Have you or a loved one been exposed to asbestos while at work. Many employers failed to warn of the dangers or provide proper protection to their workers while working with this harmful substance. If you have experienced health effects due to exposure, please call 888.685.7689 for a free consultation.
History of Asbestos
Asbestos is a silicate mineral that has been used by humans for thousands of years. An explosion in the use of asbestos occurred during the Industrial Revolution due to its resistance to fire and other types of physical damage as well as affordability. It was used extensively in shipyards, manufacturing, construction and automotive industries. Asbestos usage peaked in the United States in the early 1970s, but by the latter half of decade a dramatic decline in usage was occurring throughout the industrialized world. The public had become aware of something the manufacturers had known for years — the dangers of asbestos exposure. The number of lawsuits continues to grow as the onset of asbestos related diseases can take 15 to 40 years to develop.
Asbestos exposure could have occurred while working in many occupations. Exposure could have also been secondary, such as washing the clothes of someone who worked in an industry which used products containing asbestos. Some common fields or industries where asbestos was used include:
- Construction Sites
- Automotive Industry
- Military Service
Asbestos exposure can lead to many health problems the most serious being Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall. Symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath, chest wall pain, fatigue or anemia, and wheezing/hoarseness/cough. The symptoms of Mesothelioma are very similar to other diseases which can make diagnosis difficult. While the most common issues with asbestos exposure result in lung ailments, this is not always the case. Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the abdominal cavity, the sac that surrounds the heart, or the sac that surrounds the testis.
Other Asbestos Related Diseases
Mesothelioma is not the only health problem that can result from asbestos exposure. The lungs retain inhaled asbestos fibers which can result in a chronic inflammatory condition known as Asbestosis. An asbestosis diagnosis not only reduces the quality of life for an individual, but increases the probability of developing lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Filing an Asbestos Claim
The process of moving forward with an asbestos claim can be difficult. There are many ways to pursue compensation for those negatively affected by exposure. In some cases, a direct pursuit against the manufacturer of the asbestos is possible. Claims may also be pursued against the company where the exposure took place. Even if the manufacturer has gone out of business it may still be possible to receive compensation from the bankruptcy trusts that have been established to compensate victims. Some claims may be barred due to Statute of Limitation issues that prevent filing a claim after a certain period of time has expired. It is important to act as soon as possible so this does not happen. If you or a loved one has been exposed the asbestos you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
You can contact United Law at 888.685.7689 to speak with an experienced attorney who can get to work on your claim today.