An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos victims often suffer from conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma that can take a long time to show symptoms. An experienced New York asbestos lawyer could help those suffering from this debilitating condition 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 responsible for exposing workers and consumers to this deadly mineral.

Military Personnel

All branches of the military, asbestos was used extensively from the 1930s through the 1970s. It was used to add fire resistance, heat insulation and the strength of tensile to vessels, aircrafts, bases and vehicles. Veterans of the military who have were exposed to asbestos-laden materials are at greater risk of chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other cancers. The Navy is the most frequently reported cause of asbestos-related illnesses however other branches of the military may also be at risk.

Asbestos was widely used on Navy ships and armored vehicles. It was weaved into the ropes of boats, and used as an insulator in engines and boiler rooms. Even ceiling tiles, bedding and flooring were made of asbestos. When these products degraded they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos dust could lead to serious health complications such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

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

They also occupied structures in war zones that were being bombed, or burning down. These sites 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. A knowledgeable asbestos attorney can help veterans recover financial compensation to cover medical expenses such as lost wages and home care as well as funeral and burial costs if they have mesothelioma as a diagnosis. A successful claim may also be able to compensate veterans for their families' losses in the event that they lose a loved one to mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases. A lawyer with expertise in asbestos law could assist family members in suing negligent firms that sold and made asbestos-related products that are dangerous.

Industrial Workers

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

Asbestos was often incorporated into various building materials, including insulation, fireproof coatings, and drywall. Additionally it was used to manufacture many consumer products, such as roofing, flooring cement, pipes and even cement. Asbest was also employed in a variety of public institutions, including schools, offices and hospitals. Unfortunately, these industries have closed and a large number of people suffer from asbestos-related ailments such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

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

OSHA has recognized that exposure to these types of jobs is greater than other professions. Additionally, certain individuals who have been in the military or served in rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of 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 must consult a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer immediately. Reporting suspected asbestos exposure immediately is crucial, as the statutes of limitations for personal injury lawsuits are three years. In the case of asbestos-related disease, this time frame may be extended as it could take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma and other diseases to develop.

When a person is found to have a disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, it can have a significant impact on their loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can help patients diagnosed with the disease to receive the financial compensation needed to support their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos can cause cancer as well as lung diseases, including mesothelioma. Asbestos was extensively used in American industries in the 20th century. The dangers of asbestos extended beyond those who handled it directly. The asbestos fibers are so small that they can stick to clothing, hair, and equipment. When blue-collar workers brought the dust home on their clothes or hair, or on the tools they used at work they did not realize that they exposed their spouses and children to these dangerous particles. This was known as secondary exposure.

As a result, many people who were never exposed to asbestos case in their work environments are now receiving mesothelioma diagnoses. Victims of asbestos exposure can sue companies that did not warn of the risks that their products pose. A knowledgeable attorney can assist such victims to trace the origin of their exposure and to a defendant that may be held accountable for this negligence.

Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer immediately if you are diagnosed with an illness that is related to asbestos. They can assist sufferers discover compensation sources to pay for 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 workers in the construction industry mesothelioma can be particularly dangerous. Construction workers are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses because they often renovate, demolish and rebuild old structures that are made of asbestos-containing materials.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma the symptoms can be controlled with medication. These medications can increase the chance of survival and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it. However, these treatments can be costly. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.

New Jersey, as well as other states, have enacted laws allowing spouses of asbestos workers hold negligent employers responsible for their illnesses. To be successful, victims must show that the defendant's negligence contributed to their exposure. This can be a difficult task when mesothelioma and lung cancer, and similar conditions have a long latency period of 30 years or more.

Homeowners

You could be entitled to compensation if you have mesothelioma, a lung disease, due to asbestos exposure. You may be entitled compensation through an asbestos trust fund 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 isn't mined or processed in the United States, it can be present in many homes and structures. It was used as insulation, particularly in older buildings that had to withstand extreme temperatures and fires. It was also used in building materials such as ceilings, pipes and roofing shingles. Other asbestos-containing items included flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. It was also used in automobile friction products (brake clutch, transmission and brake pads) and heat-resistant clothing.

If these materials are disturbed, asbestos-like airborne fibers can be released. In addition, the process of agitating these materials may cause the fibers to cling to clothes, posing the possibility of exposure to others. Homeowners who are constructing their properties should have their homes inspected for asbestos. If any material is found and checked by a certified professional prior to being removed.

Homeowners shouldn't attempt to take samples of their own materials. Asbestos testing is a complex process, and taking samples without proper instruction could lead to health risks for the homeowner as well as anyone else living in the vicinity. A trained professional can advise that asbestos-containing products should be left alone if they are in good condition and will not be disturbed.

Asbestos-related diseases are very painful and abrasive, but they are treatable. An asbestos lawyer with experience can help the victims and their families file a lawsuit against negligent employers and building owners, as well as product manufacturers. Contact an New York asbestos lawyer today if you or someone near you suffers from an asbestos-related disease. Our attorneys are available to review your case free, and we do not receive any compensation unless we recover money for you. Contact us now to arrange your free consultation.