Asbestos Exposure Lawyers
From the 1930s until the 1970s, asbestos was utilized in a variety of industrial and commercial products. Asbestos was used in insulation, fireproofing, plaster and cements as well as auto brakes, among others.
People who work with or near these substances are at greater risk of developing lung diseases. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses are typically not recognized until years after exposure.
Be aware of where asbestos is located
Asbestos was used in hundreds building materials until the last few years. Although asbestos is no longer a popular material in construction but it is found in many buildings in the United States. Asbestos isn't a danger if it's in good health and isn't disturbed. This is the reason it's crucial for people to be aware of where asbestos is so that they don't get it in their hands or disturbing it.
Asbestos is typically found in flooring and walls around wood-burning stoves as well as textured paint. Older homes may have asbestos-containing vermiculite insulation as well as asbestos-containing adhesives or plaster. Other asbestos-containing products include millboard, paper, and cement sheets that were used in ceiling and wall drywall.
When these kinds of materials are disturbed, it releases asbestos fibers that are deadly into the air. These fibers could be inhaled and lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma. Finding an asbestos removal or abatement contractor with a track record is an ideal choice for any work involving asbestos-containing materials.
It's important for homeowners to be aware of the distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos. Asbestos that is friable is more likely to cause illness as it is able to release dangerous asbestos particles into the air. Non-friable asbestos on one however, is not as much of a threat since it stays together and only releases tiny fibres once it's broken or damaged.
Asbestos is often difficult to detect and even if it's present, it's difficult to tell if it's in good shape. It is generally recommended to leave asbestos in its place, unless you plan to do major remodels or renovations to your home.
It is recommended to contact an attorney for mesothelioma immediately should you suspect asbestos in your home. They can provide you with the steps to take and determine if you're eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund. Asbestos lawyers can assist you to file a lawsuit against businesses who have exposed their workers to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
Take Measures Not to Disturb Asbestos
In the 1930s and into the 1970s, asbestos was commonly found in a variety of construction and industrial products such as pipe insulation and fireproofing materials, plasters and cements, automotive brakes, and more. In reality, almost everyone who worked on a building or shipyard during this time period likely touched or handled asbestos at some point. Those who did could be exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos for a long time. Some employees carried asbestos-containing fibers home on their clothing and exposed their families to lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Fortunately the United States passed legislation to stop the use of asbestos in many ways and, as of today, does asbestos pose any threat. The fibers are still found in older buildings and homes. Many of these structures are scheduled to be renovated or demolished, however. The people involved in these projects are exposed to a substantial level of risk.
Since asbestos is not visible and invisible to the naked eye, workers may not be aware of their exposure until they experience serious health problems. These symptoms typically take decades to show up and that is why it is crucial for those working on any construction project to be aware of the exposure to asbestos.
Undamaged asbestos products, for instance undamaged floor or ceiling tiles or laboratory cabinet tops, as well as siding shingles, won't release asbestos fibers unless they are altered in any way. If these materials are cut, drilled, sawed, or otherwise disturbed in any way, they may become airborne, contaminating surrounding area.
Damage to water, vibrations or aging may also make these asbestos-containing products more friable. They may break down and release fibers into the air. Therefore, those who handle or renovating a building should be aware and seek advice from an expert in environmental inspection.
Military personnel are also at risk of exposure to asbestos. Due to their frequent travels to overseas locations, they can easily encounter asbestos-containing structures bombed, burned or otherwise demolished. They can also be exposed to asbestos while they are servicing or repairing military vehicles and equipment. In reality, veterans are more than 30 times more likely to develop pleural cancer compared to those who do not have a military service.
Report Your Suspicion to Your Employer
If you suspect or know that your workplace may be contaminated with asbestos, it is your responsibility to notify your employer immediately. If your employer was aware of the dangers posed by asbestos and failed to inform you, you could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against them for negligent misrepresentation. Your lawyer must demonstrate that your employer knew that asbestos was harmful, and they were negligent in not revealing the information.
The majority of workplaces must comply with specific safety standards and regulations in relation to asbestos. This includes laws and policies implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
There are many jobs with a higher risk to asbestos. These include miners, asbestos abatement workers, maintenance and custodial workers, as well as insulation workers. In addition, people who work in shipyards and at asbestos-contaminated construction sites also face a higher risk of exposure.
Asbestos exposure can trigger a variety of illnesses such as mesothelioma. This cancer is most commonly found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can affect the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) as well as other organs as well. It can also affect the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
If an employee is exposed to toxic substances, they should be provided with safety equipment and safe working conditions and training. This will help avoid any accidental exposure to the toxic substance. Employers are also required to keep records of worker exposure and medical examinations for at least 30 years.
If you have been diagnosed with a disease related to asbestos exposure, it is essential to consult a knowledgeable attorney immediately. A mesothelioma attorney can help you obtain compensation from the companies accountable for your exposure to asbestos. This may include filing claims against established bankruptcy trusts and also seeking personal injury claims against the manufacturers of asbestos or asbestos-containing products, building owners and many more. In some cases, asbestos lawyer family members of those who have died from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be entitled to wrongful death benefits.
Contact an attorney
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma in the last few months an experienced lawyer is the best choice to obtain compensation for medical expenses and other costs. You may be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against a company who exposed you or a loved one to this dangerous substance.
Many people who suffer from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases did not realize they were exposed to asbestos until years after exposure. This can make it very difficult to obtain the amount of compensation you're entitled to. Your attorney can determine if you qualify to file a suit and what damages you need to seek.
Asbestos lawyers are experts in bringing large corporations accountable for recklessly harming people. They also understand that the mesothelioma patients they represent are often struggling with complex legal issues, including coordinating with numerous insurance and medical professionals.
Mesothelioma is a debilitating illness that is caused by exposure asbestos fibers that pose a threat to health. It can take decades for symptoms to show up and a lot of patients are in their final stages of life by the time they are diagnosed. Asbestos companies were aware that asbestos was harmful, however they concealed this fact for many decades. This put millions of Americans in danger.
The most frequent type of asbestos exposure is at work. During the 1930s-1970s, asbestos was used in many industrial and commercial products, including pipe insulation, fireproofing materials, cements, plasters, and car brakes. People who touched or handled these products were exposed fibers and family members could be affected by workers bringing asbestos dust home on their clothes.
Construction workers are at most risk of exposure to asbestos. They are frequently involved in demolitions, renovations and re-building older structures that have asbestos. A lot of construction workers have to remove old insulation from structures that could expose them to asbestos. A few construction companies failed to take the proper safety measures while working on hazardous locations like the World Trade Center after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Asbestos-related cases are not handled by personal injury lawyers, who typically focus on cases involving motor vehicle accidents and other general injuries. A mesothelioma firm will have a team consisting of lawyers and support staff who only handle asbestos-related cases. They will have a deep understanding of asbestos history and locations as well as the companies that employed asbestos. They can assist victims determine whether they were exposed to asbestos while at work or in other places. They can also help locate the right records, make an asbestos lawsuit against a business that isn't there and determine if the company has trust funds in place to compensate victims.