An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral
A lawyer for asbestos defense can help protect those who's financial security has been affected by exposure to the toxic mineral. Compensation can cover medical costs, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Our lawyers are involved in the mass litigation of toxic torts on a national, regional and local level. As as such, we are acquainted with the specific issues and the complex science that go along asbestos cases.
New York Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos is a dangerous fiber that can lead to a variety of severe medical conditions, such as mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is experienced in handling
asbestos lawsuits that seek financial compensation for the victims and their families due to exposure to this toxic substance. These cases can be complicated and therefore it is essential to have a
mesothelioma attorney to assist you.
New York has had a long history of asbestos litigation. Many residents were exposed to this hazardous material. In recent years there have been more lawsuits filed against former asbestos producers than ever before. These cases result from the recognition of a link between asbestos and diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The companies were aware of the dangers associated with the hazardous mineral, but failed to warn their employees and clients.
The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related ailments due to its old structures and the numerous construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously hazardous area that continues to affect the surrounding community.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos in direct contact, and many workers were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. However, people also get diagnosed with mesothelioma after experiencing an exposure secondarily to the harmful substances. This includes spouses who wear their husband's clothing to work and come into contact with asbestos dust regularly.
The litigation associated with mesothelioma can be costly for defendants, particularly if they are wrongfully named as a defendant. According to a study, more that 3,600 claims have been filed in New York courts since 2014, and the number could rise further. This type of litigation is typically supported by asbestos law firms that advertise on television during the day and encourage victims to file claims, with the promise of substantial settlements.
The defendants may be able reduce some of the costs of these cases by arguing their policies are in a lapse or that they are only responsible a small portion of the value of the claim. New York law does not provide a definitive rule on how to allocate the liability if the alleged exposure is of and outside the insurance policies.
Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Exposure to asbestos can lead to many different illnesses. The most serious condition is mesothelioma. Many people have died due to mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer and asbestosis. Pleural plaques and pleural effusion are also asbestos-related.
Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal illness caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which accumulate in the lungs and irritate the lining of the chest cavity, ribcage and abdominal cavity (the Pleura). The inhalation of these tiny fibers can result in scarring of the lungs called asbestosis, and occasionally, the development of thickened patches on the pleura referred to as pleural plaques or a more widespread fibrosis of the pleura called diffused pleural the fibrosis. Pleural plaques or diffuse fibrosis could decrease lung capacity, as measured by breathing test. They can also cause discomfort and breathing difficulties however they do not lead to cancer or mesothelioma.
Often, symptoms of asbestos-related diseases do not show up until decades after the initial exposure. It can take as long as 50 years for asbestos fibers that are inhaled to cause lung damage. Workers who handled, cleaned, and removed
asbestos lawyers from the workplace as well as spouses, children and other people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Other asbestos-related diseases apart from mesothelioma, include laryngeal cancer and lung cancer, peritoneal, ovarian, and peritoneal cancer. The most deadly form of mesothelioma is called ovarian cancer, but it's much less prevalent than mesothelioma in general. It is usually diagnosed later than other kinds of mesothelioma due to the fact that it develops in the tissues of the reproductive organs, and symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other diseases.
Many companies used asbestos in the 20th century, but they were aware that it was dangerous. They exposed thousands of people to asbestos because they failed to remove asbestos from their products. These people can now sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies have gone bankrupt. As a result, the victims are able to seek the compensation they deserve from the trust funds established by the bankruptcy courts.
Asbestos Litigation in New York
Asbestos companies have put profit before the safety of their employees and customers for a long time making dangerous products, without warning of the dangers. These companies are now paying the price for their carelessness. Victims of asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and full settlement.
The attorneys at Belluck & Fox are dedicated to helping families and individuals receive the justice they need. With more than 25 years of experience, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our New York mesothelioma lawyers work to hold large corporations responsible accountable and to obtain the highest amount of compensation for our clients.
Many states have set up special asbestos courts where claims can be filed and resolved more efficiently. Judges have also developed specialized procedures to evaluate and resolve asbestos-related cases.
New York is one such state, with its own asbestos court, known as NYCAL. The caseload in this specialty court has grown steadily, as asbestos victims are becoming more and more likely to seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who have become bankrupt. The New York Supreme Court created an additional judicial board that will supervise NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.
A panel of six Supreme Court judges will review each case in NYCAL to determine whether or not to take it up with it. Judges will also evaluate the merits of each claim to decide how much money a plaintiff should be awarded.
The panel is currently studying more than 3,500 lawsuits. The panel is expected make a final decision before the end of the year.
New York asbestos lawsuits are typically complex and often involve several defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have a wealth of experience in defending these complicated cases. They are familiar with the asbestos courts of New York and their rules, regulations and policies in addition to other jurisdictions where they have handled multi-district litigation.
The firm also has extensive experience as National Coordinating Counsel, representing clients in multidistrict litigation that is complex and complex. In this role, attorneys develop strategies, coordinate and oversee local and regional counsel, and ensure cost-effective, consistent defenses for every client. They have worked closely with trial and coordination judges and litigation special masters in the various jurisdictions where they have been involved in asbestos litigation.
Representation of Plaintiffs
A Tulsa
asbestos lawyer will determine which strategy is most effective to defend the client against a personal injury lawsuit involving asbestos. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels product manufacturers, suppliers contractors, distributors, contractors, and owners of premises in matters involving claims of
mesothelioma attorney and lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses. The firm also assists clients to create internal programs for identifying and addressing potential safety and liability concerns.
In addition to its asbestos practice across the nation, Bowles Rice serves as national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this role Bowles Rice formulates strategies for litigation and supervises local and region counsel to ensure a uniform and cost-effective defense in accordance with the client's needs. Additionally it plays an important role in the management of
Asbestos Lawsuit dockets and negotiations with plaintiffs' counsel and also leads discovery for its clients.
The firm's lawyers are skilled in defending clients against claims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos defense lawyers are familiar with the intricate science involved with these cases, and the unique legal issues that arise when defending businesses in state and federal courts across the United States.
Catherine has defended numerous companies in asbestos and products liability personal injury cases, defending them as lead trial counsel and in consolidated trials involving a variety of claimants. She has extensive experience in litigating asbestos-related lawsuits before the federal and state courts, as well as various Supreme Court and appellate bodies.
During her tenure at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including those at the Asbestos Claim Facility in Northern California. The case files included SEAR forms (Short Encapsulated Evaluative Reports) that contained confidential information on the plaintiffs, such as medical reports, a history of work, and a list of asbestos products that plaintiffs worked with or around. Vogel was required to have access to a password to access the files. Then, she could review any SEAR forms provided by her current employer.
The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team, in addition to having extensive experience in trial and appellate work, is recognized nationally for its ability to reach settlements on behalf of its clients. In this capacity, the firm collaborates closely with lawyers representing plaintiffs in the preparation and execution of settlement agreements. Additionally, it has extensive experience in defending businesses against appeals.
