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

An asbestos defense lawyer can help protect the financial security of those affected by exposure to this toxic mineral. Compensation can cover medical costs funeral and burial expenses as well as pain and suffering and lost quality of life.

Our attorneys serve as local, regional, and national counsel in massive toxic tort litigation. As our lawyers are well-versed with the specific issues and the complex science that go along with asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos is a harmful fiber that can trigger a variety of severe medical conditions, including mesothelioma lawsuit. A New York asbestos attorney (to Onthelive) is experienced in dealing with lawsuits that seek financial compensation for victims of asbestos exposure and their families. These cases can be complex and therefore it is essential to have a mesothelioma attorney to assist you.

New York has had a long history of asbestos litigation. Many residents were exposed to this dangerous material. In recent times, there have been more lawsuits against former asbestos manufacturers than ever before. These cases arise out of the recognition that asbestos is associated with illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. These companies knew of the dangers associated with this asbestos-containing mineral, yet they failed to warn their employees and clients.

New York City is especially susceptible to illnesses caused by asbestos because of its old structures and many construction sites. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a notoriously toxic location that continues to impact on the community surrounding it.

Mesothelioma is caused by direct exposure to asbestos and many workers were exposed in the workplace. Secondhand exposure can also result in mesothelioma. This is especially true for spouses who wear husband's clothes to work and come into contact with asbestos dust on a regular basis.

The mesothelioma litigation is costly for defendants, particularly if they are wrongfully named as defendants. A study shows that more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed since 2014 in New York courts. This number could rise. This kind of litigation is usually driven by asbestos law firms that advertise on daytime television and encourage victims to file claims with the promise of large settlements.

The defendants may be able reduce some of the costs of these cases by arguing that their policy periods are overdue or that they are only responsible for only for a small proportion of the claim value. New York law does not have a clear rule on how to divide the liability if the alleged exposure is part of the insurance policies.

Asbestos-Related Diseases

Exposure to asbestos can trigger various ailments. The mesothelioma disease is the most severe. Many have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and the pleural effusion.

Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal illness caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that collect in the lungs and cause irritation to the lining of the chest cavity, ribcage and abdominal cavity (the Pleura). Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scarring in the lungs. This is known as asbestosis. It can also result in thickened pleura patches (pleural plaques) or an increased fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis reduce lung capacity as determined by breathing tests. They can also cause pain and difficulties in breathing, however they do not lead mesothelioma or cancer.

The signs of asbestos-related illness typically are not evident until years after initial exposure. It could take up to 50 years for asbestos fibers inhaled to cause lung damage. People who are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions include workers who handled, cleaned, and removed these materials from the workplace and their spouses and children of asbestos-related exposure.

As well as mesothelioma, other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma and ovarian mesothelioma. The most dangerous form of mesothelioma is ovarian cancer, but it's much less frequent than the general mesothelioma. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma, because it occurs in the linings of the reproductive organs. The symptoms can be similar to other illnesses.

Several companies used asbestos during the 20th century. They knew it was dangerous. When they failed to remove asbestos from their products thousands of people were exposed. The affected people are now able to sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies are insolvent. The victims can now seek compensation from trust funds established by bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

Asbestos-related companies have put profit over the safety of their employees and customers for a long time creating dangerous products without warning of the dangers. These companies are now confronting the consequences of their inattention. Victims of asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and full settlement.

Belluck & Fox is dedicated to helping families and individuals receive the justice they deserve. Our lawyers have over 25 years of experience and have helped clients receive millions of dollars of compensation. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys work to hold corporations accountable and obtain the maximum amount of compensation for our clients.

Many states have established special asbestos courts, where claims can be filed more efficiently. Judges have also created special procedures to review and resolve asbestos-related cases.

New York, a state which has its own asbestos court (known as NYCAL) is one of them. The number of cases in this court has increased steadily, as more and more asbestos victims seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who have gone bankrupt. The New York Supreme Court created an additional judicial board that will oversee NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.

A panel comprised of six Supreme Court judges will review every case filed in NYCAL to decide whether or not to accept it. Judges will also assess the merits of each case to determine how much a plaintiff should be awarded.

Currently, the panel is reviewing more than 3,500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to announce its final decision before the end this year.

New York asbestos lawsuits are usually complex and include allegations of several defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have vast experience in defending these complicated matters. They are familiar with 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 capacity, lawyers develop strategies, coordinate and oversee regional and local counsel, and ensure cost-effective and consistent defenses for each client. They have collaborated closely with coordinating and trial judges and litigation special masters in the various jurisdictions where they have been involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A skilled Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best way to defend a client in an asbestos personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team advises suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and owners of premises on matters involving mesothelioma claims, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses. The firm also works with clients to develop internal programs for identifying and addressing any safety and liability issues.

In addition to its asbestos practice across the nation, Bowles Rice serves as national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this capacity Bowles Rice formulates litigation strategies and manages regional and local counsel to achieve a consistent and cost-effective defense in accordance with the client's needs. Additionally it plays a crucial part in the administration of asbestos dockets as well as negotiations with plaintiffs' counsel and leads discovery for its clients.

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

Catherine has represented numerous 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 extensive experience in arguing asbestos-related cases in the federal and state courts and before a variety of appellate and supreme court bodies.

During her time at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including the asbestos attorneys Claim Facility in Northern California. The case files included SEAR forms (Short Evaluative reports that are encapsulated) which contained confidential information about the claimants. The files contained medical reports, work histories, and an inventory of asbestos-related products that plaintiffs worked with or near. Vogel was required to have a password in order to access the files. She was then able to look over any SEAR forms that she received from her current employer.

The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team, in addition to its extensive experience in appellate and trial work, is widely acclaimed for its ability to negotiate settlements for its clients. The firm has worked closely with plaintiffs' lawyers to draft and implement settlement agreements. It also has extensive experience in defending businesses from appeals.