An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

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

An attorney could bring a lawsuit for asbestos against building or worksite owners as well as manufacturers and other parties accountable for exposing workers and customers to this dangerous mineral.

Military Personnel

From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was extensively used throughout the military. It improved the fire resistance as well as the heat insulation the tensile strength of vessels bases, aircrafts and vehicles. Veterans who worked with asbestos-containing products or who were in close proximity to them are at greater risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. The Navy is the most frequently reported cause of asbestos-related diseases but other branches of the military may be as well.

Asbestos was used extensively on Navy vessels and armored vehicles. It was woven into ropes of boats, and used as an insulator in engine rooms and boiler rooms. Even the bedding, ceiling tiles and flooring were constructed from asbestos. As these products deteriorated they released toxic asbestos fibers into the air. When asbestos dust is inhaled it can cause serious health complications including mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.

Army veterans also have mesothelioma risk due to their exposure this deadly substance. Although the Army stopped using new asbestos products in the late 1970s, many Army bases had years of asbestos-based products that were not removed or replaced. Army personnel were exposed to asbestos during their stay on the base, when they worked on military vehicles and other equipment such as brake components and electric wiring. The toxic mineral was present in the barracks and living areas of the Army.

They also occupied structures in zones of war that were destroyed or bombed. These sites contained large amounts of asbestos. These were then destroyed and released into the atmosphere. As a result of inhaling asbestos, the veterans suffered serious health issues. An experienced asbestos attorney could help veterans recover financial compensation to cover medical expenses including lost wages and home treatment as well as funeral and burial costs in the event of mesothelioma-related diagnosis. Veterans may also be compensated for the loss of their families in the event that a loved died from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. A lawyer with expertise in asbestos law may be able to assist family members to sue negligent companies that sold and produced asbestos-related products that are dangerous.

Industrial Workers

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

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

Industrial workers who are most at risk of being exposed include fabricators, mechanics and welders, who work with equipment and vehicles that have asbestos or work in older buildings that have not been treated for 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 prone for exposure than other careers. Additionally, certain individuals who have been in the military or participated in the field of rescue and recovery in the aftermath of natural catastrophes are at risk of future exposure when they enter damaged structures.

Anyone who has recently suffered symptoms of asbestos exposure should speak to a New York mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Reporting suspected asbestos exposure immediately is vital, as the statutes of limitations for personal injury claims are three years. If asbestos is the cause of disease, this time period can be extended because it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or other diseases to develop.

If a person is discovered to have a disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, it can have a devastating impact on their family and loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can help those diagnosed to get the financial compensation required to support their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos is a very dangerous mineral that can lead to lung diseases and cancer like mesothelioma. When asbestos compensation was widely used in American industries in the 20th century, the risks extended beyond people who handled the substance. The tiny fibers that make up asbestos tend to cling to clothes hair, equipment and clothing. When blue-collar workers brought the dust home with them on their clothing, in their hair or on their work tools and did not know it, they exposed their children and their spouses to these hazardous particles. This is referred to as secondary exposure.

Many people who never worked with asbestos are now diagnosed with mesothelioma. They can bring lawsuits against companies that failed to warn about the dangers of their products. An experienced attorney can help victims in tracing the cause of their exposure and locate the defendant who could be held accountable for the negligence.

When a person is diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, it is important to contact an asbestos exposure attorney immediately. They can assist sufferers discover compensation sources to cover medical bills and other expenses. In addition, mesothelioma victims can bring wrongful-death claims against companies who failed to fulfill their obligation to warn of the dangers associated with their products.

For those working in construction mesothelioma can be particularly fatal. Construction workers are at risk of asbestos-related illnesses because they often renovate, demolish and rebuild old structures that are made of asbestos materials.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, the symptoms can be controlled with medications. These medications can enhance the quality of life of a patient and increase the odds of survival. 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 accountable for their illnesses. To be successful, the victims must show that the defendant's negligence led to their asbestos exposure. This can be a difficult task, as mesothelioma and lung cancer have a time-to-latency of up to 30 years.

Homeowners

You could be entitled to compensation if you have mesothelioma or another lung disease due to asbestos exposure. You could be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim or an individual injury lawsuit against the company that exposed you to asbestos. A seasoned New York asbestos attorney can help you determine the best way to proceed.

While asbestos isn't mined or processed in America, it can be found in many homes and buildings. It was used for insulation, especially in older buildings that had to withstand fires and extreme temperatures. It was also used as a building material for pipes, ceilings, roof shingles and siding. Other asbestos-containing products included flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. It was also used in automotive friction products (brake, clutch and transmission pads) and heat-resistant clothing.

If these materials are disturbed, airborne asbestos fibers can be released. Disturbing these materials can also cause the fibers to stick to clothing, creating a risk of secondhand exposure to others. Homeowners who are remodeling their homes should have their homes inspected for asbestos. If any material is found and checked by a certified professional prior to being removed.

Homeowners should not attempt to take samples of materials themselves. Asbestos is an extremely difficult material to test, and trying to take samples without proper education could expose homeowners and others living in the vicinity to take on serious health risks. If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and is not disturbed, a trained professional can advise that it be left alone.

Asbestos-related ailments can be extremely painful and dangerous, however they can be treated. An experienced asbestos lawyer can help victims and their families with filing a claim for compensation against negligent building owners as well as employers and product manufacturers. If you or someone you love suffers from an asbestos-related disease, get in touch with an experienced New York asbestos attorney today. Our attorneys are available to review your case for free, and we do not get paid unless we recover money for you. Call us today to arrange your complimentary legal consultation.