An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos sufferers can develop mesothelioma or lung cancer. These conditions may not show symptoms for years. A New York asbestos lawyer can help those suffering from this debilitating disease 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 accountable for exposing workers and customers to this dangerous mineral.

Military Personnel

In all branches of the military, asbestos was employed extensively from the 1930s to the 1970s. It provided fire resistance as well as heat insulation and tensile strength to bases, aircrafts, vessels and vehicles. Veterans of the military who have worked in or around 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 but other branches of the military could also be at risk.

Asbestos was widely used on Navy vessels and armored vehicles. It was used in boiler rooms and engine room as an insulator, and then ropes were made on boats. Even bedding, ceiling tiles and flooring were constructed from asbestos. As these materials degraded they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos dust can lead to serious health complications such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Army veterans are also at risk of developing mesothelioma because of their exposure to asbestos claim. The Army stopped using asbestos products in late 1970s but many Army bases still had asbestos-based products from years ago that were not removed or replaced. When they were 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 Army's barracks and living quarters.

They also occupied structures in areas of war that were being bombed, or burning down. These places often contained large quantities of asbestos that were burned and then released into the air. Inhaling asbestos, these veterans suffered serious health issues. If an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma an asbestos lawyer can help them obtain financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income and home care, pain funeral and burial expenses as well as pain and discomfort. Veterans could also be compensated for the loss of their families if they lost a loved one to mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness. A lawyer who is specialized in asbestos law may be able to help family members sue negligent firms that sold and made the dangerous products.

Industrial Workers

Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos during the course of their jobs. This is especially the case for those working on shipyards, construction sites, and power plants, textile mills, automotive brakes and other industries that utilized asbestos extensively in the 20th century.

Asbestos was frequently used in various building materials, like fireproof coatings, insulation and drywall. Asbestos was also utilized in various consumer products like roofing, flooring, and pipes. Many public institutions also employed asbestos, including schools, offices, hospitals and sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately the industries have ceased to exist, and many victims now suffer from asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Mechanics, fabricators, and welders who work with equipment and vehicles that contain asbestos or work in older buildings without asbestos abatement are the most at risk. 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 acknowledged that these kinds of jobs are more at risk for exposure than other occupations. Additionally, those who have served in the military or in rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters are more at risk of exposure in the future if they enter damaged buildings.

Anyone who has experienced symptoms of asbestos exposure must speak to an New York mesothelioma lawyer immediately. The prompt reporting of asbestos exposure is crucial, as the statutes of limitations for personal injury lawsuits are three years. If asbestos is the cause of disease, this time period may be extended as it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or any other diseases to develop.

If a person is discovered 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 those diagnosed to get the financial compensation needed to support their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos is a highly dangerous mineral that can lead to lung diseases and cancer like mesothelioma. When asbestos was used extensively in American industries during the 20th century, these dangers extended far beyond the people who handled the substance. The minuscule asbestos fibers tend to stick to clothing, hair and equipment. When blue-collar workers carried the dust home on their clothing and hair or on tools from work, they unknowingly exposed children and their spouses to these harmful particles. This is referred to as secondary exposure.

Many people who have never been exposed to asbestos have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The victims may file lawsuits against the companies that did not warn of the dangers associated with their products. An experienced attorney can help victims in tracing out the source of their exposure, and locating the defendant who could be held accountable for the negligence.

If a person is diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, it is important to consult an asbestos exposure lawyer right away. These attorneys can help victims obtain compensation to cover medical expenses and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients can also pursue claims for wrongful death against companies that failed to warn consumers of the risks their products could pose.

For workers in the construction industry mesothelioma can be particularly deadly. Because the construction industry typically involves renovations, demolitions and reconstruction of old structures that were containing asbestos-containing materials, they are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

There is no cure for Mesothelioma. However, you can treat the symptoms with medication. These medications can increase the likelihood of survival and enhance the quality of life of a victim. However, these medical treatments can be costly. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.

New Jersey, as well as other states have passed laws that permit spouses of asbestos workers to hold negligent employers accountable for their health issues. To be successful, the victims must show that the defendant's negligence led to their asbestos exposure. This can be a daunting job when mesothelioma or lung cancer, and similar conditions have a long latency period of 30 years or more.

Homeowners

If you've contracted mesothelioma or another lung disease due to exposure to asbestos, you could be entitled to compensation. You may be entitled compensation through an asbestos legal trust funds claim or through filing an individual injury lawsuit against the company who exposed you to asbestos. A seasoned New York asbestos attorney can help you determine the best course of action.

Although asbestos isn't extracted or processed in the United States anymore, it is still present in many buildings and homes. It was used for insulation, especially in older buildings that required to withstand high temperatures and fires. It also was used as a building material for pipes, ceilings roofing shingles, siding and roofs. Other asbestos-containing items included floor felt and fake fireplaces embers. It was also used in automobile friction products (brake, clutch and transmission pads) and heat-resistant clothing.

Asbestos fibers can release into the air when these materials are disturbed. The agitation of these materials could cause the fibers to cling to clothing, which poses a risk of secondhand exposure to others. Homeowners who are remodeling should have their properties inspected for asbestos. If asbestos is discovered, it should be tested before removal by a qualified professional.

Homeowners should avoid taking samples of the materials themselves. Asbestos is a complex material to test, and attempting to take samples without the proper training could lead homeowners and others living in the vicinity to take on serious health risks. If the asbestos-containing material is in good shape and will not be disturbed, a trained professional can advise that it is left to its own devices.

Asbestos-related diseases are very serious and painful, but they can be treated. An asbestos lawyer who has experience can help the victims and their families file a claim against negligent building owners and employers, as well as the manufacturers of products. Contact a New York asbestos lawyer today in the event that you or someone close to suffers from an asbestos-related illness. Our lawyers are available to review your case free, and we do not charge unless we recover money for you. Contact us today to set up your free consultation with a lawyer.