Asbestos Lawyers
Asbestos lawyers know how to build strong arguments by using evidence like medical records and documents from the workplace. These documents can be difficult obtain if you don't have the resources of an asbestos law firm.
A seasoned asbestos lawyer can advise victims whether to file a suit, trust fund claim, or claim for veterans benefits. They can also explain both the benefits and disadvantages of each option.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos exposure can be found in workplaces. People who work in industrial settings like power plants, textile mills and shipyards have a high risk of being exposed to asbestos-related products that are dangerous and causing an asbestos-related illness. Asbestos attorneys help families of workers pursue compensation for their suffering.
Second-hand exposure is a possibility for those who do not work with asbestos. It is more common for family members to inhale asbestos fibers after being exposed by people who work with the material. This is because asbestos fibers are easily absorbed on clothing and other items. Patients diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma could seek compensation from companies that produced and sold the products they used.
There are a variety of asbestos lawsuits, including claims for personal injury, product liability and wrongful death. The type of lawsuit a person files will depend on the circumstances in which they were exposed to asbestos and where it occurred. For instance, if a person was exposed to asbestos in an institution that was constructed or owned by a company that makes use of asbestos, they may make a premises liability claim against the company.
A New York mesothelioma attorney can help victims determine the type of lawsuit they would like to pursue. In general, New York statutes of limitations allow victims to file for three years from the time they are diagnosed to file a asbestos lawsuit. For victims of wrongful death, they have two years to file a wrongful-death lawsuit.
In cases of occupational exposure, victims can bring a lawsuit against the companies that sold them asbestos-containing items as well as those who negligently handled and installed the products. Some of these companies were bankrupt which led to substantial settlements for workers who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.
Asbestos victims also have the option to file a claim through an asbestos trust fund which is a pool of money that was put aside by companies to pay for asbestos-related medical expenses and other expenses. New York law provides for the establishment of these funds to compensate asbestos victims who do not have enough money to claim their legal rights.
Non-Industrial Exposure
Asbestos lawyers represent clients who have developed asbestos-related illnesses as a result of non-occupational asbestos exposure. These cases are more difficult to prove, but victims and their families may still be awarded compensation. Exposure to asbestos outside the workplace can lead to mesothelioma and other diseases that can result in costly medical treatment, as well as suffering. A New York asbestos lawyer can assist victims to file lawsuits against the individuals or companies who are responsible for their exposure.
Asbestos is found naturally in the earth in a variety of forms. It is a fibrous substance that can be broken down into fine, strong threads. It is resistant against corrosion and heat, and is fire retardant. Asbestos was used for many years as an electrical and thermal insulation material. However, it was discovered that asbestos may cause serious health issues like mesothelioma.
Those who worked in industrial environments were the most at risk of developing mesothelioma and similar diseases. Shipyard workers, for example, were exposed to asbestos while they cleaned and repaired the ships that came into the shipyard for repairs or maintenance. Auto dealerships or garages were also at risk because they handled brake shoes, clutch faces and linings that contained asbestos. These diseases are also more common in people who live in proximity to asbestos factories.
These are just some of the numerous occupations which can put people at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. Many of the diseases that are caused by asbestos take a long time to manifest, so people who were exposed in these jobs are now experiencing symptoms and seeking compensation.
Asbestos attorneys can help victims file several different types lawsuits. Individuals may be able file claims for premises liability or personal injury depending on where and how they were exposed. They may make a wrongful-death suit against the responsible party when they die as a result of mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease. They can also file a lawsuit for product liability against the maker of asbestos-containing chemicals and products that they were exposed to.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a law that imposes an upper limit on the time for filing an action. Before the deadline expires asbestos victims must consult an experienced lawyer to protect their rights to compensation. Asbestos lawsuits fall into two categories which are personal injury claims as well as wrongful death cases. Each state has its own statute of limitations that govern these cases. A specialized New York mesothelioma attorney can assist you in understanding the laws of your state and how they apply to your case.
Asbestos lawsuits usually involve multiple factors that may affect the limitation period including the date of diagnosis or death. Mesothelioma might not manifest symptoms until decades after an initial exposure. Many people do not realize that they have asbestos-related illnesses until their doctor diagnoses them with mesothelioma. In addition, some states have specific rules that allow the statute of limitation to start on the day of the diagnosis or the death of a loved one than the traditional date of exposure.
The location of the victim's workplace or residence could also impact the statute of limitation for their asbestos case. The mesothelioma case can be filed in several states if asbestos was discovered at more than one site. This is particularly true if the person has worked in a variety of industries, like repair at the shipyard repairs, heating system repair, construction, or in the Navy.
Mesothelioma lawyers are familiar with these laws and can determine the best course of action for each client's particular situation. They can assist with the pursuit of an asbestos-related lawsuit or a claim through an asbestos trust fund.
A lawyer for asbestos can also explain to victims of asbestos exposure other legal options, like workers compensation or private insurance. In some cases, compensation from a workers’ compensation claim may not be enough to cover the patient's entire loss. Victims may also be eligible to receive compensation through an asbestos trust. Veterans who have been diagnosed as suffering from an asbestos-related disease may also be eligible to receive VA health treatment and military benefits.
Compensation
In many cases, the victims of asbestos-related illnesses may be compensated for their losses. This compensation includes the monetary amount of suffering and pain loss of quality of life, medical expenses as well as travel expenses and income loss, home care expenses funeral and burial costs of loved ones who have passed away due to an asbestos-related illness, and other financial or non-financial damages.
Asbestos lawyers can help clients get compensation from various sources. They can file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death against the defendants responsible for their client’s exposure. They can also submit claims to an trust fund or pursue other avenues to recover compensation. A reputable asbestos law firm has the knowledge and resources necessary to litigate these claims.
Patients and their families who suffer from mesothelioma need a professional legal help. They shouldn't have to be worried about navigating complicated laws or completing paperwork on their own. The lawyers of a reputable mesothelioma law firm will handle every aspect of their case, from getting ready for trial and negotiating with insurance companies to get the most favorable settlement.
An experienced lawyer has access to medical records and employment history and asbestos product testing results as well as witness statements. This information will help build a strong case on behalf of the victim and their family.
Des Moines asbestos lawsuit at an experienced asbestos law firm have a record of success, winning hundreds of millions of dollars for families of victims. They have also helped bring awareness to asbestos-related diseases.
If you reside in New York, an asbestos lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights and options to recover compensation. Attorneys that offer free consultations and operate on a contingency-based fee basis are usually capable of meeting with New York asbestos victims at their homes or the workplace.
The asbestos lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg have represented clients all over the globe and across the country. The firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for mesothelioma victims asbestosis, wrongful deaths and other asbestos-related diseases. They are regarded as a leading company in the industry and were named a Plaintiff's Law Firm of the Year for Product Liability in 2013. They have offices across the United States, but are also available to travel around the world.