If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, you’re likely facing challenges that you never imagined. Lung cancer patients deserve a trusted legal advocate with a deep understanding and unwavering commitment. With two decades of dedicated experience in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, Vogelzang Law stands out as a beacon of hope and compassion. Our rich history is woven with successful advocacy for individuals afflicted by asbestos exposure, and our unified team pledges to be by your side through every stage of litigation.
Our results speak for themselves; as true champions among a pantheon of national mesothelioma law firms, we are proud to have recovered over $200,000,000 for clients across the United States during our tenure.
Facing an asbestos-related diagnosis can be overwhelming; let our asbestos lawyers carry the weight of the legal battle so you and your family can focus on healing and hope. Choose Vogelzang Law, and find out how we can help you navigate the legal process.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fine, fibrous silicate. There are six types, and each contains similar long, thin fibers. Due to its strong, flexible characteristics, asbestos has been a desirable ingredient in a wide range of compounds. Known to increase durability, resist heat, and absorb sound, asbestos was once referred to as the “miracle mineral.” It was used in nearly everything, from joint compounds to insulation.
In the early 2000s, asbestos suffered a cataclysmic fall from grace. No longer considered the “miracle mineral,” asbestos is now classified as one of the world’s deadliest substances.
Asbestos is highly carcinogenic and has been linked to ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, clubbed fingers, and lung cancer. It is also the only known cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is also limited evidence to suggest a link between asbestos and increased cancer risk of stomach, colorectum, and pharynx cancers.
Too often you are told that smoking is the sole cause of lung cancer.
In the U.S., 10-20% of lung cancer cases happen to people who have never smoked or smoked less than 100 cigarettes in their entire lifetime.
Many environmental factors, including asbestos, can increase your risk of lung cancer.
Radon is a radioactive gas that is found naturally in soil and rock. It can seep into homes and buildings through cracks in the foundation. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. It’s estimated that 23% of lung cancer deaths are caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution.
A familial history of lung cancer can increase the risk of developing the disease. Genetics play a significant role in cancer development and risk.
Numerous companies are known to be responsible for exposing their workers to asbestos on-the-job. See if you recognize a company you have worked for in the past.
Asbestos continues to be an issue for schools around the nation. If building materials that contain asbestos begin to decompose over time, asbestos can become airborne. Children are particularly at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.
Veterans make up a considerable number of mesothelioma cases annually. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides compensation, benefits, and assistance programs to those diagnosed with mesothelioma due to their service in the U.S. Military.
Michigan is more than home to the motor city. Automobile manufacturing makes up a small portion of their diverse industries. We work with mesothelioma patients from a variety of industries, including chemical plants, heavy industrial manufacturing, nuclear plants, paper mills, and many others.
Asbestos-related diseases, especially lung cancer, have left countless individuals and their families facing both physical and emotional turmoil. Our mesothelioma lawyers are adept at navigating the legal complexities associated with asbestos exposure, ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.
Your attorney will begin by meeting with you to discuss the specifics of your case, determine its validity, and understand the extent of asbestos exposure and its consequences. This initial step sets the stage for all subsequent legal actions and helps victims understand what an asbestos lawsuit involves. Throughout these processes, our asbestos attorneys also provide emotional support, guiding victims and their families through the complexities of the legal system and the challenges of dealing with asbestos-related ailments.
Our experienced asbestos attorneys understand what’s involved in building and presenting your case such that you achieve a desirable financial recovery. We know that solid, irrefutable evidence is the backbone of a successful legal claim, and will go to great lengths to collect as much evidence as possible, including medical records, employment history, and any other relevant documentation that proves the link between asbestos exposure and the resulting lung cancer.
Based on the evidence, your attorney will file a formal legal claim against the parties deemed responsible for the asbestos exposure. A skilled lung cancer and mesothelioma lawyer will negotiate with the opposing side to reach a compensation amount that fairly addresses the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. 99% of asbestos-related cases settle out of court. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney is prepared to represent you in court, presenting evidence, calling expert witnesses, and making persuasive arguments in favor of the victim.
The consequences of asbestos exposure, particularly when it results in diseases like lung cancer, are far-reaching. Victims often face not only physical and emotional suffering but also financial burdens from medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs. It’s in this context that compensation and damages come into play, offering a form of financial relief and justice to those affected. This section delves into the intricacies of compensation and damages in asbestos-related cases:
These are tangible, out-of-pocket expenses that a victim incurs, including, but not limited to:
Medical expenses:
Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapies, and future medical treatments.
Lost wages, earnings, and income:
Compensation for income lost due to the illness, including future earnings if the victim is unable to return to work.
These are intangible losses that don’t have a specific monetary value but are significant nonetheless:
Pain and suffering:
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of consortium:
Compensation for the harm done to the relationship between the victim and their spouse or family due to the illness.
Many companies that manufactured or used asbestos have declared bankruptcy due to the sheer number of asbestos-related lawsuits. To ensure victims still get compensated, these companies were often required to establish trust funds. These asbestos trust funds provide a source of compensation even when the responsible companies no longer operate in the same capacity. Our firm relies on dedicated bankruptcy paralegals to aid us in ensuring that these cases are directed toward the appropriate channels.
While our attorneys cannot promise you a specific recovery amount, our experience handling asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma lawsuits has given us ample reason to believe firmly that you can achieve a higher settlement amount when working with an experienced lawyer.
Your compensation will depend on several factors.
The Severity of the Illness:
Generally, more severe conditions like mesothelioma may command higher compensation than less severe ailments.
The Degree of Defendant’s Negligence:
The more negligent the responsible party, the higher the potential damages.
The Financial Burden Incurred:
The tangible economic losses faced by the victim play a pivotal role in determining compensation.
For those affected by asbestos-related diseases, understanding the landscape of compensation and damages is crucial. By securing adequate compensation, victims can find some relief from the financial stress of their condition, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being. An experienced attorney can guide victims through this process, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to.
Each jurisdiction has a time frame, known as the statute of limitations, within which a victim can file an asbestos-related claim. It’s vital for victims to act promptly to ensure their right to compensation is preserved.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are distinct diseases. While both can be caused by asbestos exposure, they affect different parts of the lungs and have different cellular characteristics. Asbestos-related lung cancer forms in the lung tissue itself, specifically in the air passages. This is different from the pleural lining, where mesothelioma develops.
Additionally, asbestos-related lung cancer is more common than mesothelioma. For every mesothelioma death, it’s estimated there are several times more asbestos-related lung cancer deaths.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, and can trace their disease back to asbestos exposure, typically qualify to file a lawsuit. Building a strong claim for compensation typically involves evidence of a lung cancer diagnosis and exposure to asbestos. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys know where to look for this evidence and how to compile our findings into an airtight claim.
Yes, if a loved one has passed away from an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to file a claim on their behalf. Often referred to as a “wrongful death” lawsuit, these claims are typically filed by immediate family members such as spouses, children, or the estate of the deceased.
This process aims to secure compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related damages. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney experienced in asbestos lawsuits to understand the specifics and navigate the complexities of such a claim, as well as to ensure timely filing within your state’s statute of limitations.
Both mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer have different types or subtypes. Mesothelioma primarily has four main types based on where it originates: pleural (lungs), peritoneal (abdomen), pericardial (heart), and testicular. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common among these. Each type can present different symptoms and may require varying treatment approaches.
Asbestos-related lung cancer, on the other hand, can be categorized into two main subtypes: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC can be further divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment options for asbestos victims typically involve supportive care (to address the symptoms of the disease) and a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for those with a current diagnosis of lung cancer.
If you have been exposed to asbestos or have already received a diagnosis, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and work with an experienced asbestos attorney to ensure that you have the resources you need to continue your treatment.
