Asbestos exposure is still a threat in the United States. While regulators have taken concerted measures to minimize asbestos in building materials, asbestos is still prevalent in the United States. An estimated 30 million homes still contain some asbestos, while certain products also contain asbestos.
If you or a loved one have developed health problems linked to asbestos, you deserve fair compensation for medical costs and other damages. An asbestos injury lawyer will identify potential exposures and demand fair compensation from liable parties.
Who is at Risk Asbestos Exposure in the U.S.?
Countless Americans interact daily with asbestos and do not realize it. While many people believe the asbestos problem has been eradicated in the U.S., the risks are still all around us with surprising regularity.
Some groups face a heightened risk of asbestos exposure, including:
- Workers in the construction industry
- Miners
- Electricians
- Ironworkers
- Those who live in homes containing asbestos
- Rust removal professionals
- Demolition workers
- Welders
- Certain engineers
- Asbestos removal professionals
This is only a shortened list of the many groups who may interact with asbestos. Those who interact regularly with asbestos may be at the greatest risk of developing asbestos-related health conditions, though more limited exposure can have severe health consequences.
Potential Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
Inhaling asbestos is extremely dangerous, as it is linked to:
- Asbestosis: Asbestosis happens when the fibrous crystals in asbestos cause scarring in your lungs. While the lungs are resilient organs, the trauma caused by asbestos can cause permanent harm. This condition may cause immense difficulty breathing and contribute to other health problems.
- Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the lung membranes known as pleura. This condition can slowly materialize and may emerge in those suffering asbestos exposure several decades after the exposure.
- Lung cancer: Cancer of the lungs results in tumor growth that impedes breathing and can cause other severe symptoms. Such cancer can be fatal, especially if not detected and treated early.
- Pleural disease: This type of disease can cause fluid buildup and thickening of the lung membrane, causing uncomfortable symptoms.
Each of these conditions is serious, and some are potentially life-threatening. You may need expensive treatment to manage your symptoms or recover to the extent that you can. Your asbestos exposure lawyer will demand that liable parties be financially accountable for these medical costs and other damages.
What to Do If You Suffered Health Problems After Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one are suffering the health consequences of asbestos exposure, you should:
- Get the medical treatment you need: Asbestos-related health conditions require urgent medical treatment. Trust that an attorney will secure compensation for your medical bills from liable parties. Your health must come first when you realize asbestos has caused your body harm.
- Find an asbestos injury attorney to seek compensation for you: You may already be facing medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages that are the cost of asbestos exposure. You may have more harm to come, so you must consider your financial recovery. Hire a lawyer and let them fight for the money you need and deserve.
You must focus on your health. Failing to rest or receive the treatment you need can be devastating to your physical and mental health. Let your attorney oversee every detail of your claim or lawsuit.
How an Asbestos Lawyer Can Help You
Your asbestos lawyer will work to secure fair compensation for your asbestos-related damages. Their responsibilities will include:
- Detailing your asbestos exposure: Your lawyer will aim to prove how you were exposed to asbestos. They may conduct environmental testing, photograph asbestos material, obtain records proving asbestos was in environments you occupied, and secure expert testimony about your exposure.
- Documenting liable parties’ negligence: Your attorney will obtain any evidence of negligence, possibly including expert testimony about how they exposed you to asbestos.
- Proving your damages: Your lawyer will get medical records, employment records, medical bills, and any other details of your asbestos-related damages. These records will help explain your lawyer’s settlement demands.
- Calculating the cost of your asbestos-related damages: Your lawyer will identify all of your damages and calculate the financial cost of each. This will provide your lawyer with a financial target to hit during settlement negotiations.
- Negotiating a settlement with liable parties: Your lawyer will present their settlement demands to liable parties. These demands will be fair and evidence-based. Your attorney will insist that liable parties meet these demands and will talk with you about taking further action if they don’t.
- Leading any necessary lawsuit or trial: If liable parties won’t pay fairly for the cost of your asbestos exposure, your lawyer will discuss filing a lawsuit and possibly going to trial with you.
It is your case. Your lawyer will counsel you, but you have the ultimate say over how to resolve your case. Expect frequent updates from your lawyer as you decide whether to settle or pursue further legal action.
Recoverable Damages for Those Exposed to Asbestos
The health effects of asbestos exposure can come at a high price that may include:
Pain and Suffering
Dealing with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health conditions can cause immense pain and suffering, which may include:
- Depression
- Pain stemming from your medical condition
- Lost quality of life
- Emotional anguish
- Psychological distress
Your lawyer may hire a mental health expert to identify the ways that your illness has affected you.
Healthcare Expenses
You may need surgery and other medical services due to your asbestos exposure. Your lawyer will gather medical bills and other records detailing your care.
Professional Harm
Your asbestos-related illness may cost you earning power, income, and other professional benefits. Your lawyer will demand fair compensation for these damages from liable parties.
Wrongful Death
If a loved one passes away because of health problems related to asbestos exposure, you may seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs
- Lost financial support
- All other economic and non-economic harm resulting from your loved one’s passing
Whether you are enduring an illness or have lost a loved one, a lawyer will fight for the just outcome you deserve.
Hire Your Asbestos Injury Attorney Today
There are deadlines for filing asbestos-related cases, so don’t wait to hire your Mesothelioma & Asbestos injury lawyers. Schedule a free consultation now.
