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 protect those who's financial security has been affected due to exposure to the hazardous mineral. Compensation can cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering.

Our lawyers are involved in the mass litigation of toxic torts on a regional, national and local level. As our lawyers are well-versed with the specific issues and complex science associated with asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos is a deadly fiber that can cause various serious medical conditions, including mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is adept at dealing with asbestos lawsuits, which seek compensation for victims and their families for exposure to this harmful substance. These cases can be complex, and it is critical to have a reputable mesothelioma law firm on your side.

New York has a long history of asbestos litigation and many residents have been exposed to the dangerous substance. In recent times, there have been more lawsuits against former asbestos producers than ever before. These cases are a result of the recognition of a connection between asbestos and diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The companies were aware of the dangers of the hazardous mineral, but did not warn their employees and clients.

The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related ailments because of its older structures and the numerous construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously hazardous area that continues to impact the surrounding community.

Many workers were exposed asbestos in their work environments. In addition, exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources can cause mesothelioma. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposed workers who wore their husband's work clothes and came in contact with asbestos dust regularly.

The mesothelioma lawsuit can be costly for defendants. This is particularly the case if they were wrongly identified as defendants. According to a study, more that 3,600 lawsuits have been filed in New York courts since 2014, and the number could increase even more. Specialized asbestos law firms typically advertise on daytime TV and encourage victims to file claims under the premise that they will receive significant settlements.

The defendants might be able to reduce some of the costs of these cases by arguing their policies are in a lapse or that they only have to pay only a small percentage of the claim value. New York law does not have a clear rule on how to distribute the liability if the alleged exposure is within and part outside of the insurance policies.

asbestos attorney-related illnesses

A variety of asbestos-related illnesses can be triggered due to exposure to the mineral that causes cancer. The mesothelioma disease is the most serious. Mesothelioma has led to the deaths of many people. Other asbestos-related illnesses include asbestosis and lung cancer. 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 small fibers can cause scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis and, sometimes, the formation of thickened patches on the pleura called plaques of pleura or the more widespread fibrosis of the pleura known as diffused fibrosis. Pleural plaques or diffuse fibrosis could reduce lung capacity, as determined by a breathing test. They can also cause pain and difficulties in breathing, however they are not the cause of mesothelioma or cancer.

Symptoms of asbestos-related disease often do not manifest until decades after the initial exposure. It can take as long as 50 years for asbestos fibers that are inhaled to cause lung damage. The people at risk of developing mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related conditions include workers who handled, cleaned and removed asbestos-containing materials from their workplaces, as well as spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos.

In addition to mesothelioma other asbestos-related illnesses include laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, and ovarian mesothelioma. The most fatal mesothelioma type is ovarian cancer, but it's less frequent than the general mesothelioma. It is diagnosed later than other mesothelioma types, because it develops within the linings of reproductive organs. Symptoms can be similar to other diseases.

There were many companies that employed asbestos in the 20th century, however they knew that it was hazardous. If they didn't remove asbestos from their products thousands of people were exposed. These people now are able to sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related manufacturers are bankrupt. In the aftermath, victims can seek the money they deserve from the trust funds set up by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

For decades, asbestos companies put profits above the safety of their employees and consumers, producing dangerous products, without warning of the dangers. These companies are now confronting the consequences of their inattention. People who have suffered from asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and complete compensation.

Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals obtain the justice they deserve. Our lawyers have more than 25 years experience and have helped our clients receive millions of dollars of compensation. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys work to hold large corporations accountable and obtain the maximum amount of compensation for our clients.

A number of states have set up asbestos courts that are specifically designed so that claims can be filed more efficiently. Additionally judges have developed specialized procedures for evaluating and resolving asbestos cases.

New York, a state which has its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL) is one of the states. As asbestos victims continue to seek compensation from solvent asbestos defendants who have declared bankruptcy, the caseload of the court has steadily increased. To ensure that the justice system does not get overwhelmed, the New York Supreme Court has ordered the creation of a special judicial panel to oversee NYCAL.

A panel comprised of six Supreme Court judges will review every case filed in NYCAL to decide whether to accept or reject it. Judges will also consider the merits of each claim to determine the amount of the plaintiff's compensation should be.

The panel is currently reviewing more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected issue its final decision by the end of this year.

New York asbestos lawsuits can be complicated and involve multiple defendants. The lawyers at Belluck & Fox have extensive experience with the litigation of these difficult cases. They are familiar with the asbestos courts in New York and their rules regulations, policies and guidelines, as well as other jurisdictions where they have handled multi-district litigation.

The firm also has extensive experience serving as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients throughout the nation in complex, multi-district litigation. In this role, attorneys develop strategies, coordinate and manage regional and local counsel, and ensure cost-effective, consistent defenses for every client. They have worked closely with coordinating and trial judges and litigation special masters in various jurisdictions where they have been involved in asbestos lawsuit litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A knowledgeable Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best way to defend a client in an asbestos-related personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels product manufacturers, suppliers contractors, distributors, contractors, and property owners in matters involving claims of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses. The firm also works with clients to create internal programs to identify and addressing safety and liability concerns.

In addition to its asbestos practice across the nation, Bowles Rice serves as the national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this role the firm formulates strategies for litigation, oversees local and regional counsel, and provides a cost-effective and consistent defense that is in sync with the client's goals. It also plays a significant role in the administration and management of asbestos dockets, as well as negotiations with plaintiffs' attorneys and coordinating discovery for its clients.

The attorneys of the firm have extensive trial and appellate experience defending clients against claims made by injured claimants, which includes those who are claiming mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense lawyers are familiar with the intricate science involved with these cases, and the particular legal issues that arise when defending companies in state and federal courts across the United States.

Catherine has represented numerous manufacturers as lead counsel in asbestos and personal injury lawsuits related to product liability, and in consolidated cases that involve multiple plaintiffs. She has extensive experience in arguing asbestos-related cases in the federal and state courts, as well as before various appellate and supreme court bodies.

While at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including the Asbestos Claim Facility in Northern California. The case files included SEAR forms (Short Evaluative Reports Encapsulated) that contained confidential data about the plaintiffs. The files contained medical reports, work histories, and the list of asbestos-related products that plaintiffs used or worked near. Vogel was required to have a password in order to access the files. She was then able to review any SEAR forms from 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 recognized nationally for its ability to negotiate settlements on behalf of its clients. The firm has worked closely with plaintiffs’ lawyers to draft and implement settlement agreements. The firm also has extensive experience defending businesses against appeals.