Asbestos Exposure Lawyers
From the 1930s until the 1970s, asbestos was used in a myriad of industrial and commercial products. Asbestos was used in insulation as well as fireproofing, plaster, cements as well as auto brakes and other automobile parts.
People who work or play near these materials face an increased risk of developing lung illnesses. Usually, asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma are not diagnosed for many years after exposure.
Be aware of where asbestos is located
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials until the last few years. Although asbestos is no longer a common material in construction, it can still be found in many structures in the United States. Asbestos isn't a danger if it's in good shape and isn't disturbed. It's important that people are aware of where asbestos is located so that they don't contaminate or touch it.
Asbestos is commonly found in flooring and walls around wood-burning stoves, and paints with textured surfaces. 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.
The agitation of these materials releases asbestos fibers that can be deadly to the air. These fibres can then be inhaled and lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma. Finding an asbestos removal or abatement contractor with experience is an ideal choice for any work that involves asbestos-based materials.
It is essential that homeowners understand the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos. Asbestos that is friable is more likely to cause illness as it is more likely to release dangerous asbestos particles into the air. Non-friable asbestos on the other however, is not as much of a threat since it stays together and only releases tiny fibres once it's broken or damaged.
Asbestos can be difficult to identify and even if asbestos is present, it is hard to determine if it's in good condition. It is generally advised to leave asbestos in its place unless you are planning to undertake major renovations or remodeling of your home.
If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home, contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately. They will be able to provide you with the steps to take and determine if you are eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund. Asbestos lawyers can help you bring a suit against companies who have exposed their workers to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
Take Measures Not to Disturb Asbestos
Asbestos was a component of various construction and industrial products from the 1930s until the 1970s. It was used as insulation for pipes, fireproofing material and cements, plasters and mortars as well as brakes for automobiles. In fact, nearly every person who worked in a shipyard or a building during this time likely touched or handled asbestos. Anyone who handled or touched asbestos could be exposed to dangerous levels for a long time. Some employees even took home asbestos fibers that were on their clothing, exposing their families to dangers like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Fortunately the United States passed legislation to prohibit the use of asbestos in a variety of ways and today, no longer asbestos poses as any threat. The asbestos fibers can still be found in older homes and buildings. However, a lot of these buildings will be going through renovations or demolitions. This puts the people who are involved in these projects at an increased risk for exposure.
Since asbestos is inaccessible to the naked eye, people might not be aware that they have come into contact with it until they suffer serious health problems. These symptoms usually take years to manifest themselves and that is why it is so important for people working on any construction project to be aware of the exposure to asbestos.
Undamaged asbestos products such as unaltered floor or ceiling tiles and siding shingles won't release asbestos fibres unless they have been handled. If these materials are cut or cut, sawed or disturbed in any way, they can become airborne, contaminating surrounding area.
Damage to water, vibrations or aging may also make these asbestos-containing materials more easily brittle. They may break down and release the fibers into the air. For this reason, those who are handling or renovating a building should be cautious and seek the advice of an expert in environmental inspection.
Members of the military also face a significant risk for asbestos exposure. Due to their frequent travel to foreign locations, they are likely to encounter asbestos-containing structures that were bombarded, burned or destroyed. Asbestos is also found in military vehicles and equipment when they repair or service them. Veterans who served 30 years are 30 times more likely to develop pleural msothelioma than those who did not serve.
Report Your Suspicion to Your Employer
If you suspect that your workplace is asbestos-contaminated, it is your responsibility to inform your employer as soon as you can. If your employer was aware of the dangers associated with asbestos, but did not warn you, you might be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against them for negligent deception. However your lawyer will have to prove a variety of aspects of this claim, including that your employer was aware that asbestos was dangerous and was negligent in not disclosing the dangers.
The majority of workplaces are required to comply with specific safety standards and regulations pertaining to asbestos. There are policies and laws set up by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Many occupations are known to have a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than others. Miners, asbestos abatement, maintenance and custodial workers and insulation workers are all at risk. In addition, people who work in shipyards and at asbestos-contaminated construction sites also face a higher risk of exposure.
Asbestos exposure is linked to various diseases, including mesothelioma. This cancer is found most commonly in the lungs (pleural msothelioma) however, it can also affect the stomach (peritoneal msothelioma), and other organs. It can also affect your heart (pericardial pericardioma).
If an employee is exposed, they must be provided with safety equipment, safe working conditions, and training. This should help prevent accidental exposure to asbestos. In addition, employers are expected to keep track of employee exposure to medical tests and exposure for a minimum of 30 years.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible if you have been diagnosed with a condition that is related to asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you get compensation from the companies that are responsible for your exposure to asbestos. This may include filing claims through bankruptcy trusts as well as seeking injury claims against the manufacturers of asbestos or products containing asbestos, building owners, and many more. In certain cases, family members of people who have died due to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases are entitled to wrongful death benefit.
Contact an attorney
If you or someone you love 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 file an asbestos lawsuit against companies that exposed you, or a loved one to this dangerous substance.
Many people with mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases, didn't realize they were exposed to asbestos until a few years later. This makes it extremely difficult to get the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will determine if you are eligible to file a suit and the amount of damages you need to seek.
Asbestos lawyers are experts in bringing large corporations to account for their recklessness in 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, a deadly cancer, is caused by asbestos fibers. The symptoms can take decades to show up, and a lot of sufferers are at the end of their lives before they are diagnosed. Asbestos manufacturers were aware that asbestos was harmful, however they kept this information hidden for a long time. This put millions of Americans in danger.
The most common type of asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace. Asbestos was used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial products during the 1930s to the 1970s, including insulation for pipes, fireproofing, cements and plasters, as well as car brakes. The people who handled these products or touched them were exposed to asbestos fibers. Even family members might be affected if workers brought asbestos dust home on their clothing.
Construction workers are at highest risk of exposure to asbestos. They are frequently involved in demolitions, renovations and re-building older structures that contain asbestos. Construction workers are often charged with the removal of old insulation from buildings, which could cause an additional exposure to asbestos. Additionally, some construction companies didn't take the appropriate safety precautions when working on hazardous sites such as the World Trade Center following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Asbestos cases aren't handled by personal injury lawyers, who usually concentrate on cases that involve motor vehicle accidents, as well as general injuries. A mesothelioma-related firm will have a team consisting of attorneys and support staff who only handle asbestos-related cases. They will have a vast understanding of asbestos history and locations, as well as companies that used asbestos and more, and will help victims determine if they were exposed to asbestos while at work or in other places. They can also assist in finding the correct documents, file an asbestos lawsuit against a best asbestos lawyers business which may not exist and determine if that company has trust funds to pay victims.