Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven to cause cancer and other diseases. If you worked in manufacturing or construction in the 20th century, particularly in America, you are considered to be at the highest risk for exposure. If you found that you have been affected by asbestos, here are the reasons why you may need to seek an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit or speak to a lawyer about filing a claim.
Types of Asbestos
Asbestos refers to six different minerals: chrysotile, tremolite, crocidolite, amosite, and anthophyllite. The most common type of asbestos exposure comes from the chrysotile fiber, which is responsible for 95% of cases around the world.
You’ll want to make sure that your lawyer is professionally trained to handle asbestos-related claim cases so that their team can track down the cause of your exposure.
Damage to Health
The most common harmful exposure to asbestos usually results in mesothelioma. There is no safe amount of exposure to asbestos, so any one-time exposure is just as bad as compounded exposures. When a person inhales the airborne fibers, they can penetrate deep into the lungs. It can eventually lead to scarring and inflammation, which after repeated or prolonged exposures can lead to cancer.
Suing for Compensation
Since asbestos was used in manufacturing and construction, this made it an ideal option for building materials that needed to resist corrosion and heat damage but not for the health of the employees working nearby or with the material.
The average asbestos/mesothelioma lawsuit settlement is around $1 million, but several factors may affect the value of that claim. Talk to your lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you get what you deserve.
You can also apply for expedited Social Security disability benefits and workers compensation benefits.
Exposure: Act Now
Despite the shocking statistics and the many more tragic cases around the world each year, asbestos use is still being used in some places around the world. Sadly, those agencies responsible for making its use illegal are slow to adapt due to the economic growth of particular companies and the existing infrastructure set up to mine and use asbestos.
Now that you know many of the things related to asbestos exposure, you can be more informed if you or your family is ever exposed. Receiving the right benefits on your claim depends on the timing, evidence, and lawyer. Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer out of fear of price. If you have been seriously affected your claim will likely cover a significant portion if you act now.
