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Asbestos was once a standard material used in various industries like construction and manufacturing. However, today, the use of asbestos is largely banned in many countries due to its serious health risks. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases often develop years after exposure, making early detection and legal action challenging.
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, knowing your legal rights is important, as legal compensation may be available to help manage medical bills, lost income, and other monetary and non-monetary challenges. This article outlines what you need to know about your legal options, enabling you to seek the justice you deserve.
What Does Asbestos Exposure Involve?
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was widely used across various industries, such as shipbuilding, automotive repair, and construction. Its strength and fire-resistant properties made it popular until the health risks became apparent.
Exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, releasing tiny fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and remain there for years, eventually causing damage that may result in life-threatening illness. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, is one of the most devastating outcomes. Due to how long it takes for symptoms to emerge, many people are diagnosed decades after the original exposure.
Pursuing Compensation For Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Victims of asbestos exposure may be eligible to seek financial compensation from the parties responsible, which are often companies that failed to provide adequate warnings or protection. These claims can cover various costs, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and emotional distress. There are several paths to compensation, depending on your circumstances:
Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If a company or employer can be directly linked to your exposure, and their negligence is proven, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Individuals suffering from asbestos-related conditions can pursue personal injury claims, while families of those who have passed away can file wrongful death suits.
If you would like to pursue a personal injury claim in this area, a legal specialist such as this mesothelioma lawyer Pennsylvania can assess the merits of your claim and advise you of your rights and options.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Some companies that were heavily involved in asbestos use filed for bankruptcy but were required to set up trust funds to compensate current and future victims. These funds allow individuals to apply for compensation without going to court. Trust fund claims typically provide reimbursement for asbestos victims’ medical costs, lost income, and other associated losses.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Those exposed to asbestos in the workplace may also be eligible for benefits through their state’s workers’ compensation system. These claims usually cover healthcare expenses and a portion of lost wages. Under this route, asbestos victims typically waive their right to sue their employer directly.
Veterans’ Benefits
Veterans, especially those who served in the Navy or worked in military shipyards, are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial support and healthcare benefits for qualifying service-related conditions.
Understanding your rights and available resources is the first step to seeking the justice you deserve.
