Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer
From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was used in construction and manufacturing. It was incorporated into insulation, pipe fittings, boiler-making, shipbuilding and repair, utilities and power plants, as well as carpentry. Many workers also brought home asbestos dust on their shoes and clothing which exposed family members to the harmful substance.
Exposure to asbestos could cause serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma or other cancers. A New York asbestos exposure lawyer can help victims and their families receive compensation from the companies who exposed them to the harmful mineral.
Getting Started
Contact a knowledgeable New York asbestos lawyer immediately if you have been diagnosed as having an asbestos-related illness or you have lost a loved due to exposure to asbestos. A reputable lawyer can assist you with filing a lawsuit against the company that caused your injuries. The aim is to get compensation for the medical care you require as well as the suffering you've endured due to the disease.
Asbestos is a natural but dangerous mineral. It was used in many industries for a long time because it's cheap durable, long-lasting and fire-proof. However, it is known to cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma and other lung diseases related to asbestos.
Workers who have been exposed to asbestos while at work are at risk of developing various respiratory diseases like mesothelioma, fibrosis and mesotheli or other types of cancer. A lot of these symptoms don't show up until several years after initial exposure. Due to the long incubation time, some victims may have been exposed to asbestos for up 50 years prior to being diagnosed with a disease.
A reputable asbestos lawyer will concentrate their efforts on submitting claims to recover compensation for mesothelioma and other diseases which are caused by asbestos exposure. They have dealt with asbestos cases and know the best ways to investigate the possibility of a case, find sources of exposure and review the medical records of a victim. They will also be aware of most recent developments in asbestos lawsuits.
Many lawyers are skilled in a wide range of asbestos-related illnesses, but some specialize in particular types of cases. For example, an experienced mesothelioma law firm can handle all kinds of asbestos-related claims, but they may be especially adept in settling cases involving veterans who were exposed to asbestos while in the military, and who develop respiratory diseases later in their lives. Some firms also concentrate on cases that involve asbestos trust funds, which were established to compensate those harmed by asbestos-related industries. These funds are usually complex and require specialized legal knowledge to navigate.
Case Investigation
Between the 1930s and 1970s, asbestos was utilized in a variety of commercial and industrial products. It was used in insulation for pipes, fireproofing materials and in cements and plasters. The deadly fibers can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis in workers who handled the materials or those who lived near them.
People who have been exposed to asbestos can develop lung cancer or mesothelioma years after exposure. An asbestos lawyer who has experience can look into your work history in order to identify the source of your illness. Mesothelioma lawyers also have access to medical and other experts who can make the strongest argument for a link between your diagnosis and exposure to asbestos.
Report your suspicions immediately if you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with a condition that is related to asbestos. This will satisfy your legal obligations under New York Law and preserve the possibility of submitting workers' compensation claims.
A mesothelioma lawyer will also examine your military records, your work history and other documentation to determine the source. Many people suffering from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or during their military service.
People who are most commonly affected by asbestos-related diseases are those who worked in shipyards, on auto repair or construction jobs, and in other industries where people were regularly exposed to asbestos-rich materials. Asbestos-related illnesses are also common in those who live with asbestos workers or work with them, and who have to handle their asbestos-contaminated clothing after work.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can advocate for financial compensation against the property owners as well as product manufacturers and other defendants. Compensation can help cover treatment and medical expenses and also compensate for the loss of income and a lower quality of life.
How to File a Claim
Anyone suffering from asbestos-related disease may be entitled to significant compensation. This compensation can help pay for treatment, home care costs and other expenses associated with the illness. It also provides financial assistance for family members who suffer losses due to the disease.
Asbestos is a class of microscopic fibers that can easily be inhaled and airborne. Inhaling these fibers can damage the lung and other organs of the body. The body is not able to remove the fibers, and they could remain in the abdomen, lungs or other areas of the body for decades which can lead to serious health issues, like mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.
Most people do not realize they were exposed to asbestos until a long time after exposure. This is due to the fact that the signs of many asbestos-related ailments don't manifest until decades after exposure. Many asbestos victims did not even know that they were exposed to asbestos in their work environments.
The asbestos's sensitivity makes it difficult for people to get rid of the material from their bodies. Even the tools used to clean the handling of the material can cause significant asbestos buildup. The health problems that result can be debilitating and life-threatening.
An experienced New York mesothelioma attorney can investigate your case, gather important information and research the history of your asbestos exposure. Based on the information gathered, your lawyer can determine which products and manufacturers are responsible for your exposure. This information can be used in a lawsuit against asbestos companies in order to get compensation for the losses you suffered.
The asbestos companies could have been negligent or fraudulent and therefore, liable in an asbestos lawsuit. The majority of asbestos-related diseases result from a person's exposure to asbestos over time, which means that multiple companies could be liable.
You could be eligible for compensation or veterans benefits in addition to filing a lawsuit against asbestos-related businesses. These trusts were set up after asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy. Tens of billions of dollars were earmarked in these trusts for compensation of future victims. These claims are often eligible for individual or expedited reviews, which can make it easier for receiving a payout.
Trial
The job of an attorney is to prepare an argument for trial and then to argue the case in the courtroom. The goal is to negotiate an equitable settlement for the victim. A jury will determine the amount to be given to the victim. The defendants can appeal the verdict. This can delay the monetary award until the appeal process has ended. The defendants must post a bond for the same amount as the asbestos lawyer monetary award for the time.
A New York attorney can file a lawsuit for an asbestos victim to help them receive compensation. This can include medical bills as well as lost wages, suffering and pain (both husbands and wives), funeral costs and much more. They can also pursue punitive damages in some states.
Asbestos victims are able to file a personal injury lawsuit against employers, construction companies as well as shipyard owners and manufacturers. They can also make claims to an asbestos bank, such as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. A mesothelioma lawyer can help explain these options and assist in filing the claims.
Lawyers often use experts such as doctors and nurses to support their legal case. They may also employ investigators to gather evidence. This could include interviewing witnesses or employees, analyzing documents from work and reviewing asbestos test results.
Mesothelioma lawyers can assist in identifying potential sources of exposure. They can examine the victim's work records to determine if they have been exposed to asbestos in shipyards or other industrial zones. They can also visit sites where the victim may have been exposed. This includes office buildings and schools.
A mesothelioma lawyer business with experience will have attorneys licensed in all 50 states. They will be able to determine the best place to file a lawsuit based on the laws of the state, statutes and other elements. They have experience in dealing with insurance companies to settle claims. They will have a track record of successfully obtaining compensation for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Legal assistance should be sought as soon as possible by those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or any other asbestos-related illness. The highly skilled mesothelioma lawyers of a top law firm will help victims recover compensation for their exposure to this hazardous substance.