An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral
A defense attorney for asbestos can help protect those who's financial security was affected by exposure to the toxic mineral. Compensation could cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost quality of life, and suffering and pain.
Our attorneys serve as local, regional and national counsel in large toxic tort litigation. We are well-versed in the unique issues and complex scientific aspects associated with asbestos cases.
New York Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos fibers are dangerous and can cause serious medical conditions, such as mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is adept at handling asbestos lawsuits that seek compensation for victims and their families who have been exposed to this toxic substance. These cases can be extremely complex and therefore it is essential to have a reputable mesothelioma law firm by your side.
New York has had a long history of asbestos litigation and many residents were exposed to this hazardous material. In recent years, there are more lawsuits filed against asbestos producers in the past than ever before. These cases arise out of the realization that asbestos is associated with diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. These companies were aware asbestos' dangers however, they failed to inform employees and consumers.
The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related illnesses due to its older structures and numerous construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously hazardous area that continues to affect the community around it.
Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos in direct contact and many workers were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. However, many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to harmful substances. This is especially true for spouses who wear husband's clothes to work and come into contact with
asbestos lawsuit dust frequently.
Mesothelioma-related litigation can be expensive for defendants. This is particularly relevant if they've been wrongly identified as defendants. A study shows that more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed since 2014 in New York courts. This number could grow. This niche litigation is often supported by asbestos law firms that promote on daytime television and encourage victims to file claims, with the promise of substantial settlements.
The defendants might be able to reduce the cost of these cases by arguing that their policy periods are overdue or that they are only responsible only a small percentage of the value of the claim. However, New York law has not provided a definitive rule on how to divide liabilities when the alleged exposure occurs within and outside the insurer's policy periods.
Asbestos-related Illnesses
Exposure to asbestos can trigger various ailments. The mesothelioma disease is the most serious. Mesothelioma has led to the deaths of many people. Other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and the pleural effusion.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal illness, is caused by asbestos fibers that collect in the lungs. They then cause irritation to the linings of the ribcage (the the pleura) as well as the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. Inhaling these fibers can lead to scarring in the lungs. This is called asbestosis. It can also result in thickened patches of pleura (pleural plaques) or an increase in fibrosis. Pleural plaques or diffuse fibrosis can reduce lung capacity as measured by a breath test. They can also cause pain and discomfort in breathing, however they do not lead cancer or mesothelioma.
The majority of the time, signs of asbestos-related diseases don't show up until decades after the initial exposure. This is because it can take between 20 and 50 years for the inhalation of asbestos-containing fibers to damage the lungs. Workers who handled, cleaned and removed
asbestos attorney from the workplace as well as spouses, children and others who were exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
In addition to mesothelioma other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma and ovarian mesothelioma. The most deadly form of mesothelioma is called ovarian cancer, but it's less common than the general mesothelioma. It is usually diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma since it is a cancer that develops in the tissues of the reproductive organs and symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other illnesses.
A number of companies used asbestos in the 20th century. They were aware that it was hazardous. When they failed to remove asbestos from their products, thousands of people were exposed. These people can now sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related manufacturers are bankrupt. The victims can now seek compensation from the trust funds established by bankruptcy courts.
Asbestos Litigation in New York
For decades, asbestos-related companies put profits above the security of their employees and consumers, manufacturing hazardous products, without warning of the risks. They are now paying the price for their negligence. People who have suffered from
asbestos legal-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and full compensation.
Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals obtain the justice they deserve. 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 maximum amount of compensation for our clients.
A number of states have established special asbestos courts where claims can be filed and resolving more efficiently. Judges have also created specialized procedures to evaluate and resolve these cases.
New York, a state that has its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL) is one of the states. The number of cases filed in this court has been increasing steadily as
asbestos attorney victims are becoming more and more likely to seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who went bankrupt. The New York Supreme Court created an additional judicial board that will oversee NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.
A panel of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine if it is accepted or not. Judges will also assess the merits of each case to decide how much money the plaintiff is entitled to.
Currently, the panel is looking into more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected make a final decision at the end of this year.
New York asbestos lawsuits are often complex and include allegations of several defendants. The lawyers at Belluck & Fox have extensive experience in the litigation of these complex cases. They are knowledgeable of the rules regulations, policies, and procedures of the asbestos courts in New York, as well as the laws of other jurisdictions in which they have handled multidistrict litigation.
The firm also has vast experience in serving as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients across the country in complex, multi-district litigation. In this capacity, lawyers create strategies, coordinate and oversee local and regional counsel, and ensure consistent and cost-effective defenses for every client. They have worked closely with trial judges, coordination judges and litigation special masters from various jurisdictions.
Representation of Plaintiffs
A skilled Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best way to defend a client in an
asbestos attorney personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels product manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors and property owners in cases involving claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm works with clients on developing internal programs to resolve potential liability and safety issues.
Bowles Rice in addition to its asbestos practice across the country and multi-state asbestos litigation serves as national Coordinating counsel. In this role the firm formulates strategies for litigation, oversees regional and local counsel and achieves consistent and cost-effective defense in coordination with client goals. In addition it plays an important role in the administration of asbestos dockets as well as negotiations with counsel for plaintiffs and also leads discovery for its clients.
The attorneys of the firm have a wealth of trial and appellate experience, defending clients from claims brought by injured claimants, such as those who claim mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense lawyers are acquainted with complex science involved in these cases as and unique legal issues that arise while defending companies before state and federal courts throughout the United States.
Catherine has defended numerous companies in
asbestos compensation and products liability personal injury cases, defending them as the lead trial counsel in consolidated trials involving a variety of claimants. She has extensive experience arguing asbestos-related lawsuits before federal and state courts as well as various Supreme Court and appellate courts.
During her time at Brobeck, Vogel worked on asbestos cases, including those for respondents to the Asbestos Claims Facility in Northern California. The case files contained SEAR forms (Short Evaluative reports that are encapsulated) which contained confidential information about the plaintiffs. These included medical reports, work histories, and a list asbestos products that plaintiffs used or worked near. Vogel was required to have an account password to access these files, and she could also look over the SEAR forms of any case at her current employer.
In addition to its extensive trial and appellate experience as well as its vast trial and appellate experience, the Bowles Rice Asbestos Team is acknowledged nationally for its ability to negotiate settlements on behalf of its clients. In this capacity, the company collaborates with lawyers representing plaintiffs in the development and execution of settlement agreements, and it has a vast experience in defending companies against appeals.
