Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos-related injuries can be eligible for compensation. Claims can be complicated and can require lengthy legal proceedings.
Companies that manufactured and used asbestos were aware that the substance could cause serious health issues. This negligence has led to the death of many victims. A skilled attorney can help victims and their families in pursuing justice.
Exposure to Occupational Hazards
Malignant mesothelioma, a rare, deadly type of cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) or stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). The most common cause is asbestos exposure during occupational work. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tough, microscopic fibers. Between the 1930s to 1980s, it was utilized in thousands industrial, residential commercial, and industrial products due to its resistance to water, fire and corrosion. The producers of asbestos-based products were aware of the health risks, but they hid the information from the general public.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who work with asbestos in raw form and work in asbestos-based product manufacture and those who are regularly exposed to asbestos. As of today, asbestos can be found in older structures, homes and vehicles. Asbestos can be ingested by people who live or work close to these workers, and it could cause harm to people who are in close proximity. This second exposure is known as take-home exposure. It puts family members at risk, such spouses and children.
Other occupations that are linked to mesothelioma are coal miners, shipyard workers, asbestos removal experts and those who work on construction or demolition sites. Those who service or repair aircraft are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, too. This includes mechanics, pilots, and others who work on engines, brakes, adhesives, insulation and other related materials for aircraft. Military personnel and veterans are also at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma since asbestos was extensively used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps between 1940 between 1940 and 1979. This includes those stationed at Camp Lejeune where veterans were exposed to asbestos through the insulation of vehicles and ships, and fireproofing materials, as well as other toxic chemicals.
Second-Hand Exposure
Asbestos workers typically brought asbestos home on their clothes and shoes, exposing spouses, children, and other family members to the dangerous carcinogen. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It's as hazardous as exposure to asbestos that is firsthand.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that originates from the tissue that lines certain organs within your body, referred to as mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lung (pleura) however it can also occur in the lining the chest cavity, abdomen, or other organs. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium, and when cell mutations occur it causes the formation of masses or tumors.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't show up until decades after asbestos exposure. It is difficult to determine the root of your illness, especially when asbestos exposure has occurred in multiple locations.
Asbestos-related diseases can be compensated through filing asbestos lawsuits or trust funds claims. Asbestos sufferers can also seek VA benefits for their asbestos-related ailments. It is important to contact an experienced asbestos lawyer to ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm for more information about mesothelioma, and to file an asbestos lawsuit. Our lawyers have handled complex cases of this nature and recovered millions for clients across the United States. We will review your case and show you the various options that are available. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We provide compassionate and individualized treatment to our clients in Florida, California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
Wrongful Death
Asbestos fibres can stay in the lungs for many years after inhalation. As time passes, this can lead to development of cancerous cells and other diseases. It takes an extended time for the symptoms to appear, but when they do, they tend to progress very quickly.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed of strong, microscopic fibres that were once used in dozens of construction materials. It was extensively used between the 1930s to the early 1980s because it was resistant to sound, heat, and water. The manufacturers of asbestos-based products knew it was a risk, but concealed those risks from the general public.
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the tissues of certain organs and cavities in the human body. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure and can affect the lungs, as well as the abdomen, the heart and other parts of your body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest rate of mesothelioma. It is most often found in the chest wall, lungs and abdomen.
There are Beaumont asbestos lawyers of types of mesothelioma derived from asbestos. However they all are linked to exposure to asbestos. Like other cancers, mesothelioma is caused by DNA changes and then begins to multiply without being checked. It's usually harder to diagnose than other cancers because the initial symptoms can be mistaken for respiratory or lung ailments, like a chronic cough or changes in the form of the fingers and nails (finger clubbing).
There are no preventable mesothelioma risk factors. The only way to avoid mesothelioma is to avoid coming into contact with asbestos. You can do this by assisting the efforts of banning asbestos or by contacting Congress and asking them to pass legislation that prohibits the use of asbestos in the construction of new materials.
VA Benefits
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses or mesothelioma could be eligible for compensation. These benefits can help pay for the cost of living and treatment. Compensation is provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs, or an asbestos trust. Asbestos victims and their families will receive assistance with the VA claim process.
Asbestos sufferers and their loved relatives should make a claim as quickly as possible in order to ensure they receive the most compensation they can. A mesothelioma attorney can help with this process by ensuring that all documents are filed. This includes a mesothelioma diagnosis as well as medical records that show exposure to asbestos. It is also helpful for victims to receive periodic x-rays and CT scans to track their health.
Veterans from all branches have filed mesothelioma lawsuits. The most cases are among Navy veterans, because asbestos was widely used in the Navy. To be eligible to be eligible for compensation they must prove that their condition is directly linked to their exposure to asbestos. This can be a challenge because asbestos-related diseases typically develop for decades after exposure.
The VA recognizes several asbestos-related illnesses including laryngeal cancer, mesothelioma as well as ovarian cancer and lung cancer. It also recognizes diseases that aren't malignant, like asbestosis and pleural thickening. These conditions all have a common link--exposure to asbestos.
Veterans should seek treatment for mesothelioma as soon as they can and also receive financial compensation. Early treatment improves outcomes. In Florida mesothelioma patients can receive treatment from specialists at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This center is few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For those that cannot leave their homes, a homebound program allows veterans to receive treatment for mesothelioma outside of the VA system.
Workers' Compensation
Mesothelioma patients and their families need financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other expenses. Many people have workers' compensation or health insurance which can help with these costs. An attorney for mesothelioma can assist asbestos victims to learn about their options and file for insurance.
People may qualify for multiple sources of compensation, like mesothelioma settlements in lawsuits, trust fund awards, and VA claims. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients choose the most appropriate compensation sources to ensure they receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to.
A mesothelioma attorney adept in asbestos cases will manage all aspects of the legal process, allowing the family members of patients to concentrate on their treatment. A lawyer can explain the advantages of making an estate claim in order to safeguard assets that may be needed for future needs.
A person can bring a mesothelioma suit against an asbestos company. This could lead to a trial that could lead to a verdict by the jury or a mesothelioma deal. Most asbestos victims would rather settle for a settlement rather than going to trial.
Mesothelioma lawsuits often result in huge financial settlements for the victims and their families. In a recent case, a juror awarded $740,000,000 to a patient who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after exposure to Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder.
Workers compensation or VA claims are a way to seek compensation for the families of victims in addition to a lawsuit. VA claims are typically filed by veterans who have developed asbestos-related diseases due to military service. Veterans who require assistance with daily tasks and home care may be eligible for special monthly compensation (also known as aid and attendance pay).