An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral

An asbestos defense attorney can protect the financial security of those affected through exposure to this dangerous mineral. Compensation can cover medical costs funeral and burial costs, loss of quality of life, as well as suffering and pain.

Our attorneys are involved in mass toxic tort litigation on a regional, national and local scale. As our lawyers are well-versed with the unique issues and complex science associated with asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos fibers can be deadly and can cause serious medical conditions like mesothelioma. A New York asbestos attorney is skilled in handling lawsuits to seek financial compensation for victims of asbestos exposure and their families. These cases can be complicated and therefore it is essential to have a reputable mesothelioma lawyer on your side.

New York has a long history of asbestos litigation and many residents have been exposed to this dangerous substance. In recent years there have been more lawsuits filed against former asbestos producers than ever before. These cases are the result of the recognition that asbestos is associated with illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. These companies were aware of the dangers associated with this asbestos-containing mineral, yet they did not inform their employees and customers.

New York City is especially vulnerable to illnesses caused by asbestos because of its old structures and many construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously toxic area that continues affect the surrounding community.

Many workers were exposed to asbestos at work. Exposure to asbestos from the outside can result in mesothelioma. This includes spouses who wear husband's clothing at work and come in contact with asbestos dust frequently.

The mesothelioma lawsuit can be costly for defendants. This is especially relevant if they've been wrongly named as defendants. A study indicates that more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed since 2014 in New York courts. This number could grow. Specialized asbestos law firms typically advertise on television during the day and encourage victims to file claims with the promise that they will receive substantial settlements.

Defendants may be able to lower some of the expenses arising from these cases by argument that their policy terms expire or they are only accountable for a small percentage of the claim value. New York law does not have a specific rule for how to allocate responsibility when the alleged exposure is within and part outside of the insurance policies.

Asbestos-related Illnesses

A wide range of asbestos-related illnesses can be triggered due to exposure to the toxic mineral. The condition known as mesothelioma is the most severe. Many have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and the pleural effusion.

Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal condition, is caused by asbestos fibers that collect in the lungs. They then cause irritation to the linings of the ribcage (the the pleura), chest cavity, and abdominal cavity. The inhalation of these small fibers can cause scarring to the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis and occasionally, the formation of thickened patches on the pleura referred to as plaques on the pleura, or a more widespread fibrosis of the pleura known as diffused the fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis decrease lung capacity as determined by breathing tests. They also cause discomfort and breathing difficulties but they don't cause mesothelioma or cancer.

Symptoms of asbestos-related disease often do not manifest until decades after exposure. It could take up to 50 years for asbestos-related fibers to be inhaled to cause lung damage. The people at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related ailments include those who handled, laundered and removed asbestos-containing products from their workplaces, as well as spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos.

Other asbestos-related diseases apart from mesothelioma, include lung cancer and laryngeal carcinoma as well as peritoneal, ovarian and peritoneal cancer. The most fatal form of mesothelioma is called ovarian cancer, however it is less common than the general mesothelioma. It is diagnosed later than most other mesothelioma types, because it is found in the linings of the reproductive organs. Symptoms can be similar to other diseases.

Many companies used asbestos in the 20th century, however they knew that it was dangerous. When they did not remove asbestos from their products, thousands of people were exposed. They can now seek financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies are bankrupt. In the aftermath, victims are able to seek the compensation they are entitled to from trust funds set up by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

Asbestos companies have put profit over the safety of their workers and consumers for decades creating dangerous products without warning about the risks. These companies are now paying the price for their carelessness. People who's lives have been affected by mesothelioma, cancer of the lung and other asbestos-related diseases are seeking full and fair compensation.

Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals get the justice they deserve. With more than 25 years of experience and accomplishments, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our New York mesothelioma lawyers work to hold accountable large corporations accountable and to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for our clients.

A number of states have established special asbestos courts where claims can be filed and resolved more efficiently. Judges have also created specific procedures to assess and resolve these cases.

New York, a state that has its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL) is one of them. The caseload in this specialty court has increased steadily, as more and more asbestos victims seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who went bankrupt. The New York Supreme Court created a special judicial board to supervise NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.

A panel composed of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine whether it should be accepted or rejected. Judges will also consider the merits of every claim to determine how much amount of money each plaintiff should receive.

The panel is currently looking at more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to issue its final ruling by the end of this year.

New York asbestos lawsuits are typically complex and often involve allegations of several defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have vast experience in defending these complicated issues. They are well-versed in the rules regulations, policies, and procedures of the asbestos courts in New York, as well as the laws of other jurisdictions in which they have handled multidistrict litigation.

The firm also has vast experience as National Coordinating Counsel, representing clients in complex, multidistrict litigation. In this capacity, attorneys create strategies, coordinate and oversee local and regional counsel, and ensure cost-effective and consistent defenses for each client. They have worked closely with coordinating and trial judges and litigation special masters in the various jurisdictions where they have been involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A Tulsa asbestos lawyer will determine which strategy is the best way to defend the client from a personal injury lawsuit involving asbestos. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team advises manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, contractors, and premises owners on matters involving mesothelioma claims, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses. The firm collaborates with clients on developing internal programs to determine and deal with potential liability and safety issues.

In addition to its asbestos practice in the national level, Bowles Rice serves as national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this capacity the firm designs litigation strategies, manages local and regional counsel, and achieves consistent and cost-effective defense, in line with the client's goals. Additionally, it plays a key part in the administration of asbestos dockets and negotiations with plaintiffs' counsel and leads discovery for its clients.

The firm's attorneys have extensive trial and appellate experience defending clients against claims made by injured claimants, including those who are claiming mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense attorneys are familiar with the intricate scientific issues involved in these cases, as well as unique legal issues that arise while representing companies in state and federal courts throughout the United States.

Catherine has represented numerous manufacturers as the lead counsel in asbestos and product liability personal injury lawsuits as well as in consolidated cases involving multiple claimants. She has extensive experience arguing asbestos-related lawsuits before the state and federal courts as well as various Supreme Court and appellate courts.

During her tenure at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including the Asbestos Claim Facility in Northern California. The cases files included SEAR forms (Short encapsulated Evaluative reports) which contained confidential information about plaintiffs. This included medical reports, work histories, and a list asbestos products that plaintiffs used or worked near. Vogel had to have access to a password to access the files. She was then able to look over any SEAR forms that she received from her current employer.

In addition to its extensive trial and appellate experience as well as its vast trial and appellate experience, the Bowles Rice Asbestos Team is recognized nationally for its ability to negotiate settlements on behalf of its clients. The firm has worked closely with plaintiffs' lawyers to develop and execute settlement agreements. It also has a wealth of experience defending businesses against appeals.