An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos sufferers often suffer from conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma, which can take years to manifest symptoms. A New York asbestos lawyer can help those suffering from this debilitating illness receive compensation for their losses.

An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation against owners of buildings or worksites and manufacturers, as well as other individuals who are responsible for exposing workers as well as customers to this dangerous mineral.

Military Personnel

From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was widely used throughout the military. It improved the fire resistance as well as heat insulation and tensile strengths of vessels, aircrafts, bases, and vehicles. Military veterans who worked in or around asbestos-rich materials are at greater risk of chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other cancers. The Navy is responsible for the highest number of asbestos-related illnesses, however members of other branches of the military are also at risk of exposure to this carcinogen.

Asbestos was prevalent on Navy ships and also in the Navy's armored vehicles. It was utilized in the engine room and boiler rooms to act as an insulation and was ropes were made on boats. It was even incorporated into flooring, bedding and ceiling tiles. When these products deteriorated they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. When asbestos dust is inhaled, it can cause serious health complications, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Army veterans are also at risk of mesothelioma due to their exposure to the dangerous substance. The Army stopped using asbestos products in the late 1970s, however many Army bases still had asbestos-based materials from decades ago that were not replaced or removed. Army personnel were exposed asbestos while on base when they worked on military vehicles and other equipment such as brake components and electrical wiring. The mineral was found in the living areas and barracks of the Army.

Soldiers also occupied buildings in war zones that were being bombarded or burned down. These sites contained large quantities of asbestos, which were then melted and released into the air. Inhaling asbestos, these veterans suffered serious health issues. An experienced asbestos legal lawyer can assist veterans to obtain financial compensation to pay for medical expenses including lost wages and home treatment and pain and suffering, as well as funeral and burial costs if they have mesothelioma-related diagnosis. A successful claim could also compensate veterans for their families' losses in the event that someone close to them died from mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness. An asbestos lawyer could assist family members to file an action against negligent businesses that produced and sold the dangerous asbestos-related products.

Industrial Workers

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

Asbestos is widely used in building materials like insulation, fireproofing, and drywall. Additionally, it was used to make many consumer products, including roofing, flooring, cement and pipes. Asbest was also used in many public institutions, including schools, offices and hospitals. Unfortunately these industries have been shut down and a large number of people suffer from asbestos-related ailments like mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Fabricators, mechanics and welders who work with vehicles and equipment containing asbestos or work in older structures that are not equipped with asbestos abatement are most at risk. 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 recognized that these types of jobs are more susceptible for exposure than many other professions. Some individuals who have served in the military or in rescue and recovery efforts after natural disasters, are at risk of exposure when they enter buildings that have been damaged.

Anyone who has experienced the symptoms of asbestos exposure in the past should contact a New York Mesothelioma Lawyer immediately. Reporting suspected asbestos exposure immediately is crucial, as the statutes of limitations for personal injury lawsuits are three years. However, in the case of asbestos-related diseases, this time is usually extended since it can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma and other conditions to develop.

If someone is found to be suffering from a condition such as mesothelioma, or asbestosis it can have a devastating impact on their family and loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can help patients diagnosed with the disease to receive the financial compensation required to support their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos can cause cancer as well as lung diseases, like mesothelioma. Asbestos was widely used in American industries during the 20th century. The dangers of asbestos were not limited to those who handled it directly. The minuscule asbestos fibers tend to stick to clothes hair, equipment and clothing. Blue collar workers accidentally exposed their children and spouses to asbestos dust when they brought home their hair, clothing, or tools from work. This was referred to as secondary exposure.

Many people who have not had to work with asbestos are now diagnosed with mesothelioma. The victims can bring lawsuits against companies that did not warn of the risks that their products pose. An experienced attorney can help victims in tracing the cause of their exposure to find the defendant who could be held accountable for this negligence.

If someone is diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, it is important to consult an asbestos exposure lawyer right away. They can help victims obtain compensation to cover medical expenses and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients may also pursue wrongful death lawsuits against companies who did not warn of the dangers their products could cause.

Construction workers are more at risk of chance of developing mesothelioma. Construction workers are more susceptible to asbestos-related diseases because they frequently renovate, demolish or rebuild old structures that contain asbestos materials.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma the symptoms can be treated by taking medications. These medications can enhance a victim's quality of life and increase the likelihood of survival. However, these treatments are expensive. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.

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

Homeowners

If you have developed a lung disease like mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. You could file a personal injury lawsuit against the company that exposed you to asbestos, or you may be entitled to compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. An experienced New York asbestos attorney can assist you in determining the best method to pursue.

Although asbestos isn't mined or processed in the United States anymore, it is still present in many homes and buildings. It was used as insulation, particularly for older buildings that had to withstand fires and high temperatures. It was also used in construction materials like ceilings, pipes, and roof shingles. Other asbestos-containing products included paper products, flooring felt, and fake fireplace embers. It was also used in automobile friction products (brake, clutch and transmission pads) and in heat-resistant clothing.

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when these materials are disturbed. These fibers can also cling to clothing, increasing the risk of second-hand exposure. Homeowners who are renovating should inspect their homes for asbestos. If asbestos is discovered and tested by a professional before being removed.

Homeowners should avoid taking samples of their own materials. Asbestos is an extremely difficult material to test, and attempting to collect samples without proper education could expose homeowners and others in the vicinity to grave health risks. A qualified professional can advise that asbestos-containing products should be left alone when they are in good shape and won't be disturbed.

Asbestos-related diseases can be painful and serious, but they can be treated. A lawyer experienced in asbestos can assist the victims and their families file a claim against negligent employers and building owners, as well as the product manufacturers. Contact an New York asbestos lawyer today if you or someone close to suffers from an asbestos-related illness. Our attorneys are available to review your case for no cost, and we do not get paid unless we recover money for you. Contact us now to arrange your free consultation.