Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Attorney
It is essential to consult a New York asbestos exposure lawyer if you or someone you love suffers from an asbestos-related illness. They can help you recover compensation from building or worksite owner, product manufacturers employers, as well as other individuals.
Asbestos exposure can lead to numerous serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases can be debilitating, painful and even deadly.
Reporting to your Employer
Certain workplaces like shipyards, construction sites, and auto repair shops are susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Federal and state laws mandate that employers educate their employees about asbestos hazards and provide safety equipment. Many workers were exposed to hazardous asbestos levels for years before developing symptoms of illness.
If you develop an asbestos-related disease it is essential to inform your employer. You may be able file a claim against your employer if sickened by their inability to adhere to safety standards set by the government. However, the time of limitations varies by state, so it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as you detect any signs.
An experienced lawyer can look into your past work history and identify potential asbestos exposures. They can also review your medical records and help establish that your health issues are caused by asbestos exposure. An attorney can also provide you with the different compensation options that are available to you.
Employers could be held responsible for workplace injuries when they fail to follow asbestos safety regulations. Regulators, like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, have set these standards. For example, OSHA requires that employers ensure that all asbestos friable is removed or encapsulated in the workplace. Contact OSHA if you suspect that your employer isn’t following these rules. OSHA will not reveal your name, but will conduct an investigation without disclosing any details of the report.
You may also be able to file a third party asbestos lawsuit against a manufacturer of a defective product that caused your exposure. Typically, these cases fall under the umbrella of products liability. This type of claim, however, is usually handled in a separate manner from a worker’s compensation case.
If you were an independent contractor, you may not be able to submit a claim for compensation to a worker. If you’re an independent contractor, you might require legal assistance from a person who handles personal injury claims for independent contractors. In some states, this is called a “causation suit.” These cases are usually handled by mesothelioma lawyers.
How do I file a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Asbestos can trigger serious health conditions. Asbestos-related exposure causes more likely to develop mesothelioma, an infected lining of the abdomen and chest. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive which can lead to death within a short amount of time after diagnosis, making the prompt diagnosis crucial.
Anyone who suspects they might be suffering from a mesothelioma or other asbestos-related condition should consult their doctor immediately. If a worker believes they have been exposed to asbestos or other asbestos-related substances, the doctor should take a detailed history of work and ask about any symptoms the worker is experiencing. A thorough physical examination should be conducted which includes the chest radiograph and the pulmonary function test. A specialist will interpret the X-rays and make sure that the doctor is aware of any possible asbestos exposure.
A worker may apply for workers’ compensation after the asbestos-related illness is diagnosed. New York law requires that workers declare any injuries or illnesses they believe are related to their job within 30 days. This allows workers to meet their legal obligations, and also have the option of filing a suit against the employer if they are not compensated.
An asbestos lawyer with years of experience can assist workers in obtaining the workers’ compensation they need to pay for hospital costs, home costs for health care as well as lost wages and other expenses. The amount of compensation a claim can receive will depend on the nature and severity of the condition. In some cases, victims are able to be awarded compensation that will allow them to live a comfortable life and be able to enjoy their family.
A seasoned New York asbestos attorney can help workers to seek compensation from companies who manufacture or make use of asbestos-containing products. This can be accomplished by filing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits could seek compensation for various 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.
Construction workers, veterans, and industrial workers are among the most prevalent asbestos-related illnesses. They were likely exposed to asbestos while working on building sites, shipyards and automotive repair shops. They may also have brought asbestos fibers from their work home which could have exposed their entire family to this hazardous substance.
The process of filing a personal injury claim
A successful asbestos lawsuit may result in financial compensation for medical expenses, lost 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 money they are entitled to from the companies that exposed them to asbestos that is dangerous.
Asbestos was a fibrous material used in a variety of products such as insulation as well as fireproofing and pipe covers, until it was phased out due to health concerns. Workers who were exposed to asbestos in their work environment may be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim however other legal options, like filing an individual injury lawsuit against the responsible company or trust fund, can provide a greater amount of compensation to compensate your losses.
Many who develop asbestos-related illnesses haven’t had direct contact with asbestos-containing substances; they were exposed to dust and other airborne particles as they went about their everyday routines at work, at home or in public areas. Additionally, many of the first responders at the World Trade Center site and other survivors of the 9/11 tragedy have been diagnosed with lung ailments linked to secondhand exposure.
Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness should speak to an attorney as soon as possible about their legal options. An expert asbestos lawyer can analyze the details of an individual’s exposure history and help the victim and their family to file a lawsuit against their employers, product manufacturers, or other parties responsible for their exposure.
As asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can take decades to manifest, it’s vital to seek legal advice immediately. A competent lawyer can start an asbestos lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires which in New York is three years from the date of diagnosis.
Some attorneys specialize in asbestos law, while others deal with general personal injury cases. Mesothelioma lawyers are experienced in mesothelioma lawsuit and related asbestos-related diseases, as with other types of lung cancers, lung conditions and other health issues. They are able to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare for trial to ensure their client receives the full amount of compensation they are due.
Contacting a Lawyer
Asbestos attorneys can help families of victims who have suffered injuries from asbestos exposure to seek compensation. They can assist victims to file a claim and sue the asbestos companies that are responsible for their exposure. They can also explain to victims the limitations on filing a lawsuit, called statutes or limitations.
Federal safety experts have found that exposure to asbestos for long periods increases the risk of developing various types of cancer. Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer, larynx cancer and ovarian cancer.
This hazardous substance, despite the fact that its use has decreased dramatically since it was first discovered that it could cause a variety of health problems remains a danger. Its use in shipyards, military construction, and other industries exposes workers to the dangers of occupational exposure, and it was used in many commercial and residential buildings prior to when asbestos was banned. Certain asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma don’t show symptoms until years after exposure.
Mesothelioma, an extremely rare and fatal condition, is caused by exposure to asbestos. People who suffer from this disease are entitled to compensation. The attorneys 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.
Contacting an asbestos lawyer to discuss your case is a good idea for people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. An asbestos lawyer can aid those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma lawsuits to obtain compensation for medical expenses or lost wages, as well as other damages.
Expert asbestos lawyers typically work for national law firms that handle cases across multiple states, and they can often fly to meet with clients for a complimentary legal consultation without the need to travel long distances. The best New York asbestos attorneys offer a free consultation and don’t charge upfront fees.
The attorneys featured on Nolo’s websites (full disclosure that lawyers pay a fee to be listed on the website) specialize in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, and have provided information about their educational background, professional qualifications and other credentials. You can find mesothelioma lawyers who are suitable for your situation by using the tools on the website which include a search tool which allows you to filter by location and specialization.
