An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral

A lawyer who is a defense attorney for asbestos can protect those who's financial security was affected by exposure to the harmful mineral. Compensation could cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost quality of life, as well as suffering and pain.

Our attorneys are involved in the mass litigation of toxic torts on a national, regional and local level. As such, we are familiar with the specific issues and complicated science associated asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos fibers are dangerous and can trigger serious medical conditions, such as mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is adept at handling asbestos lawsuits (click here to read) that seek financial compensation for the victims and their families due to exposure to this toxic substance. These cases can be a bit complicated, so it's important to have a mesothelioma attorney to assist you.

New York has had a long-running history of asbestos litigation and many residents were exposed to this dangerous material. In recent years, there have been more lawsuits against former asbestos producers than ever before. These cases are the result of the realization that asbestos can cause illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. These companies knew of the dangers of the hazardous mineral, but did not warn their employees and consumers.

New York City is especially susceptible to illnesses caused by asbestos due to its old structures and many construction sites. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a notoriously toxic location that continues to impact on the community around it.

Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos in direct contact, and many workers were exposed at work. However, people also get diagnosed with mesothelioma lawsuits after experiencing exposure to harmful substances. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposure workers who had their husbands' work clothes and came into contact with asbestos dust regularly.

The mesothelioma attorneys lawsuit can be costly for defendants, especially if they are wrongfully named as defendants. A study indicates 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, which advertise on television during the day and encourage victims to file claims with the promise of substantial settlements.

The defendants may be able reduce the cost of these cases by arguing that their policies are in a lapse or that they are only responsible for 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 in and out of the insurance company's policy.

Asbestos-related diseases

A myriad of asbestos-related illnesses can be triggered because of exposure to the toxic mineral. The mesothelioma disease is the most serious. Mesothelioma has caused the death of many people. Other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer asbestosis, pleural plaques and the pleural effusion.

Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal illness that is caused by asbestos fibers which collect in the lungs. They then cause irritation to the linings of the ribcage (the pleura), chest cavity, and abdominal cavity. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, known as asbestosis. It can also lead to thickened patches of pleura (pleural plaques) or an increased fibrosis. Pleural plaques or diffuse fibrosis could decrease lung capacity, as measured by breathing test. They can also cause pain and difficulties in breathing, but they are not the cause of cancer or mesothelioma.

The signs of asbestos-related illness typically do not manifest until decades after initial exposure. It could take up to 50 years for asbestos fibers that are inhaled to cause lung damage. People who are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases include those who handled, laundered and removed asbestos-containing products from their workplaces and their spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos.

Other asbestos-related illnesses, in addition to mesothelioma include laryngeal carcinoma and lung cancer as well as peritoneal, ovarian and peritoneal cancer. The most fatal form of mesothelioma is called ovarian cancer, however it is less common than the general mesothelioma lawyers. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma because it occurs in the linings of reproductive organs. The symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses.

Many companies employed asbestos in the 20th century, however they knew that it was dangerous. They exposed thousands of people to asbestos because they didn't eliminate it from their products. The affected people are now able to sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies have declared bankruptcy. As a result, the victims are able to seek the compensation they are entitled to from trust funds set up by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

Asbestos companies have put profits over the safety of their employees and consumers for decades creating dangerous products without warning of the dangers. These companies are now paying the price for their carelessness. People whose lives have been disrupted by mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses are seeking fair and full settlement.

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

Many states have established special asbestos courts where claims can be filed and resolved more efficiently. Additionally judges have created specialized procedures for evaluating and resolving such cases.

New York is one such state with its own asbestos court, known as NYCAL. As asbestos victims continue to seek compensation from solvent asbestos defendants that have declared bankruptcy, the caseload of this court has steadily increased. The New York Supreme Court created a special judicial board to supervise NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.

A panel of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine if it should be accepted or rejected. Judges will also assess the merits of each claim to determine the amount of amount of money each plaintiff should receive.

The panel is currently examining more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to make a final decision before the end of the year.

New York asbestos lawsuits are typically complex and often involve allegations of several defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have vast experience in the litigation of these difficult cases. They are knowledgeable of the rules, regulations, and policies 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 extensive experience serving as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients across the country in complex, multi-district litigation. In this capacity, lawyers develop strategies, coordinate and oversee regional and local counsel and ensure cost-effective and consistent defenses for every client. They have collaborated closely with trial and coordination judges and litigation special masters in various jurisdictions where they have been involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A knowledgeable Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best approach to defend a client in an asbestos personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team advises product manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, distributors and premises owners on matters involving mesothelioma claims, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm works with clients to develop internal programs to determine and address potential safety and liability issues.

Bowles Rice, in addition to its asbestos practice in the national level and multi-state asbestos litigation, is also the national Coordinating counsel. In this capacity Bowles Rice formulates litigation strategies and manages local and region counsel to ensure a uniform and cost-effective defense that is in line with the client's objectives. It also plays a major part in the administration and management of asbestos dockets as well in negotiations with plaintiffs' lawyers and leading 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 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 representing companies before federal and state 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 a wealth of experience litigating asbestos-related lawsuits before federal and state courts, as well as various appellate and Supreme Court bodies.

While at Brobeck, Vogel worked on asbestos cases, including those for respondents of the Asbestos Claims Facility in Northern California. The cases files contained SEAR forms (Short encapsulated Evaluative reports) which contained confidential information about the claimants. These included medical reports, work histories, and an inventory of asbestos-related products that plaintiffs used or worked near. Vogel had to have a password in order to access the files. She was then able to go through any SEAR forms provided by her current employer.

In addition to its extensive trial and appellate experience in addition to its extensive trial and appellate experience, the Bowles Rice Asbestos Team is recognized 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. It also has a vast experience in defending companies against appeals.