Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Attorney
If you or someone you love suffers from an asbestos illness It is vital to seek out a skilled New York asbestos exposure attorney. These lawyers can assist in recovering compensation from the worksite or building owner, the manufacturer of the product and employers, among others.
Asbestos exposure can lead to numerous serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases are painful, debilitating and can be fatal.
Reporting to your Employer
Asbestos exposure is a risk in certain workplaces such as shipyards, construction sites, auto repair shops, and manufacturing plants. Federal and state laws require that employers inform their employees about the dangers of asbestos and provide protective equipment. Unfortunately many workers have been exposed to harmful levels of asbestos for decades before they develop symptoms.
It is crucial to inform your employer in the event that you develop a health condition that is linked to asbestos. If you became ill because your employer did not follow safety standards set by the government, you may be able file a claim. The statute of limitations could differ from state state, so you should seek legal advice as soon as possible when you begin to notice any signs.
An experienced lawyer can review your work history and identify asbestos exposures that could be a cause. They can also examine your medical records and help you establish that your ailments are a result of asbestos exposure. An attorney can also explain the various compensation options available to you.
Employers could be held responsible for workplace injuries if they do not adhere to asbestos safety rules. These standards are established by regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Consumer Product Safety Commission. For example, OSHA requires that employers ensure all friable asbestos legal (more info) is removed or encapsulated within the workplace. If you suspect that your employer isn't adhering to these rules and you are concerned, contact OSHA to file a formal complaint. OSHA will not reveal your name or address and will conduct an investigation, but will not divulge any information about the report.
You could also file an asbestos lawsuit from a third party against a manufacturer of a defective item that caused your exposure. These cases are typically covered under the product liability. This type of claim, however, is typically handled separately from a worker's compensation case.
If you worked as an independent contractor, you might not be eligible to make a claim for worker's compensation. If you're an independent contractor, you may require legal assistance from a person who handles personal injuries claims for independent contractors. In some states, this is called a "causation lawsuit." These cases are typically brought by a mesothelioma attorney.
Making a Workers' Compensation Claim
Asbestos can trigger serious health ailments. Workers exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma - an aggressive cancerous lining that can be found in the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma can kill within just a few days after diagnosis.
Workers who suspect they may be suffering from a mesothelioma or other asbestos-related condition should visit their doctor immediately. If a worker suspects they have been exposed asbestos, the doctor will ask for a detailed work history and any symptoms that the worker may be experiencing. A full physical should be performed with a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. An expert should interpret the Xrays to ensure the doctor is aware of any possible asbestos exposure.
A worker can claim workers' compensation after the asbestos-related illness has been diagnosed. New York law requires that workers submit any injuries or illnesses they believe to be connected to their work within 30 days. This allows the worker to meet their legal obligations and have the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the employer if they are not compensated.
An asbestos lawyer with years of experience can assist workers in obtaining the workers' compensation needed to pay for hospital costs, home costs for health care, lost wages, and other expenses. The value of a case will depend on both the severity and nature of the condition. In some cases, victims can receive compensation to allow them to live a comfortable life and spend time with their loved ones.
A seasoned New York asbestos attorney can also assist workers in pursuing compensation from companies who manufacture or use asbestos-containing products. You can accomplish this by filing a personal injuries lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits can seek compensation for a variety of losses, such as medical bills as well as lost wages and funeral expenses. Wrongful death lawsuits can also provide financial assistance for those who have survived loved ones.
A large portion of those who suffered from asbestos-related diseases are construction workers, veterans and those employed in industrial positions. These individuals were likely exposed to asbestos during their work at construction sites, shipyards, and automobile repair shops. They could also have brought asbestos fibers home from their jobs which exposed their families to the hazardous substance.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
A successful asbestos lawsuit could result in financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, home care costs, funeral and burial costs and loss of companionship and other damages caused by mesothelioma or a different asbestos-related disease. An experienced New York asbestos exposure lawyer can help victims and their families get the money they are entitled to from the companies that wrongly exposed them to asbestos that is dangerous.
Asbestos was a fibrous material used in many products including insulation as well as fireproofing and pipe coverings until it was phased-out due to health issues. Workers who were exposed to asbestos at work may be eligible for an insurance claim for workers' compensation but other legal options, like filing an individual injury lawsuit against the responsible business or trust fund, could offer more compensation to compensate for your loss.
Many people who develop asbestos-related diseases haven't had direct contact with asbestos material. They were exposed to dust, airborne contaminants and other debris when they went about their daily routines at the workplace, at home, or public areas. In addition, many first responders at the World Trade Center site and other survivors of the 9/11 tragedy have been diagnosed with lung ailments that are a result of exposure to secondhand asbestos.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease should consult with an attorney right away regarding their legal options. An asbestos lawyer with experience can analyze the details of the exposure history of a person and help the family of the victim and other responsible parties file a lawsuit.
As asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma can take decades to manifest, it's crucial to seek legal advice whenever you can. A lawyer with experience can file an asbestos suit before the statute of limitation expires. In New York, this is three years after the date of diagnosis.
Some attorneys handle general personal injury cases, while others specialize in asbestos law. Mesothelioma lawyers have experience with asbestos-related diseases and cancers as well as lung diseases, other health issues, and other forms of cancers. They are also able to gather and examine evidence, interview witnesses and prepare the case for trial so that they can ensure that their clients receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to.
Contacting an Attorney
Asbestos lawyers can help those who have been exposed to asbestos and their families seek compensation for the injuries they have suffered. They can assist victims to file claims against the asbestos companies that caused their exposure, which includes filing a lawsuit in court. They can also provide information on the time limitations, also known as statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit within their state.
Federal safety experts have found that exposure to asbestos for long periods increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. In addition to mesothelioma, long-term exposure to asbestos has been associated with lung, larynx, and ovarian cancers.
While asbestos litigation use has decreased dramatically since it was discovered that it could trigger a myriad of health problems, this dangerous substance continues to pose danger. Workers in shipyards, construction and military sectors are at risk for occupational exposure. Asbestos was also utilized in a variety of residential and commercial structures before it was banned. Some asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma do not manifest symptoms until years after exposure.
Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and fatal condition, is caused by asbestos exposure. People who suffer from this disease are entitled to compensation. The lawyers at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP can fight for justice on behalf of individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
The sufferers of asbestos-related illnesses should consult an experienced asbestos claim lawyer as soon as they can to discuss the merits of their case. An asbestos lawyer can help victims of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma to obtain compensation for medical bills or lost wages, as well as other damages.
Expert asbestos lawyers typically work for national law firms, which handle cases in multiple states, and they can often fly to meet with a client for a free legal consultation without the need to travel for long distances. The best New York asbestos attorneys offer no-cost consultations and don't charge upfront costs.
The attorneys listed on Nolo's websites (full disclosure that lawyers pay an amount to be featured on the website) specialize in mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related injuries, and they have provided information about their education, professional background and other qualifications. The site has tools to assist you in locating the right mesothelioma lawyer for your particular case. They include a search engine and an option to filter by location or specialization.