An Asbestos Attorney Can Help Military Veterans Suffer From Mesothelioma

Asbestos-related victims are often affected by conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma that can take a long time to show symptoms. A New York asbestos lawyer can help those who suffer from this debilitating illness receive compensation for their losses.

An attorney could make a claim for asbestos compensation against owners of buildings or worksites, manufacturers and others accountable for exposing workers and consumers to the deadly mineral.

Military Personnel

In all branches of the military, asbestos was utilized extensively from the 1930s to the 1970s. It added resistance to fire, heat insulation and the strength of tensile to vessels, aircrafts, bases and vehicles. Veterans who worked with asbestos-containing substances or were in their vicinity are at a higher risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. The Navy is the most common cause of asbestos-related diseases however other branches of the military could be as well.

Asbestos was a common ingredient on Navy ships and in the armored vehicles of the Navy. It was used in the boiler rooms and engine rooms to act as an insulation and was ropes were made on boats. It was also used to make flooring, bedding, and ceiling tiles. When these products deteriorated they released asbestos-containing toxic fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos dust could cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Army veterans are also at risk of mesothelioma due to their exposure to this dangerous substance. The Army has stopped using asbestos-based products in the late 1970s, but many Army bases still had asbestos-based materials from decades ago that were not replaced or removed. While on the base, Army personnel were exposed to asbestos through their work on military vehicles and other equipment, such as electric wiring and brake components. The toxic mineral was also found in the Army's barracks and living quarters.

Soldiers also occupied buildings in war zones that were being bombed, or burning down. These buildings typically contained large amounts of asbestos, which were then destroyed and then released into the air. Veterans inhaled asbestos and suffered the severe health effects. If an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma an asbestos lawyer can help them recover financial compensation for medical expenses loss of income as well as home care, suffering, funeral and burial costs, and pain and discomfort. Veterans could also be compensated for the losses of their families if they lost a loved one to mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease. A lawyer who is specialized in asbestos law may be able to help family members sue negligent firms that sold and made the dangerous products.

Industrial Workers

Many industrial workers across New York State were exposed to asbestos in the course of their job. This is especially the case for those working on shipyards, construction sites, and power plants, textile mills automotive brakes and other industries that employed the material heavily during the 20th century.

Asbestos was frequently used in various building materials, like insulation, fireproof coatings and drywall. Asbestos was also utilized in various consumer products including roofing, flooring, and pipes. Asbest was also used in a number of public institutions, including schools, offices and hospitals. Unfortunately these industries have been shut down, and many victims now suffer from asbestos-related ailments such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

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

Anyone who has experienced symptoms of asbestos claim exposure must speak to a New York mesothelioma lawyer immediately. It is important to notify the asbestos-related lawyer right now, since the statute of limitations for the majority of personal injury claims is three years following an incident. However, in the case of asbestos-related diseases, this period can be extended, as it could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma as well as other diseases to develop.

When someone is diagnosed with a disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma the condition can have a wide-ranging consequences for their family members and loved ones. A New York mesothelioma lawyer can help patients diagnosed with the disease to receive the financial compensation needed to provide for their families.

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos is a highly hazardous mineral that could cause lung cancer and lung diseases like mesothelioma. When asbestos was widely used in American industries in the 20th century, the risks extended beyond workers who handled the material. The asbestos fibers are so tiny that they are able to stick to hair, clothing and even equipment. Blue-collar workers were unaware of exposing their spouses and kids to asbestos dust when they brought it home on their hair, clothing, or equipment from work. This is known as secondary exposure.

In the end, many people who were never exposed to asbestos in their work environments are now receiving mesothelioma diagnoses. The victims can bring lawsuits against companies that failed to warn of the risks associated with their products. A knowledgeable attorney can assist such victims to trace the source of their exposure and to a defendant that may be held accountable for this carelessness.

Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer as soon as possible If you've been diagnosed with a condition related to asbestos. These attorneys can help victims locate compensation sources to cover medical bills and other expenses. Mesothelioma patients can also file claims for wrongful death against companies that failed to warn consumers of the dangers their products could pose.

For those working in construction, mesothelioma can be especially fatal. Since the construction industry usually involves demolitions, renovations, and reconstruction of old structures that contain asbestos materials, these individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma the symptoms can be controlled by taking medications. These medications can enhance the quality of life for a victim and increase the likelihood of survival. These treatments can be costly. Obtaining compensation is often difficult.

Fortunately, New Jersey and other states have passed laws that allow spouses of asbestos compensation workers to hold negligent employers accountable for their health issues. To be successful, victims must show that the defendant's negligence contributed to their exposure. This is a daunting job when mesothelioma or lung cancer and other conditions have a long latency of 30 years or more.

Homeowners

If you've developed mesothelioma or another lung disease due to exposure to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. You could make a personal injury claim against the company which exposed you to asbestos or you may be entitled to compensation through an asbestos trust fund claim. A New York asbestos lawyer can assist you in deciding the best course of action.

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

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when these materials are disturbed. The fibers may also adhere to clothing, posing the risk of second-hand exposure. Homeowners who are renovating their homes must have their homes checked for asbestos. If asbestos is found, it should be checked by a certified professional prior to being removed.

Homeowners should never attempt to take samples of the materials themselves. Asbestos is a difficult material to test, and attempting to take samples without the proper education could expose homeowners and others living in the vicinity to serious health risks. A qualified professional can advise that asbestos-containing materials be left alone provided they are in good condition and will not be disturbed.

Asbestos-related ailments can be extremely painful and dangerous, however they can be treated. An asbestos lawyer with experience can assist victims and their families file a claim against negligent employers and building owners and also the product manufacturers. If you or someone you know suffers from an asbestos-related disease, get in touch with a compassionate New York asbestos attorney today. Our attorneys will review your case at no cost and won't be paid unless you receive money. Call us today to arrange your free legal consultation.