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 help 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, lost quality of life, and suffering and pain.
Our lawyers 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 complex science associated asbestos cases.
New York Asbestos Lawsuits
Asbestos fibers can be deadly and can cause severe medical conditions, such as mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is skilled in handling asbestos lawsuits that seek financial compensation for the victims and their families who have been exposed to this toxic substance. These cases can be complex, so it's important to have a mesothelioma lawyer on your side.
New York has had a long history with asbestos litigation and many residents were exposed to the dangerous material. In recent years, there have been 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. The companies were aware of asbestos's dangers, but failed to warn their employees and customers.
New York City is especially vulnerable to illnesses caused by asbestos due to its older structures and construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously toxic area that continues impact the surrounding community.
Many workers were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. In addition, exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources can lead to mesothelioma. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposed workers who had their husbands' work clothes and came in contact with asbestos dust regularly.
Mesothelioma-related litigation can be expensive for defendants. This is particularly the case if they were incorrectly identified as defendants. According to a study, more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed in New York courts since 2014 and the number could rise further. This type of litigation is typically supported by asbestos law firms that promote on television during the day and encourage victims to file claims, with the promise of huge settlements.
The defendants may be able lower some of the costs associated with these cases by arguing that their policy periods have expired or they are only responsible for a tiny percentage of the total claim value. However, New York law has not provided a definitive rule on how to divide liabilities when the alleged exposure occurs outside of the insurer's policy periods.
Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Exposure to asbestos can trigger various illnesses. The mesothelioma disease is the most serious. Many people have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques and pleural effusion.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal illness that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that collect in the lungs and irritate the lining of the chest cavity, ribcage, and abdominal cavity (the the pleura). Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scarring in the lungs, called asbestosis. It can also result in thickened patches of pleura (pleural plaques) or an increased fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrisis reduce lung capacity as determined by breathing tests. They also cause pain and difficulty breathing, though they do not lead to cancer or mesothelioma.
Most of the time, symptoms of asbestos-related diseases don't appear until decades after the initial exposure. This is because it could take between 20 to 50 years for inhalation of asbestos-containing fibers to cause lung damage. The people at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases include those who handled, laundered and removed asbestos-containing products from the workplace, as well as spouses and children of those who were exposed to asbestos.
In addition to mesothelioma other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, and mesothelioma of the ovary. Ovarian cancer is among the most deadly form of mesothelioma for women, but it is less prevalent than mesothelioma in general. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma because it is found in the linings of reproductive organs. Symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses.
Many companies employed asbestos in the 20th century, but they were aware that it was dangerous. When they failed to remove it from their products, thousands of people were exposed. Now, these people have the austin asbestos attorney right to seek financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies are bankrupt. The victims are now able to claim compensation from the trust funds established by bankruptcy courts.
Asbestos Litigation in New York
For decades, asbestos-related companies have placed profits over the safety of their employees and consumers, manufacturing hazardous products, without warning of the risks. These companies are now paying the price for their negligence. People who's lives have been affected by mesothelioma, cancer of the lung and other asbestos-related illnesses are seeking fair and full compensation.
Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals get the justice they deserve. Our lawyers have over 25 years experience and have assisted our clients to receive millions of dollars in compensation. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys work to hold corporations accountable and to secure maximum compensation for clients.
Many states have established asbestos courts with specialization, where claims can be filed more efficiently. In addition judges have developed specific procedures to evaluate and resolve asbestos cases.
New York, a state that has its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL), is one of them. The number of cases filed in this court has increased steadily, as increasing numbers of asbestos victims seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who went bankrupt. The New York Supreme Court created a special judicial board to oversee NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.
A panel comprised of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine whether it should be accepted or not. Judges will also evaluate the merits of each claim to determine the amount of money each plaintiff should receive.
The panel is currently studying more than 3,500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to issue its final ruling before the end of the year.
New York asbestos lawsuits are typically complex and often include allegations of several defendants. Belluck & Fox's lawyers have extensive experience in litigating these complex issues. They are familiar with the rules regulations, rules, 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 as National Coordinating Counsel, representing clients in multidistrict litigation that is complex and complex. In this capacity, lawyers create strategies, coordinate and oversee regional and local counsel and ensure cost-effective, consistent defenses for every client. They have been in close contact with trial judges, coordinating judges, and special masters of litigation from different jurisdictions.
Representation of Plaintiffs
A Tulsa asbestos lawyer will decide which strategy is best to defend the client in an injury claim that involves asbestos. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team advises suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and property owners on issues involving mesothelioma claims, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm works with clients to develop internal programs to address potential safety and liability concerns.
In addition to its asbestos practice in the national level, Bowles Rice serves as national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this capacity, Bowles Rice develops litigation strategies and oversees regional and local counsel to achieve a consistent and cost-effective defense in accordance with the client's needs. In addition it plays an important role in the administration of asbestos dockets as well as negotiations with plaintiffs' counsel and lead discovery for its clients.
The firm's lawyers have experience in defending clients against mesothelioma claims and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense attorneys are acquainted with the complex science associated with these cases, as well as the particular legal issues that arise when representing companies before federal and state courts across the United States.
Catherine has represented a variety of manufacturers as the lead trial counsel in asbestos and product liability personal injury lawsuits as well as in consolidated cases that involve multiple claimants. She has a wealth of experience litigating asbestos-related lawsuits before the state and federal courts, as well as a variety of Supreme Court and appellate bodies.
During her tenure at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including the Asbestos Claim Facility in Northern California. The case files contained SEAR forms (Short Evaluative Reports Encapsulated) which contained confidential data about the plaintiffs. The files contained medical reports and work histories, as well as the list of asbestos-related products that plaintiffs worked with or near. Vogel had to have access to a password to access the files. She could then look over any SEAR forms provided by her current employer.
The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team, in addition to having extensive experience in trial and appellate work, is widely acclaimed for its ability to negotiate settlements for its clients. In this capacity, the firm collaborates with lawyers representing plaintiffs in the creation and implementation of settlement agreements, and it has a vast experience in defending companies against appeals.