Asbestos is a carcinogenic compound that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other ailments. Individuals may be exposed to asbestos if they worked in certain trades because asbestos was used in construction materials and other products until the last several decades. Residents of Illinois and other states should take certain steps if they believe they were exposed to asbestos.
Consult with a doctor
Individuals who believe they were exposed to asbestos should consult with a doctor. A doctor can perform a breathing test, chest X-ray, and other assessments in order to determine if an individual has been harmed by asbestos exposure. Individuals may contact their primary care physician about their exposure, and this doctor may recommend a consultation with a pulmonologist or other specialists.
Preserve evidence
People who were exposed to asbestos should keep all evidence of their exposure. Depending on the circumstances, this may include union diaries, photographs, payroll records and other documents. Any materials that can demonstrate where an individual worked and when may be useful when pursuing a claim for asbestos exposure.
File bankruptcy claims
Once an individual has a confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness and collects evidence, they should hire an attorney. An asbestos exposure lawyer may file claims against bankruptcy estates that were established for companies that handled asbestos which no longer exist. Individuals may need to fill out forms and make statements under oath in order to make claims against bankruptcy estates.
File a lawsuit
If an individual has a meritorious case of asbestos exposure, the next step may be to file a lawsuit against companies responsible for exposing the person to asbestos. Asbestos exposure lawyers may know which companies are responsible for asbestos in certain locations, and individuals can inform their counsel which companies they encountered. Asbestos litigation can be complicated so it is important to hire an experienced asbestos exposure lawyer to handle your case.
