Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Attorney
If you or someone you love suffers from an illness caused by asbestos It is essential to speak with a seasoned New York asbestos exposure attorney. They can help you recover compensation from building or worksite owner, manufacturer of products employers, as well as other individuals.
Exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases are painful, debilitating and, in some cases, fatal.
Reporting to Your Employer
Certain work environments like shipyards, construction sites, and auto repair shops, are at risk of exposure to asbestos. Federal and state laws require that employers educate their workers about the dangers of asbestos and provide safety equipment. Unfortunately many workers have been exposed levels of asbestos legal (click through the following post) for decades before they begin to show signs of asbestos exposure.
If you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease it is crucial to report it to your employer. If you were ill because your employer failed to follow safety standards set by the government, you may be able to claim compensation. However, the time of limitations varies by state, therefore it is imperative to seek legal advice immediately if you notice any symptoms.
An experienced attorney can conduct an investigation into the history of your previous work to determine asbestos exposure. They can also look over your medical records and help prove that your symptoms are a result of asbestos exposure. A lawyer can also explain to you the different compensation options available.
Employers can be held liable for workplace injuries if they fail to adhere to asbestos safety rules. Regulatory agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, establish these standards. For example, OSHA requires that employers ensure that all asbestos claim friable is removed or encapsulated within the workplace. If you suspect that your employer isn’t adhering to these rules, contact OSHA to file a complaint. OSHA will not release your name, but will conduct an investigation without disclosing any details of the report.
You may also have a third-party asbestos lawsuit against a manufacturer of a defective product that led to your exposure. Typically, these cases are covered under the umbrella of products liability. This type of claim however, is usually handled separately from a worker’s compensation case.
If you were an independent contractor, you might not be able to submit a claim for compensation to a worker. If you work as an IC and you are eligible, you should consider seeking legal help from someone who handles personal injury claims for independent contractors. In certain states, this is called a “causation suit.” These cases are usually handled by mesothelioma lawyers.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Asbestos exposure can cause many serious medical ailments. Workers exposed to asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma, an infected lining of the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma can be a deadly cancer that can lead to death in a short time after diagnosis, which makes it crucial to recognize the disease early.
Workers who suspect that they may have mesothelioma, or a similar asbestos litigation-related illness and should see their doctor immediately. If a worker believes that they have been exposed to asbestos, the doctor should take the time to review the work history and inquire about any symptoms that the worker may be experiencing. A thorough physical examination should be performed, including an X-ray of the chest and a the pulmonary function test. A specialist should interpret the X rays to ensure that the doctor is aware of whether asbestos exposure has occurred.
A worker is able to file for workers’ compensation once the asbestos-related illness has been diagnosed. New York law requires that workers submit any injuries or illnesses they believe are caused by their job within 30 days. This allows the worker to fulfill their legal obligations and have the possibility of bringing a suit against the employer in the event they are not paid.
An asbestos lawyer who has experience can help workers get the workers’ compensation required to cover hospital costs and home costs for health care, lost wages, and other expenses. The value of a case will depend on both the nature and severity of the condition. In certain cases victims can receive compensation that allows them to lead a comfortable lifestyle and enjoy their family.
A skilled New York asbestos attorney can help workers to seek compensation from companies that manufacture or use asbestos-containing products. This can be done by filing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death suit. These lawsuits could seek compensation for a variety expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses. The wrongful death lawsuits may also offer financial assistance to the loved ones who are left behind.
Many of the people who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses are veterans, construction workers and those who worked in industrial jobs. They were likely exposed to asbestos during their work on shipyards, construction sites and automotive repair shops. They may also have brought asbestos fibers home from their jobs, exposing their families to the dangerous substance.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
A successful asbestos lawsuit may result in financial compensation for medical expenses loss of earnings, home care expenses funeral and burial costs and loss of companionship and other damages caused by mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. A seasoned New York asbestos exposure lawyer can assist victims and their families obtain the funds they are entitled to from the companies that wrongly exposed them to dangerous asbestos.
Asbestos was a fibrous, brittle material used in a variety of products such as insulation pipes, fireproofing, and covers, until it was phased out due to health concerns. Workers who were exposed to asbestos at their workplace may be eligible to file an insurance claim for workers’ compensation however other legal options, such as filing an individual injury lawsuit against the responsible company or trust fund, can provide a greater amount of compensation to compensate your losses.
Many of those who have developed asbestos-related illnesses have not even had direct contact with asbestos materials; they were simply exposed to dust and other airborne debris as they went about their daily routines at home, at work or in public spaces. Many first responders and victims of 9/11 have also been diagnosed with lung conditions caused by asbestos exposure from secondhand sources.
An attorney should be consulted immediately by anyone who has been diagnosed with a condition that is related to asbestos. An asbestos lawyer with experience can review the details about the history of exposure and assist the family of the victim and other parties responsible bring a lawsuit.
As asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can take years to manifest, it’s crucial to seek legal advice immediately. An experienced lawyer can file an asbestos legal lawsuit before the time limit for filing a suit expires. In New York, this is three years following the date of diagnosis.
Some lawyers handle general personal injury cases, and others specialize in asbestos law. Mesothelioma attorneys have experience in asbestos-related diseases and cancers as well as lung conditions, other health issues, and other forms of cancers. They know how to question witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare for trial in order to ensure their client receives the compensation they deserve.
Contacting a Lawyer
Asbestos lawyers can help victims of asbestos exposure and their families to seek compensation for the injuries they have suffered. They can help victims file a claim against the asbestos companies that caused their exposure, including filing a lawsuit in the court. They can also explain the time limits, known as statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit in their state.
Federal safety experts have concluded that exposure to asbestos for long periods increases the risk of developing various types of cancer. Asbestos exposure has been associated with lung cancer, larynx cancer and ovarian cancer.
This dangerous substance, despite the fact that its use has drastically decreased since it was discovered that it can cause various health issues, continues to be a danger. Workers in shipyards, construction and military industries are at risk of occupational exposure. Asbestos was also utilized in many commercial and residential buildings before it was banned. Certain asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma are not symptomatic until years after exposure.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon and fatal illness, is caused by exposure to asbestos. Victims of this illness are entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP can fight for justice on behalf of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
Patients suffering from asbestos-related diseases must contact an experienced asbestos attorney as soon as possible to discuss the merits of their case. An asbestos lawyer can assist those suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
Asbestos lawyers who have experience typically work for national law firms which manage cases in several states. They can fly to meet a client for a no-cost consultation without the need to travel far. Additionally, the top New York asbestos lawyers offer an initial consultation for free and do not charge upfront fees for their services.
The attorneys listed on Nolo’s websites (full disclosure that lawyers pay a fee to be listed on the website) specialize in mesothelioma, asbestos-related injuries, and they have provided information on their education, professional background and other credentials. The site has tools to assist you in finding the best mesothelioma attorney for your particular case. They include a search engine as well as an option to filter by location or specialization.