An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos victims often suffer from diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. These conditions can take decades to show symptoms. A New York asbestos lawyer can help those suffering from this debilitating illness receive compensation for their losses.

An attorney can file a lawsuit against the owners of worksites or buildings, manufacturers and other parties who are responsible for exposing consumers and workers to asbestos.

Military Personnel

Across all branches of the military, asbestos was used extensively from the 1930s until the 1970s. It improved the fire resistance as well as the heat insulation tensile strengths of vessels, bases, aircrafts, and vehicles. Veterans of the military who have worked with or around asbestos-rich materials are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and other cancers. The Navy is the one responsible for the greatest number of asbestos-related illness cases, but members of other branches of the military are also at risk of being exposed to this carcinogen.

Asbestos was used extensively on Navy ships and armored vehicles. It was weaved into the ropes of boats and used as an insulator in engines and boiler rooms. It was even used in flooring, bedding and ceiling tiles. As the products degraded, they released asbestos-based toxic fibers into the air. When asbestos dust is inhaled, it can cause serious health complications such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Army veterans also have mesothelioma risk due to their exposure the deadly substance. The Army ended the use of asbestos-based products in late 1970s but many Army bases still had asbestos-based products from the past that were not removed or replaced. While at the base, Army personnel were exposed to asbestos through their work on military vehicles and equipment, such as electric wiring and brake components. The harmful mineral was also present in the living areas and barracks of the Army.

They also occupied structures in war zones that were being destroyed or bombed. These buildings often contained large quantities of asbestos that were burned before being released into the air. The veterans breathed in asbestos and suffered serious health issues. An experienced asbestos attorney could help veterans recover financial compensation to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and home care as well as funeral and burial costs if they have a mesothelioma diagnosis. A successful claim can also be able to compensate veterans for their families' losses if someone close to them died from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. A lawyer who specializes in asbestos law could assist family members in suing negligent companies that sold and produced the dangerous products.

Industrial Workers

Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos in the course of their work. This is particularly true for those who worked on construction projects, shipyards and power factories, textile mills, automotive brakes and other industries that used the material heavily during the 20th century.

Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials, such as insulation, fireproof coatings and drywall. In addition it was used to make various consumer goods, including flooring, roofing, cement and pipes. A lot of public institutions also utilized asbestos, including schools, offices, hospitals and sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately many of these industries have been shut down and the victims are now suffering from devastating asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Industrial workers who are most likely to be exposed include mechanics, fabricators and welders, who work on vehicles and equipment that contain asbestos or are working in older structures 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 litigation-treated cotton.

OSHA has recognized that exposure to these kinds of jobs is greater than many other occupations. In addition, some people who have worked in the military or served in the field of rescue and recovery following natural disasters are more at risk of exposure in the future if they go into damaged buildings.

Anyone who has had symptoms of asbestos exposure in the past should consult a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer immediately. Reporting suspected asbestos exposure immediately is crucial, as the statute of limitations for personal injury claims are three years. In the case of asbestos-related disease, this period can be extended since it can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma or any other diseases to develop.

If a person is discovered to have a condition like asbestosis or mesothelioma, it can have a profound impact on their family and loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can help patients diagnosed with the disease to receive the financial compensation required to help their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos is known to cause cancer and lung diseases, including mesothelioma. Asbestos was used extensively in American industries in the 20th century. The dangers of asbestos went beyond those who handled it directly. The tiny fibers that make up asbestos tend to cling to clothes hair, equipment and clothing. Blue-collar workers were unaware of exposing their children and spouses to asbestos dust when they brought home their hair, clothing, or equipment from work. This was referred to as secondary exposure.

In the end, many people who have never worked with asbestos in the workplace are now receiving mesothelioma diagnosis. Victims of asbestos exposure can sue companies that failed to warn of the risks associated with their products. An experienced attorney can help these victims trace the source of their exposure and to a defendant who may be held responsible for this carelessness.

If someone is diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, it is important to consult an asbestos exposure attorney immediately. They can assist victims in finding compensation to cover medical expenses and other expenses. Additionally, mesothelioma sufferers can bring wrongful-death claims against companies that did not fulfill their duty to warn about the dangers of their products.

Construction workers are more at risk of chance of developing mesothelioma. Because this construction industry often involves renovations, demolitions and re-building of old structures that contained asbestos-containing materials, they are at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma the symptoms can be controlled with medication. These medications can boost the chance of survival and enhance the quality of life for a victim. However, these medical treatments can be costly. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.

Fortunately, New Jersey and other states have passed laws that allow spouses of asbestos workers to hold negligent employers liable for their health issues. To be successful in such claims, the victims must show that the defendant's negligence led to exposure to asbestos. This can be a difficult task when mesothelioma, lung cancer, and similar conditions have a long latency period of 30 years or more.

Homeowners

You could be entitled to compensation if your experience led you to develop mesothelioma, a lung disease, as a result of asbestos exposure. You could bring a personal injury lawsuit against the company which exposed you to asbestos, or you could be eligible for compensation through an asbestos legal trust fund claim. A seasoned New York asbestos attorney can help you determine the best way to proceed.

Although asbestos is no longer mined or processed in America however, it is still found in a variety of homes and structures. It was used for insulation, particularly in older buildings that required to withstand high temperatures and fires. It was also used for building materials such as ceilings, pipes, and roof shingles. Other asbestos-containing products included floor felt and fake fireplaces embers. Asbestos was also used create friction products for automobiles (brake, transmission and clutch pads) and heat resistant clothing.

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when these materials are disturbed. In addition, the process of agitating these materials may cause the fibers to stick to clothes, posing the risk of exposure to others. Homeowners who are remodeling their homes should have their properties inspected for asbestos. If asbestos is discovered it must be tested before removal by a professional.

Homeowners should avoid taking samples of their own materials. Asbestos is a difficult material to test, and attempting to take samples without proper training could put homeowners and others in the vicinity into grave health risks. A trained professional can suggest that asbestos-containing products should be kept in place provided they are in good condition and will not be disturbed.

Asbestos-related illnesses are extremely painful and dangerous, however they can be treated. An asbestos lawyer with experience can help the 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 condition, speak with an experienced New York asbestos attorney today. Our lawyers will review your case at no cost and won't be paid unless you receive money. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.