An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral
An
asbestos compensation defense attorney can protect the financial security of those who have been affected through exposure to this dangerous mineral. Compensation may cover medical costs, funeral and burial expenses as well as pain and suffering and lost quality of life.
Our lawyers are involved in mass toxic tort litigation on a regional, national and local scale. We are familiarized with the unique issues and complex aspects of science that are associated with asbestos cases.
New York Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos fibers are deadly and can cause severe medical conditions like mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is experienced in handling asbestos lawsuits that seek financial compensation for the victims and their families due to exposure to this toxic substance. These cases can be complex, and it is critical to have a mesothelioma expert law firm on your side.
New York has had a long history with asbestos litigation, and many residents were exposed to the dangerous material. In recent years, there have been more lawsuits filed against asbestos producers in the past than ever before. These cases stem from the recognition of a link between asbestos and diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer and asbestosis. These companies were aware asbestos's dangers however, they failed to inform employees and consumers.
New York City is especially susceptible to diseases caused by asbestos due to its old structures and many construction sites. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a notoriously toxic place that continues to impact on the community around it.
Many workers were exposed to asbestos at work. However, some people are diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of secondhand exposure to the harmful substances. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposed workers who had their husbands' work clothes and came in contact with asbestos dust regularly.
The mesothelioma lawsuit is costly for defendants, particularly if they are wrongfully named as a defendant. According to an investigation, more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed in New York courts since 2014, and the number could increase further. This type of litigation is typically fueled by specialized asbestos law (
kizkiuz.com) firms that promote on television during the day and encourage victims to file claims with the promise of huge settlements.
The defendants could be able to reduce some of the costs of these cases by arguing that their policy periods are expired or that they are only responsible for only a small percentage of the amount claimed. New York law does not provide a definitive rule on how to distribute liability when the alleged exposure is of and outside the insurance policies.
Asbestos-related diseases
Exposure to asbestos can cause many different ailments. The most serious condition is mesothelioma. Many people have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer asbestosis, pleural plaques, and pleural effusion.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal condition, is caused by asbestos fibers that are found in the lung. They then cause irritation to the linings of the ribcage (the pleura) as well as the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. Inhaling these fibers can lead to scarring in the lungs. This is called asbestosis. It can also lead to thickened patches of pleura (pleural plaques) or a more extensive fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis reduce lung capacity, as measured by breathing tests. They can also cause pain and difficulty in breathing, however they don't cause mesothelioma or cancer.
Most of the time, symptoms of asbestos-related diseases do not appear until decades after the initial exposure. It can take up to 50 years for asbestos-related fibers to be inhaled to cause lung damage. Workers who handled, cleaned, and removed
asbestos case from their workplaces as well as children, spouses and other people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
In addition to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related diseases include laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, and mesothelioma of the ovary. The most deadly form of mesothelioma is ovarian cancer, but it's less frequent than the general mesothelioma. It is typically diagnosed later than other forms of mesothelioma due to the fact that it is a cancer that develops in the tissues of the reproductive organs, and the symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other illnesses.
A number of companies used asbestos in the 20th century. They were aware that it was dangerous. If they didn't remove asbestos from their products thousands of people were exposed. These people now are able to sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies have declared bankruptcy. The victims are now able to claim compensation from the trust funds set up by bankruptcy courts.
Asbestos Litigation in New York
Asbestos companies have put profits over the safety of their employees and their customers for decades, producing hazardous products without warning about the risks. These companies are now paying for their carelessness. Patients who have suffered asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and complete settlement.
Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals get the justice they deserve. Our attorneys have more than 25 years of experience and have helped our clients receive millions of dollars of compensation. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys work to hold corporations accountable and seek the highest amount of compensation for their clients.
Many states have created asbestos courts with specialization, where claims can be filed more efficiently. In addition, judges have established specific procedures to evaluate and resolve asbestos cases.
New York is one such state with its own asbestos court known as NYCAL. As asbestos victims continue to seek compensation from solvent asbestos defendants that have declared bankruptcy, the caseload of this special court has been steadily increasing. The New York Supreme Court created an additional judicial board that will oversee NYCAL in order to keep the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.
A panel composed of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine if it should be accepted or rejected. Judges will also consider the merits of each case to decide how much money a plaintiff should receive.
At present, the panel is looking into more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected issue its final decision by the end of this year.
New York asbestos lawsuits are often complex and include allegations of several defendants. Belluck & Fox's lawyers have extensive experience in defending these complicated matters. They are well-versed in New York's asbestos courts and their rules, regulations and policies in addition to other jurisdictions where they have handled multi-district litigation.
The firm also has vast experience serving as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients nationwide in multi-district, complex litigation. In this role lawyers formulate strategies, manage local and regional counsel, and ensure that they are able to provide consistent and effective defenses for clients. They have worked closely with coordinating and trial judges and litigation special masters in various jurisdictions in which they were involved in asbestos litigation.
Representation of Plaintiffs
A Tulsa asbestos lawyer will determine what strategy is best to defend the client from a personal injury lawsuit involving asbestos.