Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Attorney

It is crucial to consult a New York asbestos exposure lawyer if you or someone you love suffers from an asbestos-related disease. They can help you obtain compensation from owners of the worksite or building, product manufacturers, employers and many others.

Asbestos exposure can cause numerous serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases are debilitating, painful, and, in some cases, fatal.

Reporting to Your Employer

Certain workplaces, such as shipyards, construction sites and auto repair shops are susceptible to exposure to asbestos. State and federal laws require employers to educate workers on asbestos's dangers and provide them with protective equipment. Many workers were exposed to dangerous asbestos levels for decades before developing symptoms of illness.

If you suffer from an asbestos-related disease it is crucial to report it to your employer. If you became ill because your employer did not adhere to the safety guidelines established by the government, you could be able to file a claim. The statute of limitations for claims varies from state to state, which is why it is imperative to seek legal help immediately if you notice any symptoms.

An experienced lawyer can look into past work history to identify asbestos exposure. They can also review medical records to help prove your symptoms are due to asbestos exposure. An attorney can also provide you with the different compensation options available to you.

Employers could be held responsible for workplace injuries if they fail to adhere to asbestos lawsuits safety rules. These standards are established by regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Consumer Product Safety Commission. OSHA for instance, requires employers to ensure that all friable asbestos in the workplace is removed or sealed. If you believe your employer isn't following these regulations Contact OSHA to file a formal complaint. OSHA will not reveal your name or address and will conduct an investigation, but will not divulge any details of the report.

You may also have a third party asbestos lawsuit against the manufacturer of a defective product that led to your exposure. These cases are usually covered by products liability. However, this type of claim is generally handled separately from a workers' comp case.

If you were an independent contractor, you might not be eligible to submit a claim for compensation to a worker. If you are an IC then you should think about seeking legal help from someone who handles personal injury claims for independent contractors. In some states this is called a "causation lawsuit." These types of cases are usually handled by a mesothelioma lawyer.

How do I file a Workers' Compensation Claim

Asbestos is a risk for serious health diseases. Workers who have been exposed asbestos often develop mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that affects the chest wall and abdomen. Mesothelioma is often fatal within just a few days after diagnosis.

People who suspect they may have mesothelioma, or a similar asbestos-related illness, should consult their doctor immediately. If a worker suspects that they were exposed to asbestos, the doctor will request a thorough work history as well as any symptoms that the worker might be experiencing. A full physical should be conducted, including a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests. A specialist should interpret the X-rays to ensure that the doctor is aware of any potential asbestos exposure.

A worker may apply for workers' compensation once the asbestos-related illness has been identified. 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 fulfill 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 help workers obtain the workers' compensation they need to pay for hospital bills as well as home care expenses, lost wages and other costs. The amount of compensation a claim can receive will depend on the nature and severity of the condition. In some instances, victims can receive compensation to allow them to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and spend time with their family.

A skilled New York asbestos attorney can help workers to seek compensation from companies who manufacture or use asbestos-containing products. This can be accomplished by filing an injury lawsuit for personal injury or a wrongful-death lawsuit. These lawsuits can seek compensation for a variety of losses, including medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses. Wrongful death lawsuits can also provide financial assistance for loved ones who are still living.

Many of those who suffered from asbestos-related diseases are veterans, construction workers and people who worked in industrial jobs. They were most likely exposed to asbestos while working their work at construction sites, shipyards and auto repair shops. They also could have brought asbestos fibers home from their jobs, exposing their families to the harmful substance.

Making a Personal Injury Claim

A successful asbestos lawsuit could result in financial compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages, home care costs, funeral and burial costs and loss of companionship and other damages caused by mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. A New York asbestos exposure attorney can assist families and victims get the money they deserve from the companies that exposed them to dangerous asbestos.

Asbestos was a fibrous material used in many products including insulation as well as fireproofing and pipe covers, until it was phased out due to health issues. Workers who were exposed to asbestos at their workplace 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, could offer more compensation to compensate for your expenses.

Many people who develop asbestos-related diseases have never been in direct contact with asbestos materials. They were exposed to dust, other airborne contaminants and other debris as they performed their daily routines at the workplace, 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 conditions caused by exposure to secondhand dust.

An attorney should be consulted immediately by anyone diagnosed with a health condition that is related to asbestos. An experienced asbestos lawyer can review the details of an individual's exposure history and assist the family member or victim to file a lawsuit against their employers, product manufacturers, or other parties responsible for their exposure.

Since mesothelioma, along with other asbestos-related diseases do not typically manifest until years after exposure, it is critical to seek legal help as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can file 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, whereas others deal with general personal injury cases. Mesothelioma lawyers have experience with mesothelioma and related asbestos attorney-related diseases, as as other types of lung cancers, lung conditions and other health issues. They are able to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare for trial in order to ensure their client receives the full compensation they deserve.

Contacting a Lawyer

Asbestos attorneys can help victims and their families who have been injured by asbestos exposure to seek compensation. They can help victims to make a claim and sue the asbestos companies that are accountable for their exposure. They can also explain to victims the restrictions on filing a lawsuit, called statutes or limitations.

Federal safety experts concluded that exposure to asbestos increases the likelihood of developing cancer. Asbestos exposure has also been linked to lung cancer, larynx cancer and ovarian carcinoma.

While asbestos' use has decreased dramatically since it was discovered that it could cause a variety of health issues, this harmful substance continues to pose danger. Its use in the military, shipyards as well as other industries puts workers at risk of exposure to occupational hazards, and it was widely used in commercial and residential structures before asbestos was banned. Some asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma do not manifest symptoms until years after exposure.

Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal disease, 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 those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases.

Contacting an asbestos lawyer to discuss your situation is a good option for those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. An asbestos lawyer can help those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma to obtain compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages and other damages.

Expert asbestos lawyers typically work at national law firms, which handle cases in multiple states, and they can often fly to visit clients for a no-cost legal consultation without having to travel long distances. The top New York asbestos attorneys offer an initial consultation for free and do not charge upfront fees.

The lawyers featured on Nolo's websites (full disclosure: lawyers pay an amount to be featured on the site) specialize in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, and have provided information on their educational background, professional qualifications and other credentials. The website has tools that will help you find the right mesothelioma attorney for your situation. They include a search engine as well as an option to filter for location or specialty.