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 assist those who's financial security has been affected by exposure to the toxic mineral. Compensation can cover medical expenses funeral and burial costs, loss of quality of life, as well as suffering and pain.

Our attorneys are involved in the mass litigation of toxic torts on a regional, national and local scale. As our lawyers are well-versed with the particular 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 adept at 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 and therefore it is essential to have an experienced mesothelioma law firm on your side.

New York has had a long history of asbestos litigation, and many residents were exposed to the dangerous material. In recent years, there have been more lawsuits against former asbestos manufacturers than ever before. These cases are the result of the recognition that asbestos can cause illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. These companies were aware of the dangers that asbestos posed, but failed to warn employees and consumers.

The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related ailments due to its old structures and a myriad of construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously hazardous area that continues to affect the surrounding community.

Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos in direct contact, and many workers were exposed to asbestos at work. However, some people are diagnosed with mesothelioma after experiencing exposure to harmful substances. This is especially true for spouses who wear husband's clothing to work and come into contact with asbestos dust on a regular basis.

Mesothelioma-related litigation can be expensive for defendants. This is especially the case if they were wrongly named as defendants. A study has revealed that more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed since 2014 in New York courts. This number could rise. This niche litigation is often fueled by specialized asbestos law firms that promote on television during the day and encourage victims to file claims, with the promise of huge settlements.

Defendants might be able to reduce some of the expenses arising from these cases by arguing that their policy periods have expired or they are only accountable for a small percentage of the total claim value. New York law does not have a specific rule for how to distribute liability when the alleged exposure is part within and part outside of the insurance policies.

Asbestos-related Diseases

A wide range of asbestos-related diseases can develop due to exposure to the mineral that causes cancer. The most serious condition is mesothelioma. Many have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques and the pleural effusion.

Mesothelioma, a rare, but fatal condition, is caused by asbestos fibers which collect in the lungs. They then cause irritation to the linings of the ribcage (the Pleura) as well as the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. The inhalation of these tiny fibers can cause scarring to the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis and sometimes the formation of thickened patches on the pleura called plaques of pleura or a more widespread fibrosis of the pleura, referred to as diffused pleural the fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis decrease lung capacity, as measured by breathing tests. They can also cause pain and difficulties in breathing, however they are not the cause of cancer or mesothelioma.

The signs of asbestos-related illness typically don't manifest until decades after the initial exposure. It could take up to 50 years for asbestos fibers that are inhaled to cause lung damage. People at risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions include workers who handled, cleaned and removed asbestos-containing products from the workplace, as well as spouses and children of those who were exposed to asbestos.

Other asbestos-related diseases apart from mesothelioma, include lung cancer and laryngeal carcinoma, peritoneal, ovarian, and peritoneal cancer. The most deadly form of mesothelioma is called ovarian cancer, but it's much less frequent than the general mesothelioma. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma because it is found within the linings of reproductive organs. Symptoms can be similar to other diseases.

There were many companies that used asbestos in the 20th century, however they were aware that it was hazardous. When they did not remove asbestos from their products, thousands of people were exposed. The affected people are now able to sue for financial compensation. A lot of asbestos-related manufacturers have declared bankruptcy. This means that the victims can seek the compensation they deserve from the trust funds established by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

Asbestos companies have put profits before the safety of their workers and customers for a long time, producing hazardous products without warning of the dangers. These companies are now confronting the consequences of their inattention. Victims of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and complete compensation.

The lawyers at Belluck & Fox are dedicated to helping families and individuals obtain the justice they deserve. With more than 25 years of experience and accomplishments, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys work to hold corporations accountable and obtain the maximum amount of compensation for our clients.

Many states have established asbestos courts with specialization, where claims can be filed more efficiently. Judges have also established specific procedures to assess and resolve asbestos-related cases.

New York, a state which has its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL), is one of them. The caseload in this specialty court has grown steadily, as asbestos victims are becoming more and more likely to seek compensation from solvent asbestos defendants who have become bankrupt. The New York Supreme Court created an extra judicial board to oversee NYCAL in order to prevent 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 consider the merits of each claim to determine the amount of the plaintiff's compensation should be.

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

New York asbestos lawsuits can be complex and involve multiple defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have a wealth of experience in litigating these complex issues. They are well-versed in the asbestos courts of New York as well as their rules, regulations and policies in addition to other jurisdictions where they have handled multi-district litigation.

The firm also has extensive experience in serving as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients across the country in complex, multi-district litigation. In this capacity, lawyers create strategies, coordinate and manage regional and local counsel, and ensure cost-effective and consistent defenses for every client. They have worked closely in the past with trial judges, coordination judges and special masters of litigation from different jurisdictions.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A Tulsa asbestos lawyer will determine which strategy is the best way to defend the client from a personal injury lawsuit involving asbestos. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team advises suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, distributors and premises owners on matters concerning mesothelioma-related claims, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm works with clients on developing internal programs to determine and address potential safety and liability concerns.

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 role Bowles Rice devises litigation strategies and manages regional and local counsel to ensure a uniform and cost-effective defence in coordination with the client's objectives. In addition it plays an important part in the administration of asbestos dockets, negotiations with counsel for plaintiffs and leads discovery for its clients.

The firm's lawyers have experience in defending clients against mesothelioma claims and other asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos defense attorneys are familiar with the complex science associated with these cases, as well as the unique legal issues that arise when representing companies in state and federal courts across the United States.

Catherine has defended numerous manufacturers in asbestos and product liability personal injury cases, representing them as the lead trial counsel in consolidated trials that involved multiple plaintiffs. She has substantial experience arguing asbestos-related cases in the federal and state courts as well as before a variety of appellate and supreme court bodies.

While at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including those at the Asbestos Claim Facility in Northern California. The case files contained SEAR forms (Short Evaluative reports that are encapsulated) which contained confidential data about the plaintiffs. The files contained medical reports and work histories, as well as a list asbestos products that plaintiffs worked with or near. Vogel was required to have a password to access the files and was able to review the SEAR forms of any case with her current employer.

The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team, in addition to its vast experience in trial and appellate work, is recognized nationally for its ability to reach settlements on behalf of its clients. The firm has worked closely with plaintiffs’ lawyers to develop and execute settlement agreements. It also has extensive experience defending businesses against appeals.