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

A lawyer for asbestos defense can help protect those who's financial security was affected by exposure to the toxic mineral. Compensation can cover medical costs, funeral and burial costs, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering.

Our attorneys are involved in the mass litigation of toxic torts at a national, regional and local scale. As our lawyers are well-versed with the specific issues and the complex science that go along asbestos settlement cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos fibers are deadly and can cause severe medical conditions like mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is adept at handling asbestos lawsuits that seek financial compensation for victims and their families who have been exposed to this toxic substance. These cases can be complex and therefore it is essential to have a reputable mesothelioma law firm on your side.

New York has had a long-running history of asbestos litigation, and many residents were exposed to this hazardous material. In recent years there have been more lawsuits against asbestos producers from the past than before. These cases arise out of the recognition that asbestos can cause illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. The companies were aware of the dangers associated with this dangerous mineral, but they failed to warn their employees and clients.

The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related ailments because of its older structures and a myriad of construction sites. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a notoriously toxic location that continues to impact on the community surrounding it.

Many workers were exposed asbestos at work. In addition, exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources can lead to mesothelioma. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposure workers who had their husbands' work clothes and came in contact with asbestos dust regularly.

The litigation associated with mesothelioma is costly for defendants, especially when they are incorrectly named as a defendant. A study indicates that more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed since 2014 in New York courts. This number could grow. This type of litigation is typically fueled by specialized asbestos law (more tips here) firms that promote on daytime television and encourage victims to file claims, with the promise of substantial settlements.

The defendants might be able to reduce the cost of these cases by arguing their policies are in a lapse or that they only have to pay a small portion of the claim value. However, New York law has not provided a definitive rule regarding how to allocate liabilities when the alleged exposure occurs within and outside the insurer's policy periods.

Asbestos-related Illnesses

A wide range of asbestos-related illnesses can develop because of exposure to the toxic mineral. The most severe condition is mesothelioma. Many have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related diseases include asbestosis and lung cancer. Pleural plaques and effusion are also asbestos-related.

Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which accumulate in the lungs, and can cause irritation to the lining of the chest cavity, ribcage and abdominal cavity (the Pleura). Inhaling 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 pleural plaques or the more widespread fibrosis of the pleura called diffused pleural fibrisis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrisis reduce lung capacity as determined by breathing tests. They can also cause breathing problems and pain however they do not cause mesothelioma or cancer.

The majority of the time, signs of asbestos claim-related illnesses don't appear until decades after the initial exposure. It could take up to 50 years for asbestos-related fibers to be inhaled to cause lung damage. People at risk of developing mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related ailments include those who handled, cleaned, and removed these materials from their workplaces and spouses and children of asbestos-related exposure.

In addition to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, and ovarian mesothelioma. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest mesothelioma that women suffer from, but it is less common than mesothelioma general. It is typically diagnosed later than other forms of mesothelioma because it develops in the tissues of the reproductive organs and the symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses.

Many companies used asbestos in the 20th century, however they knew that it was hazardous. When they did not remove it from their products, thousands of people were exposed. These people can now sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related manufacturers are bankrupt. In the aftermath, victims can seek the compensation they are entitled to from trust funds set up by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

For decades, asbestos-related companies have placed profits over the security of their employees and consumers, producing dangerous products without warning of the dangers. They are now paying the price for their inattention to. People who have suffered from life-altering issues caused by mesothelioma, cancer of the lung and other asbestos-related diseases are seeking fair and full compensation.

The lawyers at Belluck & Fox are dedicated to helping families and individuals get 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 attorneys work to hold corporations accountable and obtain the maximum amount of compensation for our clients.

Many states have created special asbestos courts, where claims can be filed more efficiently. In addition judges have created special procedures for evaluating and resolving such cases.

New York, a state with its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL), is one of the states. As asbestos victims continue to seek compensation from solvent asbestos defendants that have gone bankrupt the number of cases that have come through this court has steadily increased. The New York Supreme Court created an extra judicial board to supervise NYCAL in order to keep the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.

A panel comprised of six Supreme Court judges will review every case in NYCAL to determine whether to accept or reject it. Judges will also consider the merits of each case to determine how much a plaintiff should be awarded.

The panel is currently looking at more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to announce its final decision by the end of the year.

New York asbestos lawsuits are usually complex and include allegations of several defendants. Belluck & Fox's lawyers have extensive experience in litigating these complex issues. They are well-versed in 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 vast experience in serving as National Coordinating Counsel in asbestos litigation, representing clients nationwide in complex, multi-district litigation. In this role lawyers formulate strategies, manage regional and local counsel, and ensure that they are able to provide consistent and efficient defenses for clients. They have worked closely with trial and coordination judges and litigation special masters in various jurisdictions where they were involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A Tulsa asbestos lawyer will decide which strategy is best to defend the client in a personal injury claim involving asbestos. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and owners of premises in cases involving claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm collaborates with clients on developing internal programs to determine and resolve potential liability and safety 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 the firm formulates litigation strategies, supervises local and regional counsel, and achieves consistent and cost-effective defense in coordination with the client's goals. Additionally it plays an important role in the management of asbestos dockets and negotiations with plaintiffs' counsel and lead discovery for its clients.

The firm's attorneys have a wealth of trial and appellate experience in defending clients from claims brought by injured claimants, including those who are claiming mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense lawyers are familiar with the complex science that is associated with these cases, as well as the particular legal issues that arise when defending companies in state and federal courts across the United States.

Catherine has represented numerous manufacturers as lead counsel in asbestos and product liability personal injury lawsuits, and in consolidated cases involving multiple plaintiffs. She has a wealth of experience litigating asbestos-related lawsuits in federal and state courts, as well as a variety of Supreme Court and appellate bodies.

During her time at Brobeck, Vogel worked on asbestos cases, including those involving respondents of the Asbestos Claims Facility in Northern California. The case files included SEAR forms (Short Encapsulated Evaluative Reports) which contained confidential information about the plaintiffs, such as medical reports, a history of work and a list of asbestos products that plaintiffs worked with or around. Vogel was required to use an account password to access these files, and she could also review the SEAR forms of any case with her current employer.

In addition to its extensive trial and appellate experience, the Bowles Rice Asbestos Team is well-known throughout the country for its ability to negotiate settlements on behalf of its clients. In this capacity, the firm collaborates with the lawyers of plaintiffs in the creation and implementation of settlement agreements. It also has a vast experience in defending companies against appeals.