Why It Is Important to Hire an Asbestos Exposure Attorney
It is important to consult a New York asbestos exposure lawyer if you or someone you love suffers from asbestos-related illness. These lawyers can assist you obtain compensation from owners of the worksite or building and their employers, product manufacturers and many others.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to a variety of serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. These conditions can be debilitating, painful, and even deadly.
Reporting to Your Employer
Dangerous asbestos exposure is common in certain workplaces which include shipyards, construction sites, auto repair shops, and manufacturing plants. Federal and state laws mandate that employers educate their workers about the dangers of asbestos and provide protective equipment. Unfortunately, many workers have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos for decades before they experience symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness it is crucial to notify your employer. You may be able bring a lawsuit against your employer if sickened due to their failure to follow government safety standards. The statute of limitations for claims varies from state to state, therefore it is imperative to seek legal help as soon as you detect any signs.
An experienced attorney can investigate past work history to identify asbestos exposure. They can also review medical records to help determine if your symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. A lawyer can also explain to you the different compensation options available.
Employers may be held responsible for workplace injuries if they fail to adhere to asbestos safety rules. Regulatory agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, establish these standards. OSHA for instance requires employers to make sure that all asbestos that is friable in the workplace is removed or encapsulated. If you suspect that your employer isn't following these regulations and you are concerned, contact OSHA to file a formal complaint. OSHA will not reveal your name or address and will conduct an investigation without disclosing specifics of the investigation.
In addition to workers' compensation claims, you may be a victim of a third-party asbestos lawsuit against the manufacturer of a defective product that caused your exposure. Normally, these cases fall under the umbrella of products liability. However, this type of claim is generally dealt with separately from a worker compensation case.
You may not be eligible to make a claim for worker's compensation if you are an independent contractor. If you are an IC then you should think about seeking legal assistance from someone who handles personal injury claims for independent contractors. In some states this is known as"causation lawsuits. "causation lawsuit." These types of cases are typically filed by a mesothelioma attorney.
The process of filing a Workers' Compensation Claim
Asbestos can trigger serious health diseases. People who have been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. a form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma can kill within the first few days of being diagnosed.
Anyone who suspects that they may have mesothelioma, or a similar asbestos-related illness and should see their doctor immediately. If a worker suspects that they were exposed to asbestos, the doctor will ask for a detailed background of the work environment and any symptoms the worker may be experiencing. A thorough physical examination should be performed, including the chest radiograph and pulmonary function test. A specialist will interpret the X-rays and ensure the doctor is aware of any potential asbestos exposure.
A worker is able to file for workers' compensation after the asbestos-related disease is diagnosed. New York law requires that workers declare any injuries or illnesses they believe are related to their job within 30 days. This allows workers to fulfill their legal obligations and have the possibility of bringing a suit against the employer in the event they are not compensated.
An experienced asbestos attorney can help workers get the workers' compensation they require to cover hospital bills as well as home care expenses loss of wages, and other expenses. The amount of compensation a claim can receive will depend on the nature and severity of the disease. In some cases victims are able to receive compensation that allows them to live a luxurious life and be able to enjoy their family.
A New York asbestos lawyer can help workers pursue compensation from companies that manufacture or use products that contain asbestos. This can be done by filing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful-death lawsuit. These lawsuits could seek compensation for a variety of expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses. The wrongful death lawsuits may also offer financial assistance to the surviving loved ones.
A large portion of those who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses are veterans, construction workers and those employed in industrial positions. These people were likely exposed to asbestos while performing their work at construction sites, shipyards and auto repair shops. They could also have brought asbestos fibers home from their jobs, exposing their families to the harmful substance.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
A successful asbestos suit could result in financial compensation to pay for medical bills, lost income, home care costs, funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and other losses due to mesothelioma or another
asbestos lawyers-related illness. A seasoned New York asbestos exposure lawyer can assist victims and their families obtain the compensation they are entitled to from the companies that wrongly exposed them to asbestos that is dangerous.
Asbestos was a fibrous, brittle material used in many products including insulation pipes, fireproofing, and covers, until it was phased out due to health concerns. Workers who were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces may be eligible for workers' compensation. However other legal options like filing a lawsuit against the company or trust fund responsible for asbestos can result in greater compensation.
Many of those who have developed asbestos-related illnesses have not even been in direct contact with asbestos substances; they were exposed to dust and other airborne particles as they went about their everyday routines at home, at work or in public spaces. Many first responders and survivors of 9/11 have also been diagnosed with lung diseases linked to secondhand asbestos exposure.
A lawyer should be consulted immediately by anyone diagnosed with a health condition that is caused by asbestos. An expert asbestos lawyer can analyze the details of a person's exposure history and help the family member or victim bring a suit against employers, product manufacturers, or other parties responsible for their exposure.
As asbestos-related diseases such as
mesothelioma lawyer may take a long time to manifest, it's important to seek legal help whenever you can. A skilled lawyer can bring an
asbestos lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, which in New York is three years from the date of diagnosis.
Some attorneys handle general personal injury cases, while others specialize in asbestos law.
Mesothelioma attorneys have experience in asbestos-related diseases and cancers as well as lung diseases, other health issues, and other forms of cancers. They also know how to gather evidence and analyze it, interview witnesses, and prepare the case for trial so that they can ensure their clients receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve.