The Asbestos Chronicles: A Comprehensive Guide to Cancers and Compensation:
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral valued for its heat-resistant and anti-corrosive properties. When undisturbed, it is relatively harmless. However, when inhaled, the fibers can settle and accumulate in the body, causing significant, sometimes fatal, illness.
Madeksho Law represents victims of asbestos exposure and helps them pursue justice and compensation. Below, we explain who is at risk for asbestos illnesses, the links between asbestos and cancer, and who is eligible for compensation from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Uses
Asbestos is commonly found in building materials because it can protect the building from fires and premature wear and tear. And although we no longer mine for asbestos, it’s not banned in the United States (even though it is prohibited in 55 other countries). It’s still commonly found in domestic and commercial products and materials, including:
- Auto including brakes, clutches, drum brakes, gaskets, insulation, spark plugs, mufflers, and more
- Cement
- Floor tiles
- Wall insulation
- Paint
- Roofing shingles and tiles
It’s also found in heat-resistant fabrics, such as pipe insulation.
There are various types of asbestos – some may be more toxic than others. Crocidolite (“blue” asbestos) and amosite (“brown” asbestos) are deemed particularly hazardous due to their specific fibrous properties. However, there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Exposure and Cancer
As asbestos fibers settle in human tissue, they can, over time, cause significant sickness. Asbestos injuries include conditions such as asbestosis and cancer. Specifically, asbestos is linked to mesothelioma – an aggressive and usually fatal cancer of the lining around bodily organs. Types of mesotheliomas include:
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: Cancer of the lining around the heart
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Cancer of the stomach lining
- Pleural Mesothelioma: Cancer of the lung lining
Asbestos may also be linked to other types of cancer, such as lung, ovarian, stomach, esophageal, pharyngeal, colon and laryngeal cancers.
Exposure at Work
A significant number of injury claims related to asbestos exposure are linked to workplace exposure. Workers in the following industries have, historically, been most at risk:
- Armed forces and veterans
- Asbestos mining
- Construction
- Boiler making
- Electricians
- Firemen, police, and other active responders
- Power plants
- Plumbers
- Shipbuilding and dockyard workers
- Drywall installation
- Insulators
You can also become ill if you are exposed to asbestos fibers that your loved one brings home on their clothing from their job in such an industry.
Compensation for Asbestos Injuries
Compensation for you and your family’s damages can help you cover the losses associated with your diagnosis, including but not limited to, medical bills, loss of employment opportunities, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses.
The process for claiming compensation varies depending on certain factors, such as where (and when) the victim was exposed to asbestos. Legal recourse for pursuing and obtaining compensation include:
- Asbestos trust funds: Trust funds exist to compensate victims even if an asbestos company has filed for bankruptcy. It’s usually possible to pursue such a claim without filing a lawsuit.
- Personal injury lawsuit: It may be possible to sue an employer or other negligent party for asbestos exposure.
- Veteran benefits: If you were exposed to asbestos in military service, you may be able to claim certain benefits without jeopardizing military benefits.
- Wrongful death claim: If a loved one dies from an asbestos-related cancer, you may be able to claim compensation as a surviving family member.
Time Limits for Filing Compensation Claims
There are time limits for filing asbestos injury claims. Typically, the “clock” starts from the date of an asbestos injury diagnosis. However, if a victim dies from their injuries, then the “clock” starts from the date of death.
In Texas, you usually have two years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim. In California, however, you only have one year. The time varies from state to state. Call us if you have questions at 888-910-MESO (6376). There’s never a charge to talk with us.
The claim filing procedure is complex. You deserve legal representation to help you take the most appropriate action. Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more.
Hire Experienced Asbestos Attorneys
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos cancer or illness, or you lose a loved one to a mesothelioma or another asbestos-related diagnosis, know that you may have legal rights to compensation. Madeksho Law is committed to helping you pursue the justice you deserve, and we have been helping victims of asbestos exposure since 1972. We will explain your legal options and fight to get you compensation for your, or your loved one’s, injuries.
Our mission is to seek compensation for asbestos victims. It’s what drives us. And we’re standing by, waiting to help you and your loved ones today. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation meeting to discuss your case at 888-910-MESO (6376).
