An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos-related victims may suffer from mesothelioma or lung cancer. These illnesses might not be apparent for years. An experienced New York asbestos lawyer could assist those suffering from this debilitating condition receive compensation for their losses.

An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation against the owners of work sites or buildings as well as manufacturers and other parties who are responsible for exposing workers as well as consumers to this deadly mineral.

Military Personnel

From the 1930s to the 1970s, asbestos was extensively used throughout the military. It was used to add fire resistance as well as heat insulation and the ability to tensile strengthen vessels, aircrafts, bases and vehicles. Veterans who worked with asbestos-containing materials or were in their vicinity are more at chance of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. The Navy is responsible for the most asbestos-related illnesses, however members of other branches of the military are also at risk of exposure to this carcinogen.

Asbestos was used extensively on Navy ships and also in the Navy's armored vehicles. It was utilized in the boiler rooms and engine room as an insulator and woven into ropes on boats. Even ceiling tiles, bedding and flooring were made of asbestos. When these products deteriorated, they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. When asbestos dust is inhaled it could cause serious health issues including mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.

Army veterans also have mesothelioma risk because of their exposure to the deadly substance. Although the Army had stopped using new asbestos products in the late 1970s, many Army bases were still stocked with decades of old asbestos-based materials that were not replaced or removed. Army personnel were exposed to asbestos while on base when they worked on military vehicles and other equipment such as brake components as well as electric wiring. The mineral was found in the living areas and barracks of the Army.

The soldiers also occupied buildings in areas of war that were being bombed, or burning down. These sites were contaminated with large quantities of asbestos, which were then burned and released into the air. Veterans inhaled asbestos and suffered serious health effects. If the veteran is diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos lawyer can help them obtain financial compensation for medical expenses loss of income, home care, suffering funeral and burial costs as well as discomfort and pain. A successful claim may also compensate veterans for their families' losses if they lose a loved one to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. A lawyer who is specialized in asbestos law can help family members sue negligent companies that sold and produced asbestos-related products.

Industrial Workers

Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos throughout the course of their work. This is particularly applicable to those who worked in shipyards, construction sites, power plants, textile mills and automotive brakes.

Asbestos was frequently used in various building materials, such as fireproof coatings, insulation and drywall. Asbestos was also used in a variety of consumer goods like roofing, flooring and pipes. Many public establishments also used asbestos, including schools, offices, hospitals and sewage treatment facilities. Unfortunately most of these industries have been shut down and the victims are now suffering from devastating asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Industrial workers that are the most at risk of being exposed include mechanics, fabricators and welders, who work with equipment and vehicles that have asbestos or are working in older buildings that have not been subjected to asbestos removal. 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 prone for exposure than many other professions. In addition, some people who have worked in the military or served in the field of rescue and recovery in the aftermath of natural catastrophes are at risk of exposure in the future if they enter damaged structures.

Anyone who has experienced symptoms of asbestos exposure in the past must contact a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer immediately. It is crucial to report suspected exposure right away, as the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years after an incident. If asbestos is the cause of disease, this time period can be extended because it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma or any other conditions to develop.

When a person is found to be suffering from a condition such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, it can have a profound impact on their loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can help patients diagnosed with the disease to receive the financial compensation they need to provide for their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos can cause cancer as well as lung diseases, like mesothelioma. When asbestos was widely used in American industries in the 20th century, these risks extended beyond workers who handled the material. The asbestos fibers are small enough that they can stick to clothing, hair, and equipment. Blue-collar workers would bring the dust home on their clothes, in their hair or on their work tools, they unknowingly exposed children and their spouses to these dangerous particles. This is referred to as secondary exposure.

Many people who have not been exposed to asbestos have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These victims are able to bring lawsuits against companies that failed to warn about the risks associated with their products. A knowledgeable attorney can assist these victims trace the origin of their exposure and to a defendant that may be held responsible for this negligence.

If someone is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease it is crucial to contact an asbestos exposure lawyer right away. They can assist victims in finding compensation to pay medical bills and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients may also pursue claims for wrongful death against companies who did not warn of the dangers their products posed.

For workers in the construction industry mesothelioma can be particularly dangerous. Because this construction industry often involves renovations, demolitions and reconstruction of old structures that contained asbestos materials, these individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma the symptoms can be treated by taking medications. These drugs can improve the quality of life of a patient and increase the odds of survival. These medical treatments can be expensive. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.

New Jersey, as well as other states have passed laws that allow spouses of asbestos workers to hold negligent employers accountable for their ailments. To be successful, the victims must prove that the defendant's negligence led to their exposure to asbestos. This is a challenging task, as mesothelioma and lung cancer have a latency that can last up to 30 years.

Homeowners

You could be entitled to compensation if you have mesothelioma, a lung disease, as a result of asbestos exposure. You could make a personal injury claim against the company who exposed you to asbestos or you may be eligible for compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. An experienced New York asbestos attorney can help you determine the best method to pursue.

While asbestos is not mined or processed in the United States anymore, it is still found in many homes and buildings. It was used for insulation, particularly for older buildings that needed to withstand fires and high temperatures. It also was used as a building material in pipes, ceilings roofing shingles, siding and roofs. Other asbestos-containing products included flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. It was also used in automotive friction products (brake clutch, transmission and brake pads) and in heat-resistant clothing.

Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when these materials are disturbed. Disturbing these materials can also cause the fibers to stick to clothing, creating the risk of exposure to others. Homeowners who are renovating should be able to have their homes inspected for asbestos. If any material is found and tested by a professional before being removed.

Homeowners should never try to take samples of the materials themselves. Asbestos testing is a complex process, and taking samples without proper training can lead to health risks for the homeowner and anyone else living in the vicinity. If the asbestos-containing material is in good health and isn't disturbed, a certified professional can recommend that it is left to its own devices.

Asbestos-related illnesses are extremely painful and abrasive, but they can be treated. An experienced asbestos lawyer can help victims and their families in filing an action for compensation against negligent building owners, employers and product manufacturers. If you or someone you love has an asbestos-related disease, get in touch with a compassionate New York asbestos attorney today. Our attorneys will review your case free of charge and won't be paid unless you receive money. Call us now to schedule your free consultation.