Compensation For Asbestos Exposure
People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. This includes firefighters, construction workers, and people living in older buildings with asbestos products.
Compensation for asbestos exposure may aid in medical expenses, lost wages, and travel costs. A skilled lawyer can help victims file a lawsuit against the responsible manufacturers and companies.
Work History
In the past asbestos was used in a wide range of manufacturing products because of its strength and fire resistance. It was used to line ships and steam engines and in drywall insulation in paper products, in cement, gaskets and roofing materials. Industrial workers were exposed asbestos through the mining, milling and manufacturing of asbestos-containing products. Heavy exposures peaked between the 1960s and 1970s but then decreased due to worker safety regulations and declining industrial use.
The highest risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases is for those who have been directly involved with asbestos. They are exposed to asbestos frequently and may inhale fibers or ingest them while handling the product. Shipyard workers, construction workers, asbestos abatement contractor and custodial or maintenance workers are all dangerous occupations.
Even those who work in less risky jobs are still at risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The time to develop asbestos-related illnesses is long. People who work in occupations with low risk include engineers, farmers and hairdressers.
Veterans of the military are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma because of their occupational exposure to asbestos. The Navy used asbestos extensively from 1930 to 1970 and sailors were exposed on ships and when constructing and maintaining naval facilities on land. About 30 percent of mesothelioma claims are filed by veterans. Family members of these veterans might file mesothelioma lawsuits.
Residents living near asbestos-contaminated sites are also at risk for mesothelioma, as well as other diseases linked to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can be a result of secondhand exposure when asbestos fibers are carried by workers home on their skin or clothing. Secondhand exposure can also occur when children play in areas where workers have been. The same applies to those who live near asbestos mines or plants. Many mesothelioma victims have filed lawsuits against these companies to seek compensation. The lawsuits could help pay for the cost of medical treatment and lost wages.
Medical Records
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was once coveted for its fire-resistant and durable qualities. It was used in many products used in businesses and homes before the federal government started regulating asbestos use in the 1970s. However, asbestos is hazardous to health and a number of serious illnesses have been linked to the mineral that is toxic. If you've been exposed to asbestos or are concerned that you've been exposed to the toxic material, it is important to keep a record of your medical records so that your physician can look for signs of asbestos-related diseases.
Most people who get asbestos-related illnesses had direct exposure to the material in their jobs. It could be the result of work in fields such as construction, shipbuilding manufacturing, power plants and mines. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled and cause lung tissue scarring, known as asbestosis. This condition can lead to breathing problems and can be a cause of lung cancers like mesothelioma.
The lungs are a complex organ with numerous passageways. The main airways, the bronchi are divided into smaller and narrower passageways which eventually create tiny sacs that contain oxygen-rich blood cell called alveoli. These cells make up the lung's lining and chest cavity. When asbestos is inhaled, the fibers can damage these tissues and irritate the respiratory and circulatory systems.
Indirect exposure to asbestos may also occur, and is comparable to secondhand smoke. Military personnel and workers who handled products that contained asbestos often brought these materials back to their homes on their clothing and skin. Family members who washed these clothes were also at risk of exposure.
Asbestos is a risk when the material is damaged by a natural catastrophe such as a hurricane tornado, earthquake or tsunami. In these kinds of situations asbestos-containing substances can be blown into the air and pollute the surrounding environment.
Veterans who were in the Navy or other branches of the military during the 1930s and the early 1980s are at especially high risk of being exposed to asbestos. They may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Our team is available to assist these veterans in building solid VA claims for benefits that include compensation from trust funds.
Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses provide expert opinions in court cases to help the jury reach the right decision. Expert witnesses are chosen because of their expertise or knowledge on the subject. Experts can also have specialized education or training. They can explain to the jury things that are not generally known. For example, why a screw differs from other screws or explain how asbestos exposure can cause an illness.
Asbestos experts will review your work history to determine if you've been exposed asbestos while at work. These experts typically have a background in industrial hygiene or occupational safety and health. They can testify to the equipment you use at your workplace and what materials might have been contaminated by asbestos. They can also provide information into the asbestos removal or testing procedures that may have been employed at your workplace.
Medical experts can also be essential to the success of your case. They will go through your medical records and perform physical examinations to assess whether there is a link between your asbestos exposure and your condition like mesothelioma. They can also provide insights into your prognosis and expectancy.
Finaly, medical and economic experts will evaluate your accident's financial impact. They can assist jurors comprehend how your asbestos-related diagnosis has affected you, your family and your life. They can also determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Certain asbestos lawsuits involve claims of negligence or inability to warn. This is usually the case when companies were responsible for exposing their employees to asbestos. Joliet asbestos lawyers were aware of asbestos's dangers, but chose to conceal the risks to their employees and the public. Because of these failures, victims were exposed to asbestos in the workplace and were then exposed to serious health issues such as mesothelioma.
Identifying and vetting potential experts may be daunting, but having an early start on this process will save you time and money down the road. This will ensure that your asbestos lawyer can access the most qualified and reputable experts in the field.
Documentation
People who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition have legal rights to compensation. However, submitting a claim requires extensive documentation to demonstrate exposure to asbestos in a workplace or in any other place. The information could come from a variety of sources, and must be carefully compiling.
The victim must be able to give a complete account of their work, including dates. Additionally, they should record the machines and tasks they worked with. This is important in determining the likelihood of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. If possible, victims are advised to record the names and contact numbers of any coworkers who might be qualified to testify in the case.
It is important to record if the employer took steps to prevent exposure. If they didn't then this could suggest that they are liable for the victim's illness. For instance, if an employer knew that their employees were exposed asbestos but did not provide appropriate safety equipment or adhere to industry standards, then this could be a strong evidence of negligence.
Similarly, if an asbestos company failed to warn its employees of the dangers associated with their products, or properly train employees on how to deal with asbestos, it would be compelling proof of negligence. If a person has been exposed to asbestos over a period of years or decades then it is probable that they are suffering from mesothelioma.
A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer can help victims gather this evidence and compile it into an application for financial compensation. This compensation can help offset the medical expenses, lost income and other costs that are intangible with an asbestos-related diagnosis.
Many people who have been exposed to asbestos are unaware of their legal rights. They might think that their mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease was developed too long ago to pursue compensation. Others worry that they cannot file a lawsuit since the companies responsible for their exposure no longer do business.
These myths can lead to delays in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, or an asbestos trust fund claim. It's essential that the victims and their families speak with a qualified mesothelioma lawyer right now.