To understand how you can get exposed to asbestos through roofing felts, it helps to know the function of roofing felts and how they’re used.
At one time, asbestos was used in the manufacturing of roofing felts because it helped guard against water damage and was excellent at providing a fireproof shield. Therefore, asbestos was a popular additive in roofing products before it was partially banned in the 1980s.
If you believe you’ve been exposed, an asbestos lawyer can help you understand your rights and seek compensation for asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma.
Talk to an Asbestos Lawyer to Receive Maximum Compensation for an Asbestos Claim
If you were exposed to asbestos in a manufacturing environment or the roofing trade, an asbestos lawyer can help you receive compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma. You’ll need their assistance, as they can fight to obtain maximum compensation for your damages.
What Does Roofing Felt?
Roofing felt is a protective layer underneath roof shingles or another type of roof covering. It acts as a moisture barrier outside the home. Therefore, roofing felt is a type of underlayment or a secondary layer of protection. It is meant to prevent moisture from penetrating a roofing system. It may also be used to keep water from coming into contact with the wooden roof deck. It is especially helpful in protecting against wind-driven rains and snow.
Today, roofing felt is regularly made from natural materials, such as wood cellulose, which is soaked with an asphalt layer called bitumen. This covering lends to the water-shedding properties of felt. Other forms of underlayment may be made of polypropylene, fiberglass, or polyester.
Roofing felt primarily protects the decking below the shingles. For instance, if the wind rips off a shingle, the felt prevents water from getting inside the home until you can have the roof repaired. Roofing felts may also increase the fire rating for a roof. Some building codes require that the underlayment beneath a roof meet a fire rating of Class A.
Asphalt saturated roofing feels 15 lb. and 30 lb. materials. The lighter felts are used when a homeowner needs a reduced weight on their roof, although the lighter weight is more susceptible to wear and tear.
Asbestos Exposure
If you were exposed to asbestos through roofing felt, it may have happened at any stage of the manufacturing process if you worked in a factory job. This might have occurred if you fed the material into a machine after the uncoated felt was dried and cut. If you installed roofs with felts that contained asbestos, you may have been exposed when you cut down the felt to size.
You may also have been exposed to asbestos if you were involved in a demolition or renovation project and removed an asbestos-laden roof from a home.
That is why you need to consult with an asbestos attorney about your job history if you feel it led to your current diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease.
More About Occupational Exposure
Anyone who has ever been involved in the manufacturing, installation, or removal of roofing materials may have experienced an occupational exposure to asbestos. Besides roofers, construction workers, and factory employees, people exposed to asbestos felts may have installed skylights, repaired or installed chimneys, or installed electronics or cables for homeowners.
Firefighters, water damage restoration professionals, and historic property preservation employees may get diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease as well.
Why You Should Speak to an Asbestos Lawyer Right Away
Again, if you’ve been diagnosed with a disease that results from exposure to asbestos, you should talk to a lawyer about your medical prognosis and case. They can be helpful to you, as they can review all the resources for receiving compensation. In turn, you can receive more money for your medical care and everyday living expenses.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Seeking a lawyer’s help can result in a better outcome for your case. A lawyer will assist you by doing the following:
Case Evaluation and Legal Advice
One of the primary ways an asbestos lawyer can help is by evaluating your case and providing experienced legal advice. This typically involves:
- Reviewing your medical records and diagnosis
- Assessing your work history and potential sources of asbestos exposure
- Determining the strength of your case and potential legal options
- Advising you on the best course of action based on your specific circumstances
This initial evaluation helps a lawyer assess whether you have a viable claim and what legal strategies are more effective.
Collecting and Preserving Evidence
Asbestos cases often rely heavily on historical evidence, as the exposure may have occurred decades ago. An experienced asbestos attorney will:
- Conduct thorough research into your employment history
- Investigate the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure
- Gather documentation on asbestos use in relevant industries and workplaces
- Collect and preserve physical evidence when possible
- Obtain testimony from coworkers or other witnesses
- Work with medical experts to establish the link between your exposure and illness
This evidence-gathering process is imperative, as it builds a strong case – something that can be quite challenging for someone to do on their own.
Identifying Liable Parties
Asbestos cases often are complicated, as they frequently involve more than one party. Your lawyer will help identify all potentially liable entities, which may include:
- Former employers
- Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products
- Distributors and suppliers of asbestos materials
- Property owners where asbestos exposure occurred
- Asbestos removal companies
By casting a wide net, your lawyer increases the chances of securing fair compensation from all responsible parties.
Accessing Asbestos Trust Funds
Many companies responsible for asbestos exposure have set up asbestos trust funds to cover medical costs for victims. An asbestos lawyer can:
- Identify relevant trust funds related to your exposure
- Prepare and submit claims to multiple trust funds if applicable
- Negotiate with trust fund administrators to maximize your compensation
- Ensure compliance with trust fund procedures and requirements
This knowledge of available trust funds and how to access them can significantly impact the compensation you receive.
Negotiating Settlements
Many asbestos cases are resolved through settlements rather than trials. Your lawyer will:
- Evaluate settlement offers from defendants
- Negotiate with opposing parties to secure fair compensation
- Advise you on whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial
- Ensure that any settlement adequately covers your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages
Skilled negotiation skills can often result in faster resolution and fair compensation without requiring a lengthy trial.
Representing You at Trial
If your case goes to trial, an experienced asbestos lawyer will:
- Develop a compelling legal strategy
- Present evidence and arguments in court
- Cross-examine witnesses and challenge opposing evidence
- Work with expert witnesses to support your case
- Deliver opening and closing statements
- Advocate for maximum compensation from the jury or judge
This courtroom advocacy is critical in presenting a persuasive case and securing a favorable verdict.
Handling Appeals
If necessary, your lawyer can also manage the appeals process, including:
- Filing appeals if the initial verdict is unfavorable
- Defending against appeals by the opposing party
- Presenting arguments to appellate courts
- Ensuring compliance with appellate procedures and deadlines
This continued representation through the appeals process can be vital in upholding or improving the outcome of your case.
Providing Emotional Support and Guidance
Beyond legal representation, an asbestos lawyer often serves as a source of support and guidance throughout the legal process. They can:
- Explain confusing legal concepts in understandable terms
- Keep you up-to-date about your claim(s)
- Provide realistic expectations about potential outcomes
- Offer compassionate support during a challenging time
This emotional support can be invaluable as you deal with the stresses of legal proceedings while going through a serious illness.
Maximizing Compensation
Ultimately, the goal of an asbestos attorney is to maximize the compensation you receive. This includes seeking damages for:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct
An experienced lawyer will work to ensure that all aspects of your suffering and loss are accounted for in the compensation you seek.
