Who can file an asbestos-related lawsuit?
Although the EPA has made regulations to promote protection from asbestos, and organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have manufactured respirators for asbestos exposed industrialists to use, workers are still experiencing asbestos related illnesses. Sadly, even workers exposed to asbestos as young as in their 30's have contracted asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma and have died as a result.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, or even who have simply been exposed to high levels of asbestos, may have a legal claim depending on the circumstances. Individuals with asbestos-related diseases be able to file a lawsuit for their injuries and suffering. In addition, those exposed to asbestos on the job may qualify for financial help under state workers compensation laws, including medical payments, and damages awarded for wrongful death lawsuits.
Workers who've been exposed to high levels of asbestos should notify their employer at once and seek medical testing. Chest xrays can help identify lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure, and asbestos fibers can be measured in urine and blood tests.
The Statute of Limitations states that anyone can bring an asbestos-related lawsuit within two years of discovering an asbestos-related illness, regardless of the last time of exposure.
Other Mesothelioma FAQs
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Q:
What is mesothelioma and how do you get it?
A: The National Cancer Institute states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac … More -
Q:
What should I do if I've been exposed to asbestos? What if I don't feel sick?
A: If you've been exposed to asbestos it is important to tell your doctor ! Even if you don’t feel sick, the fact is that people usually don’t show … More -
Q:
Are victims of mesothelioma entitled to social security disability benefits?
A: Individuals with impairments caused by certain exposures to asbestos may qualify for disability claims under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. … More -
Q:
What exactly is asbestos?
A: Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. It is a … More -
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Is asbestos hazardous to your health?
A: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the EPA have determined that asbestos is in fact a human carcinogen, and that breathing high levels of … More -
Q:
What happens when someone inhales asbestos fibers?
A: Asbestos fibers are harmful to humans if inhaled. When a person breathes in the small fibers, they remain in the lungs and cause scar tissue to form on the walls of … More -
Q:
Does asbestos exposure cause cancer?
A: There are several asbestos-related diseases that can result from inhaling asbestos fibers, including: •Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis); •Mesothelioma; … More -
Q:
How much exposure does it take to get the disease?
A: An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. More -
Q:
Where is asbestos found?
A: In the United States, asbestos has been used in a variety of industries and products. Some examples of products that contain asbestos include: •Building … More -
Q:
Who is at risk for mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases?
A: Most people with malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a … More
