An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos-related victims may suffer from lung cancer or mesothelioma. These diseases might not be apparent for years. A New York asbestos lawyer can assist those suffering from this debilitating condition get compensation for their losses.

An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation against owners of buildings or worksites as well as manufacturers and other parties who are responsible for exposing workers as well as consumers to the deadly mineral.

Military Personnel

In all branches of the military, asbestos was employed extensively from the 1930s until the 1970s. It increased the fire resistance as well as heat insulation and the tensile strength of vessels bases, aircrafts and vehicles. Veterans who worked with asbestos-containing products or were around them are at a higher chance of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. The Navy is the most frequently reported cause of asbestos-related illness, but other branches of the military could be as well.

Asbestos was extensively used on Navy vessels and armored vehicles. It was weaved into the ropes of boats, and used as an insulation in engine rooms and boiler rooms. It was even incorporated into flooring, bedding, and ceiling tiles. As the materials deteriorated, they released toxic asbestos fibres into the atmosphere. Inhaling asbestos dust can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Army veterans are also at risk of mesothelioma because of their exposure to asbestos. The Army stopped using asbestos products in the late 1970s, but many Army bases still had asbestos-based materials from years ago that were not removed or replaced. During their time on base, Army personnel were exposed to asbestos from working on military vehicles and equipment, such as electric wiring and brake components. The toxic mineral was also present in the Army's barracks as well as living quarters.

In addition, soldiers deployed to places of war and occupied buildings that were in midst of being bombed or burned down. These places typically contained large amounts of asbestos that were burned before being released into the air. By inhaling asbestos, veterans experienced serious health problems. An experienced asbestos lawyer can help veterans recover financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages as well as home treatment, pain and suffering and funeral and burial costs if they have a mesothelioma diagnosis. A successful claim may also be able to compensate veterans for their families' losses if a loved one died from mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases. An asbestos attorney can assist family members to file an action against negligent businesses that manufactured and sold hazardous products.

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 shipyards, construction sites, textile mills, power plants and automotive brakes.

Asbestos is commonly used in building materials, such as insulation, fireproofing, as well as drywall. Asbestos was also used in a variety of consumer goods including roofing, flooring and pipes. A lot of public institutions also utilized asbestos, such as schools, offices, hospitals and sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately the industries have ceased to exist and a large number of people suffer from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Industrial workers that are the most at risk of being exposed include fabricators, mechanics and welders, who work on vehicles and equipment that contained asbestos or work in older buildings that have not undergone an asbestos abatement. 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 recognized that these types of jobs are more susceptible for exposure than other professions. In addition, some people who have been in the military or participated in the rescue and recovery efforts following natural catastrophes are at risk of being exposed in the future when they enter damaged buildings.

Anyone who has experienced symptoms of asbestos exposure should talk to a New York mesothelioma lawyer immediately. It is important to notify the asbestos-related lawyer right away, as the statute of limitations for the majority of personal injury claims is three years following an incident. However, in the case of asbestos litigation-related diseases, this time period is often extended as it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma as well as other conditions to develop.

If someone is found to have a condition like asbestosis or mesothelioma it can have a profound impact on their loved ones. A New York mesothelioma law firm can assist patients in obtaining the financial compensation they need to provide for their families and enjoy a life of peace.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos can cause cancer as well as lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. When asbestos was used extensively in American industries in the 20th century, the dangers went beyond workers who handled the substance. The tiny fibers that make up asbestos tend to stick to clothes hair, clothing and other equipment. When blue-collar workers brought the dust home with them on their clothes or hair, or on the tools they used at work and did not know it, they exposed their spouses and children to the harmful particles. This was referred to as secondary exposure.

Many people who have not been exposed to asbestos have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The victims can sue companies that did not warn of the risks associated with their products. A knowledgeable attorney can assist victims in tracing out the source of their exposure and locate the defendant who could be held accountable for the inattention.

If a person is diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, it is important to speak with an asbestos exposure lawyer immediately. These attorneys can assist victims in obtaining compensation to pay medical bills and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients may also pursue claims for wrongful death against companies who did not warn of the dangers their products posed.

For construction workers mesothelioma is particularly fatal. Construction workers are at risk for asbestos-related illnesses since they typically renovate, demolish or rebuild old structures that contain asbestos materials.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the symptoms can be treated by taking medications. These medications can improve a victim's quality of life and increase the chances of survival. However, these treatments are 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. In order to succeed in bringing these lawsuits, victims must demonstrate that the defendant's negligence caused the exposure to asbestos. This is a challenging task since mesothelioma as well as lung cancer have a time-to-latency that can last up to 30 years.

Homeowners

If you've developed mesothelioma, a lung disease, because of exposure to asbestos, you could have a claim for compensation. You could be entitled to compensation through an asbestos trust funds claim or an individual injury lawsuit against the company that exposed you to asbestos. A New York asbestos lawyer can help you determine the best way to proceed.

While asbestos is not mined or processed in the United States anymore, it can still be found in many homes and buildings. It was used for insulation, especially in older buildings that had to withstand fires and high temperatures. It was also used as a building material in pipes, ceilings, roof shingles and siding. Other asbestos-containing products included flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. Asbestos was also used make friction products for automobiles (brake transmission, clutch and brake pads) and heat-resistant clothing.

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when these materials are disturbed. The fibers may also adhere to clothing, increasing the possibility of exposure to second-hand asbestos. Homeowners who are remodeling their properties must have their homes checked for asbestos. If any material is found, it should be examined by a professional prior to being removed.

Homeowners should never attempt to take samples of the materials themselves. Asbestos is an extremely difficult material to test, and trying to collect samples without proper education could expose homeowners and others in the vicinity into dangerous health hazards. If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and is not disturbed, a certified professional can recommend that it be left alone.

Asbestos-related illnesses are extremely painful and dangerous, however they can be treated. A lawyer experienced in asbestos can help victims and their families file a lawsuit against negligent employers and building owners as well as the product manufacturers. If you or someone you know suffers from an asbestos-related illness, contact a compassionate New York asbestos attorney today. Our attorneys will review your case for free and we won't get paid unless you receive a payment. Contact us today to set up your free consultation with a lawyer.