Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claims
Asbestos-related victims could be eligible for compensation in the form of monetary. The claims process can be complex and involve lengthy legal proceedings.
Companies that made and used asbestos were aware that the material could cause serious health problems. Many victims have died as a result of this negligence. An experienced attorney can assist victims and their families in seeking justice.
Exposure to Occupational Hazards
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer is a form of cancer that affects the linings in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal msothelioma) or the testicles (pericardial msothelioma). It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos during work. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally composed of strong and microscopic fibers. It was used in thousands of industrial, residential and commercial products in the 1930s and 1980s because it was resistant to water, fire sound, and corrosion. The makers of asbestos-based materials were aware of the health hazards, but they hid this from the public.
Mesothelioma is most common in those who work with asbestos in raw form and work in asbestos-based product manufacture and those who are regularly exposed to asbestos. As of today, asbestos can be found in older buildings as well as in vehicles, homes and even in the interior of buildings. Asbestos can be ingested by those who live or work close to those who work there, and it can be harmful to those who live close to them. This second exposure is known as take-home exposure. It also exposes family members, including spouses and children at risk.
Shipyard workers, coal miner, asbestos removal experts and those working at construction or demolition sites are also at risk. People who repair or service aircraft are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, too. Pilots, mechanics and others who work with brakes, engines or other aircraft components including adhesives insulation, adhesives, and insulators are at risk. Veterans and military members also face a higher mesothelioma risk because asbestos was widely used in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army between 1940 and 1979. This includes those who were stationed at Camp Lejeune where veterans were exposed to asbestos via the insulation of vehicles and ships, and fireproofing products as well as other chemicals that pose a risk.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos workers brought asbestos into their homes and on their clothing and shoes. They also exposed their spouses, their children, and other family members. This type of secondhand exposure is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, it is exactly as hazardous as firsthand exposure.
The cancerous tissue that lines certain organs of the body, referred to as mesothelium, is the reason for the development of Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lining that surrounds the lung (pleura) however, it can also occur in the the abdomen, chest cavity or other organs. Inhaling asbestos fibres may cause irritation to mesothelium. Cellular mutations then cause tumors or masses to form.
Typically, mesothelioma-related symptoms don't show up until decades after an asbestos exposure. It is difficult to determine the cause of your condition, particularly when asbestos exposure occurred in more than one place.
Asbestos victims can file asbestos lawsuits and trust fund claims to receive compensation for their ailments. Asbestos-related ailments can also be claimed by asbestos-related victims. It is important to contact an experienced asbestos lawyer to ensure that you get the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Contact our law firm for more details about mesothelioma, and to file an asbestos lawsuit. Our lawyers have handled complicated cases of this nature and recovered millions for our clients across the nation. We can review your case for free and explain all the options that are available to you. Contact us today to set up your free consultation. We provide compassionate and individualized treatment to our clients in Florida, California, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
Wrongful Death
Asbestos fibres can remain in the lungs for many years after inhalation. In time, this can lead to development of cancerous cells and other illnesses. It takes an extended time for the symptoms to appear however when they do, they tend to develop very quickly.
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of microscopic, strong fibers, was once utilized in a variety of building materials. It was extensively used between the 1930s to the early 1980s due to its resistant to sound, heat, and water. The makers of asbestos-based materials knew that it was dangerous but hid the risks from the public.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of certain organs and cavities in the body. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure, and can affect the lungs, as well as the abdomen, heart and other parts of your body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common incidence of mesothelioma. It is typically found in the chest wall, lungs and abdomen.
There are a variety of mesothelioma types, but all are related to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that, like other types, is caused by an alteration in the genetic code of cells. It is harder to diagnose because the first signs are often mistaken for other respiratory and lung conditions.
There are no known mesothelioma-related risk factors. The only way to avoid mesothelioma is not to come in contact with asbestos. This can be done by assisting the efforts to ban asbestos or by contacting your congressperson and asking them to support laws that ban the use of asbestos in construction materials that are new.
VA Benefits
Patients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses may qualify for compensation. These benefits may help pay for expenses for living and treatment. Compensation is offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs, or an asbestos trust. Asbestos victims and their family members can receive assistance navigating the VA claim process.
Asbestos victims and their loved ones must file a claim as soon as possible in order to ensure they receive the most compensation available. A mesothelioma attorney can help in this process by ensuring that all documents are filed. This includes a mesothelioma diagnosis and medical records that prove asbestos exposure. It is also beneficial for victims to receive periodic x-rays and CT scans to check their health.
Many veterans from all branches of the military have filed claims for mesothelioma. The majority of cases are filed by Navy veterans, because asbestos was extensively employed in the Navy. To be eligible to receive compensation they must prove that their illness is directly asbestos exposure claim related to their exposure. Asbest-related diseases often develop decades after exposure.
The VA recognizes a variety of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, laryngeal carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. It also recognizes diseases that aren't malignant, such as asbestosis and pleural thickening. All of these conditions have an underlying cause that is common: exposure to asbestos.
Veterans need to seek mesothelioma treatment as soon as they can, in addition to receiving financial compensation. Early treatment has been shown to improve the outcome. In Florida mesothelioma patients are able to receive treatment from a specialist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This facility is located just a few minutes away from the Miami VA Medical Center. For those that cannot leave their homes, a homebound program allows veterans to receive mesothelioma treatment outside of the VA system.
Workers' Compensation
Mesothelioma victims and their families require financial compensation to pay for expensive medical treatment and loss of income and other expenses. Many people have workers compensation insurance or health insurance which can pay for some of these expenses. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist asbestos victims to learn about their options and apply for insurance.
People may qualify for multiple sources of compensation, such as mesothelioma settlements in lawsuits as well as trust fund awards and VA claims. An attorney for mesothelioma can assist patients in identifying the most appropriate sources of compensation so that they get the amount they are entitled to.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer is well-versed in the filing of all asbestos-related claims. They will manage every aspect of the legal process while the patient or family focus on treatment. A lawyer can explain the advantages of filing an estate claim to protect assets that will be needed for future needs.
A person may bring a mesothelioma suit against an asbestos-related company. It could result in an investigation, which could lead to the verdict of a jury or a mesothelioma deal. Most asbestos victims prefer to settle for a settlement and avoid going to trial.
Mesothelioma suits often result in large financial awards for the victims as well as their families. For instance, in a recent case, a jury awarded $740 million to the victim of mesothelioma resulting from exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder.
In addition to a mesothelioma suit, victims and their families may also be eligible for compensation through workers' compensation or VA claims. Veterans who have suffered from asbestos-related ailments as a result of their military service are more likely to make VA claims. Special monthly compensation, or aid and attendance pay, is available to veterans who require assistance with everyday activities and the cost of home health care.