Qualifying for an Asbestos Lawsuit and Finding the Right Attorney
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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.
Do You Have a Case?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 a lawyer with the right experience for the job. In Michigan, asbestos use is regulated by several statutes and three agencies: the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO/MIOSHA), and the Michigan State Police. You need an attorney whose firm has the resources and experience 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, including how they have handled similar cases.
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 decades, often 20 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.
- Mesothelioma 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) identified asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant. 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 (the lining around the lungs). When this happens, the person may develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. These cancers can also spread to other parts of the body before they are detected.
OUR TRUSTED MESOTHELIOMA LAWYERS CAN START YOUR CASE TODAY
“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 if you haven’t been around asbestos for many years, you may still be able to receive compensation for your illness. Our experienced asbestos attorneys can help you get your case started from the comfort of your own home.”
An asbestos lawsuit can be complicated, but finding the right mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer is simple.
To get started on your case, fill out the brief form below or contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation.
Do You Have a Case?
