured asbestos-related products that are dangerous.

Industrial Workers

Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos in the course of their jobs. This is particularly true for those who have worked in construction projects, shipyards, textile mills, power plants and automotive brakes.

Asbestos was frequently used in various building materials, like fireproof coatings, insulation and drywall. Asbestos was also utilized in a variety of consumer goods like roofing, flooring and pipes. Many public establishments also used asbestos, such as schools, offices, hospitals and sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately, many of these industries have since shut down and the victims are now suffering from devastating asbestos case-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Mechanics, fabricators and welders who work with machinery and vehicles that contain asbestos or work in older buildings without asbestos abatement are most at risk. 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 at risk for exposure than many other occupations. Some people who have been in the military, or in the relief and recovery efforts following natural disasters, are at risk for future exposure when they enter damaged building.

Anyone who has recently experienced symptoms of asbestos exposure must speak to a New York mesothelioma lawyer immediately. It is essential to report any suspected exposure away, as the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from an incident. If asbestos is the cause of disease, this time frame can be extended because it could take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma or other diseases to develop.

If someone is found to have a disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, it can have a devastating impact on their loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can assist those who have been diagnosed with the financial compensation needed to provide for their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos can cause cancer as well as lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. When asbestos was widely used in American industries in the 20th century, the dangers went beyond workers who directly handled the material. The tiny asbestos fibers tend to cling to clothes, hair and equipment. Blue collar workers accidentally exposed their children and spouses to asbestos dust when they brought it home on their hair, clothing or tools from work. This was referred to as secondary exposure.

Many people who never been exposed to asbestos lawsuit have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These victims are able to bring lawsuits against companies that did not warn of the dangers associated with their products. An experienced attorney can assist victims in tracing the source of their exposure and locate a defendant who may be held accountable for their inattention.

Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer right away when you're diagnosed with an illness that is related to asbestos. These attorneys can help victims locate compensation sources to cover medical bills and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients can also file claims for wrongful death against companies that failed to warn consumers of the dangers their products could cause.

Construction workers are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma. Construction workers are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses because they often remodel, demolish and reconstruct old structures that are made of asbestos-containing materials.

There is no cure for Mesothelioma. However you can treat the symptoms by taking medication. These medications can boost the likelihood of survival and increase the quality of life of a victim. These treatments can be expensive. 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 health issues. To be successful, victims must show that negligence by the defendant led to their exposure. This can be a challenging task, as mesothelioma and lung cancer have a latency period that can last up to 30 years.

Homeowners

You may be entitled to compensation if you developed mesothelioma or another lung disease due to asbestos exposure. You could file a personal injury lawsuit against the company which exposed you to asbestos, or you could be entitled to compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. An experienced New York asbestos settlement attorney can assist you in determining the best way to proceed.

Although asbestos isn't mined or processed in the United States anymore, it is still present in a variety of homes and buildings. It was used as insulation, particularly for older buildings that had to withstand fires and high temperatures. It was also used for construction materials like ceilings, pipes, and roof shingles. Other asbestos-containing items included flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. Asbestos was also used to create friction products for automobiles (brake transmission, clutch and brake pads) and heat-resistant clothing.

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when they are disturbed. They can also stick to clothing, creating the risk of exposure to second-hand. Homeowners who are renovating should be able to have their homes inspected for asbestos. If asbestos is found it must be tested before being removed by a professional.

Homeowners should never try to collect samples of materials themselves. Asbestos is an extremely difficult material to test, and trying to collect samples without proper training could lead homeowners and others in the vicinity to serious health risks. A qualified professional can advise that asbestos-containing materials should be kept in place if they are in good shape and won't be disturbed.

Asbestos-related illnesses are severe and painful, but they can be treated. An experienced asbestos lawyer can assist the victims and their families in filing a claim for compensation against negligent builders, employers and product manufacturers. If you or someone you love has an asbestos-related condition, speak with an experienced New York asbestos attorney today. 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.