Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Attorney
If you or someone you love suffers from an asbestos illness It is vital to contact an experienced New York asbestos exposure attorney. These lawyers can assist you obtain compensation from owners of the worksite or building, product manufacturers, employers and many more.
Asbestos exposure can cause various serious diseases that include mesothelioma and lung cancer. These conditions can be debilitating, painful and even deadly.
Reporting to Your Employer
Asbestos exposure is a risk in certain workplaces, including shipyards, construction sites auto repair shops, and manufacturing facilities. Federal and state laws require employers to inform workers about asbestos's dangers and provide them with safety equipment. Unfortunately, many workers have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos for decades before they develop symptoms.
If you develop an asbestos-related condition it is crucial to notify your employer. You could be able to make a claim against your employer if sickened by their inability to comply with safety standards set by the government. The statute of limitations can differ from state to states, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible when you begin to notice any signs.
An experienced attorney can investigate your work history and identify asbestos exposures that could be a cause. They can also look over medical records to help determine if your symptoms are due to asbestos exposure. A lawyer can also explain the various compensation options that are available.
Employers are liable for workplace injuries if they fail to comply with asbestos safety regulations. These standards are set by regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. OSHA, for example requires employers to make sure that all friable asbestos in the workplace is removed or enclosed. Contact OSHA if you suspect that your employer is not following these regulations. OSHA will not release your name and will conduct an investigation without disclosing any information about the report.
You could also file a third party asbestos lawsuit against a manufacturer of a defective item which caused your exposure. Normally, these cases are covered under the umbrella of products liability. This kind of claim, however, is usually handled in a different manner from a worker's comp case.
If you were an independent contractor, you might not be eligible to make a claim for worker's compensation. If you're an independent contractor, you may require legal assistance from someone who handles personal injuries claims for independent contractors. In some states this is known as a “causation lawsuit.” These types of cases are usually handled by a mesothelioma lawyer.
How do I file a Workers' Compensation Claim
Asbestos can cause serious medical diseases. Asbestos-related exposure causes more likely to develop mesothelioma - an infected lining of the abdomen and chest. Mesothelioma is often fatal within a few days of diagnosis.
Workers who suspect that they might have mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease, should consult their doctor immediately. If a worker suspects they were exposed to asbestos and is unsure, the doctor will ask for a detailed work history and any symptoms the worker may be experiencing. A complete physical examination should be performed with the chest radiograph and lung function test. A specialist will interpret the X scans to make sure that the doctor is aware of whether asbestos exposure occurred.
A worker is able to file for workers' compensation once the asbestos-related disease has been diagnosed. New York law requires workers to report any illness or injury that they believe are linked to their job within 30 days. This allows workers to meet their legal obligations, and also have the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the employer if they are not paid.
An experienced asbestos lawyer can assist workers in obtaining the workers' compensation they require to pay for hospital bills and home care costs, lost wages and other expenses. The value of a claim will depend on the nature and severity of the illness. In certain cases, victims are able to be awarded compensation that will allow them to lead a comfortable lifestyle and enjoy their family.
A skilled New York asbestos attorney can also assist workers in pursuing compensation from companies who manufacture or make use of asbestos-containing products. You can accomplish this by filing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful deaths lawsuit. These lawsuits could seek compensation for a variety expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses. The wrongful death lawsuits could also offer financial assistance to the family members who have died.
A large portion of those who have suffered from asbestos-related ailments are veterans, construction workers and people employed in industrial positions. These individuals were likely exposed to asbestos while working their jobs at construction sites, shipyards and automobile repair shops. They could also have brought asbestos-containing fibers from their jobs home, exposing the rest of their family to this dangerous substance.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
A successful asbestos suit could result in financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, home care expenses funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and other losses caused mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease. A New York asbestos exposure attorney can help victims and families receive the compensation they are due from the companies that exposed them to dangerous asbestos.
Asbestos was a fibrous, brittle material that was used in a variety of products, including insulation, fireproofing, and pipe covers until it was eliminated due to health issues. Workers that were exposed to asbestos at work could be eligible for a workers' compensation claim however other legal options, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible company or trust fund, could provide greater compensation to cover your losses.
Many people who suffer from asbestos-related diseases haven't had direct contact with asbestos material. They were exposed to dust, other airborne contaminants and other debris while performing their daily routines at work, workplace, at home or in public areas. Many first responders and survivors of 9/11 have also been diagnosed with lung conditions linked to secondhand asbestos exposure.
Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos settlement-related condition should consult an attorney immediately about their legal options. An experienced asbestos lawyer can examine the details of an individual's exposure history and help the family member or victim file a lawsuit against employers, product manufacturers, or other parties responsible for their exposure.
Since mesothelioma and the other asbestos-related diseases do not usually manifest until decades after exposure, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as you can. A lawyer with experience can file an asbestos lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. In New York, this is three years following the date of diagnosis.
Some lawyers specialize in asbestos law, while others handle general personal injury cases. Mesothelioma lawyers have expertise in mesothelioma and related asbestos-related diseases, as well other lung cancers, lung diseases and other health issues. They know how to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare for trial in order to secure their client the full compensation they deserve.
Contacting a Lawyer
Asbestos lawyers can help asbestos victims and their families who have been hurt by asbestos exposure seek compensation. They can help victims file an action against asbestos companies responsible for their exposure, including filing a lawsuit in the court. They can also explain to victims the limitations in bringing a lawsuit, known as statutes or limitations.
Federal safety experts have determined that exposure to asbestos increases the likelihood of developing cancer. In addition to mesothelioma, prolonged exposure to asbestos has been linked to larynx, lung and ovarian cancers.
While asbestos use has decreased dramatically since it was revealed that it can cause numerous health issues, this hazardous substance remains a threat. Its use in shipyards, the military as well as other industries exposes workers to the dangers of occupational exposure. Moreover, it was used in many commercial and residential structures before asbestos was banned. Some asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma don't show any signs for decades after the initial exposure.
Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and fatal condition, is caused by exposure to asbestos. Victims of this illness are entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP are capable of pursuing justice for individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases.
Contacting an asbestos lawyer to discuss your situation is a good idea for people suffering from asbestos law-related diseases. An asbestos lawyer can help those suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
Asbestos lawyers who have experience usually work for national law firms which manage cases in several states. They are able to fly to meet a client for a no-cost consultation without having to travel far. The best New York asbestos attorneys offer no-cost consultations and don't charge upfront fees.
The lawyers listed on Nolo's websites (full disclosure that lawyers pay an amount to be featured on the website) specialize in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related injuries. They have provided information on their educational background, professional qualifications and other qualifications. You can locate mesothelioma attorneys who are right for your case by using the website's tools, which include an online search tool that allows you to filter your search by location and area of expertise.