Asbestos Lawsuit Information
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs naturally in rock and soil. When left undisturbed, it presents little danger. But when asbestos is unsettled through mining or construction, the fibers can be released into the air and inhaled in dangerous quantities.
Asbestos lawsuits are based on evidence that manufacturers were aware of serious health risks to workers and consumers, but used asbestos anyway to increase profits. Men and women affected by side effects like mesothelioma and lung cancer may have the right to file an asbestos lawsuit against their past employers or other responsible companies for significant legal damages.
Our mesothelioma lawyers can inform you about the ongoing asbestos litigation and the legal options available to you and your family during a free phone consultation at (866) 808-2424.
Asbestos Lawsuits Based on Serious Side Effects
Beginning in the late 1800s, asbestos has been used in insulation, automobile parts, building materials, and other heat-resistant products. During World War II, the mineral was widely used to construct and repair Navy ships. Use of asbestos peaked in 1974 and declined as awareness of the health risks became publicly known.
When asbestos is disturbed through mining or construction, dangerous fibers are released into the air. These fibers can also be released from deteriorating commercial products, decaying buildings, or improper encapsulation of fibers during manufacturing.
The most serious side effect of inhaling asbestos fibers is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart. Other forms of cancer, such as lung and throat cancers, have also been linked to asbestos exposure. A progressive, non-cancer disease of the lungs known as asbestosis is another common side effect of inhaling asbestos.
Since the 1970s, hundreds of thousands of victims have pursued an asbestos lawsuit for these life-threatening conditions. And because symptoms may not appear until 10 to 40 years after exposure, new asbestos lawsuits continue to be filed on behalf of recently diagnosed victims.
Given the nature of the injuries involved, an asbestos lawsuit often includes claims by family members for loss of household services, loss of consortium, and wrongful death.
About the Asbestos Class Action Lawsuit
While some courts previously sought to establish an asbestos class action lawsuit, today cases are filed on an individual basis. Claims involving mesothelioma and other complicated medical injuries cannot be adequately litigated in an asbestos class action proceeding. In an individual lawsuit, however, the parties can investigate the cause of injury in each case and seek more thorough compensation for the full range of the victim’s legal damages.
The first step in any asbestos lawsuit is to consult a knowledgeable attorney for a case evaluation. Your mesothelioma lawyer can inform you about the time limits that apply to your case, and whether you may be entitled to compensation from an asbestos bankruptcy trust, workers’ compensation program, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the public’s exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and throughout the environment. In additiona, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for protecting the public’s exposure to asbestos from over 15,000 consumer products. However, no federal program has been enacted to compensate victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos side effects. Therefore, if you suffered serious medical injuries after exposure to asbestos, we encourage you to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer about your legal rights.
Contact our attorneys by phone or online at any time to discuss your case and learn how we can help.