Asbestos Exposure Lawyers
Asbestos was utilized in a variety of industrial and commercial products from the 1930s through the 1970s. Asbestos was used in insulation as well as fireproofing, plaster, cements, auto brakes and more.
Workers who work or handle near these substances are at greater risk of developing serious lung diseases. Most asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma don't get diagnosed until several years after exposure.
Be aware of where asbestos is located
Asbestos was commonly used in building products up until recently. While it's no longer common in construction materials, it's still present in many buildings across the country. Asbestos isn't a danger if it's in good condition and not disturbed. It is essential that people know where asbestos is located so that they don't disturb or touch it.
Asbestos is typically 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 plaster or adhesives. Other asbestos-containing products include millboard, paper and cement sheets which were used in ceiling and wall drywall.
When these kinds of materials are disturbed, it releases asbestos fibers that are deadly into the air. These fibres can then be inhaled and cause serious health issues, such as mesothelioma. It's a good idea to hire an experienced asbestos abatement or removal contractor to take on any job that involves removing the asbestos-containing materials.
It is important that homeowners understand the difference between non-friable and friable asbestos. Lorain asbestos attorney is more likely to cause illness since it can easily release asbestos-related particles that are harmful into the air. Non-friable asbestos, however, is less dangerous since it remains intact and only releases tiny fibres when broken or damaged.
Asbestos can be difficult identify and even if it's present, it's difficult to tell if it's in good shape. It is generally recommended to leave asbestos in its place unless you are planning on doing serious renovations or remodeling in your home.
You should contact an attorney for mesothelioma immediately should you suspect asbestos in your home. They'll be able to provide you with the steps to take next and determine if you are eligible for compensation from an asbestos trust fund. Asbestos lawyers can help bring a suit against companies who have exposed their workers to asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma.
Take Measures Not to Disturb Asbestos
In the 1930s and into the 1970s, asbestos was often used in a variety of industrial and construction materials including pipe insulation and fireproofing materials, as well as cements and plasters, automobile brakes, and more. In fact, virtually anyone who worked on a building or shipyard during this time period probably handled or touched asbestos at one point. People who handled or touched asbestos could be exposed at dangerous levels for decades. Some employees brought the fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed their families to lung cancer as well as mesothelioma.
Fortunately, the United States has passed legislation that prohibits the use of asbestos. Asbestos is no longer a significant danger. The asbestos fibers can still be found in older homes and buildings. However, many of these buildings will be going through renovations or demolitions. These projects expose those involved to a high level of risk.
As asbestos is invisible it is possible that workers will not be aware of their exposure until they experience serious health problems. Asbestos symptoms can take many years to manifest and that is why those who work on construction projects should be aware of the asbestos exposure they are exposed to.
Undamaged asbestos products, like unaffected ceiling or floor tiles or laboratory cabinet tops, as well as siding shingles, won't release asbestos fibers unless altered in any way. If they are cut or sawed, drilled or manipulated, they could potentially become airborne and contaminate the surrounding area.
Damage to water, vibrations or aging could make asbestos-containing products easily brittle. They could break down and release fibers into air. This is the reason why those renovating or constructing a structure must be cautious and seek the advice of an environmental inspector.
Military personnel are also at risk of exposure to asbestos. Because of their frequent travel to foreign locations, they are likely to encounter asbestos-containing structures that were bombed, burned or otherwise demolished. They can also be exposed to asbestos when they repair or service military vehicles and other equipment. Veterans who served 30 years are 30 times more likely to develop pleural msothelioma than people who didn't serve.
Report Your Suspicion to Your Employer
If you suspect or know that your workplace has asbestos it is your obligation to inform your employer promptly. If your employer was aware of the risks associated with asbestos and failed to warn you, you may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against them for negligent deception. However your lawyer will need to prove several elements of this claim which include the fact that your employer was aware that asbestos was harmful and was negligent in not disclosing the information.
Asbestos is a serious health risk that requires workplaces to adhere to strict safety regulations and standards. This includes policies and laws put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Certain occupations are believed to have a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than others. Miners, asbestos abatement workers, maintenance and custodial employees, 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 can trigger many diseases, including mesothelioma. This cancer is most commonly found in the lung (pleural mesothelioma) but it can also affect stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and other organs, as well. It can also affect the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
If employees are exposed, they should be provided with protective equipment, safe working conditions, and training. This should prevent any accidental exposure to asbestos. In addition employers are required to keep track of employee exposure to medical tests and exposure for at least 30 years.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible if you have been diagnosed with a disease caused by asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help you to recover compensation from the companies responsible for your exposure. This may include filing claims against established bankruptcy trusts and also pursuing personal injury claims against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, the owners of buildings and others. In some instances, family members of those who died from mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases could be entitled to damages for wrongful death.
Contact an attorney
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, cancer of the lung or asbestosis, an experienced lawyer is the best source to get compensation for medical treatments and other expenses. You may be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that exposed you or a loved ones to this harmful substance.
Many people who suffer from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases didn't realize they were exposed asbestos until years after exposure. This makes it extremely difficult to obtain the compensation you're entitled to. Your attorney can determine if you qualify to file a suit and the amount of damages you should seek.
Asbestos lawyers are experts in bringing large corporations accountable for negligently harming people. They also understand that mesothelioma patients they represent have to deal with complicated legal issues such as coordinating several doctors and insurance companies.
Mesothelioma is a fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that are dangerous. It takes decades before symptoms begin to manifest and a lot of patients are in their final stages of life when they are diagnosed. Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was harmful, but they hid this information for decades which put millions of Americans at risk.
The most frequent type of exposure to asbestos is at work. In the 1930s and 1970s asbestos was utilized in many industrial and commercial products, such as pipe insulation, fireproofing materials cements, plasters and car brakes. People who touched or handled these products were exposed to asbestos fibers and family members were sometimes affected by workers bringing home asbestos dust on their clothing.
Construction workers are at highest risk of exposure to asbestos. They frequently work on renovations, demolitions, and re-building of older structures that contain asbestos-containing products. Many construction workers also have to remove old insulation from structures that could expose them to asbestos. Some construction companies also failed to take the proper precautions to protect themselves while working on hazardous locations like the World Trade Center after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Personal injury lawyers don't deal with asbestos cases. They usually focus on motor vehicle accidents, or other general injuries. A mesothelioma company will have a team consisting of lawyers and support staff who only handle asbestos-related cases. They will have a deep knowledge of asbestos's location and history and also the companies that used asbestos. They can help victims determine if they've been exposed to asbestos at work or in other places. They can also help locate the correct documents, file an asbestos lawsuit against a company which may not exist and determine if that company has trust funds available to pay victims.