Asbestos Exposure At Work: Understanding Your Rights And Options

Asbestos exposure in the workplace is a leading cause of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other diseases. Unfortunately, these diseases often don’t get diagnosed until decades after the exposure. The result is often a life cut short by the significant health consequences of occupational asbestos exposure.

If you or a loved one is suffering from health issues due to asbestos exposure at work, even if the exposure happened decades ago, you may have grounds to seek compensation. At Wylder Corwin Kelly LLP, we can help. Our attorneys have over 125 years of combined experience in handling asbestos-related cases. We have achieved significant successes in these cases – totaling well over $500 million in verdicts and settlements. Many other lawyers trust our work and refer their clients to us, knowing our firm is equipped to handle complex asbestos exposure cases and gets serious results.

How Does Asbestos Exposure Happen At Work?

Asbestos exposure occurs when workers inhale or ingest asbestos fibers. These fibers become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. This can happen during construction, manufacturing or maintenance work.

Despite the decline in asbestos use, it remains present in many older buildings and products, continuing to pose a risk to workers.

Which Occupations Are Most At Risk?

Certain industries have a higher risk of occupational asbestos exposure, particularly those involving the handling of asbestos-containing materials. Here are some of the most at-risk jobs:

• Construction workers
• Shipyard workers
• Automotive mechanics
• Plumbers and pipefitters
• Electricians
• Factory workers
• School workers
• Military personnel, especially the U.S. Navy

Workers in these fields should be vigilant about asbestos exposure, and those who previously worked in these occupations should be aware of the signs and symptoms of asbestos-related health issues.

What Are Your Legal Options For Work-Related Asbestos Exposure?

If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma due to occupational exposure, you may have several legal options to seek compensation:

• Workers’ compensation: This system provides benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages and permanent disabilities resulting from work-related asbestos exposure.
• Civil lawsuits: You can file a lawsuit against parties responsible for your asbestos exposure, such as product manufacturers or property owners. A successful lawsuit can result in significant compensation, including damages for pain and suffering.
• Asbestos trust funds: Some companies have established trust funds to compensate victims. These funds provide financial recovery without the need for a lawsuit.

Our lawyers can evaluate your situation and provide guidance on which options are available to you.

How Much Can You Get For Asbestos Exposure?

The amount of compensation you can receive varies depending on several factors, including:

• The severity of your illness
• Your medical expenses
• The amount of your lost wages
• The extent of permanent disabilities
• The severity of wrongdoing by the responsible parties

Compensation in serious cases of occupational asbestos exposure can total millions of dollars. Our experienced attorneys can help estimate potential compensation based on your specific circumstances.

How Do I Prove That I Was Exposed To Asbestos?

Proving occupational asbestos exposure involves gathering evidence that demonstrates your contact with asbestos in the workplace. Comprehensive documentation is key to building a strong case for compensation for occupational asbestos exposure.

Strong evidence typically includes:

• A detailed work history, including documentation of employers, job titles, work sites, work duties and duration of employment
• Documentation of the presence of asbestos-containing materials at your job sites, including identification of the product manufacturers
• Safety measures that were or were not in place
• Medical records that confirm your diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma
• Witness statements from coworkers, if available, that corroborate the presence of asbestos and unsafe working conditions

Our lawyers can help compile this evidence and may employ experts to testify about the asbestos exposure risks in your industry.

What Kinds Of Challenges Arise In Occupational Asbestos Exposure Cases?

Securing compensation for occupational asbestos exposure can present several challenges. First, the latency period for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can be decades, making it difficult to trace back and prove the original source of exposure. Gathering sufficient evidence from past employment records and witness testimonies can be challenging.

Additionally, identifying the liable parties can be complex, especially if multiple employers or manufacturers are involved. Legal hurdles may also arise if the responsible companies have declared bankruptcy or have established asbestos trust funds, which require navigating specific claim procedures.

Furthermore, the legal process can be lengthy and emotionally taxing for victims and their families. Our lawyers understand this reality and are committed to shouldering the legal burdens so you don’t have to.

What About Surviving Family Members?

Surviving family members of victims of occupational asbestos exposure may be entitled to pursue compensation through wrongful death claims. These claims can cover medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death, funeral costs, loss of financial support and loss of companionship. Families can also seek compensation from asbestos trust funds, which are designed to provide financial relief to victims and their families without the need for lengthy litigation. Additionally, if the deceased had filed a personal injury lawsuit before passing, the family might continue the claim as part of the estate.

Legal assistance is essential for weighing these options. Our attorneys understand the laws covering asbestos cases. We are committed to helping surviving family members receive the compensation they deserve to ease their financial burden and honor their loved one’s legacy.

We Are Here For You

We are committed to seeking justice for victims of occupational asbestos exposure that results in significant health problems. Our firm is client-centered, meaning we treat each client like a family member rather than a case number. Reach out to us today at 844-880-5039 or 309-828-5099 to learn how we can help you secure the financial support you need. Based in Bloomington, we handle asbestos cases involving exposures nationwide.