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Qualifying for an Asbestos Lawsuit and Finding the Right Attorney
Many years after the U.S. government declared it a hazardous substance, many people are still suffering the consequences of asbestos exposure. If you are thinking about filing an asbestos lawsuit, here are some facts to help you decide.
How do I know whether I should file an asbestos lawsuit?
You may have grounds for a lawsuit if you developed a serious disease such as lung cancer or mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos. You may be eligible for compensation even if you were exposed years or decades ago. Therefore, it’s important to contact an experienced asbestos attorney as soon as possible. A knowledgeable lawyer will help you achieve the best outcome for your individual situation.
How do I find the right attorney to handle my asbestos lawsuit?
Asbestos cases can be complicated, which is why it’s important to hire the best lawyer for the job. In Michigan, asbestos use is regulated by several statutes and three different agencies. Therefore, you need a lawyer with a proven track record and extensive experience winning asbestos lawsuits. You also want an attorney whose firm has the necessary resources to handle these complex claims. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to prospective clients. During this first conversation, ask the attorney about their experience with asbestos lawsuits. Don’t be afraid to ask how many cases they have won and what the average settlement was.
What if I was exposed to asbestos many years ago?
You may still be able to file a lawsuit even if you became ill years after you were exposed. Some people who worked with asbestos don’t develop symptoms for ten years or longer. So, if you think your illness was caused by asbestos, you should contact a qualified asbestos attorney regardless of when you were exposed.
What kinds of illnesses are caused by exposure to asbestos?
The disease most commonly associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a usually fatal cancer that attacks certain parts of the body.
There are four main categories of this disease:
- Pleural mesothelioma, which starts in the chest and/or lungs, is the most common type.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, which starts in the abdomen, comprises most of the other cases.
- Pericardial mesothelioma, which is very rare, starts in the lining around the heart.
- Mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis, an extremely rare form of the disease, starts in the layer covering the testicles.
In addition, asbestos exposure is linked to two other diseases:
- Asbestosis, a scarring and hardening of the lung tissue
- Certain lung cancers
Who is most at risk for asbestos-related diseases?
In 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared asbestos a hazardous material. However, prior to that, asbestos was used in many applications involving insulation or fire protection. And, since asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop, many people who worked around asbestos years ago are still at risk.
Here are some examples:
- Construction workers, especially those who perform demolition of older buildings
- Insulation installers
- Pipe fitters
- Auto mechanics
- Sailors and shipyard workers
- Utility workers
- Carpenters
- Contractors, residential and commercial
- Veterans who spent time in military vehicles, ships and buildings
- Chemical plant workers
- Steel mill employees
- Manufacturing plant workers
In addition, these workers may put family members at risk by carrying toxic asbestos fibers home in their hair or clothing.
What is asbestos and why is it so dangerous?
Asbestos is actually a group of minerals that have similar chemical and physical properties. What makes the substance dangerous is its ability to separate into microscopic needle-like fibers. These fibers then become airborne, where people in the vicinity can easily inhale them. Once in the lungs, these needle-like fibers can penetrate the lung tissue and pleura (lining that holds the lung in place). When this happens, the person is likely to develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. These cancers can also spread to other parts of the body before they are detected.
“If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos, call us right away,” says Mark Bernstein of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. “Even you haven’t been around asbestos for many years, you may still be able to receive compensation for your illness. Our experienced asbestos attorneys are working remotely so you can get your case started now from the comfort of your own home.”
An Asbestos lawsuit can be complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free no-obligation consultation.
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