Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Work Related Injury Law Firm for Asbestos Claims on Long Island

Asbestos was touted as a miracle at the start of the last century. Manufacturers found innumerable uses for the fire-resistant, strong, insulating natural fiber. By the 1960s, the link between asbestos and mesothelioma was well established. However, billions of products already contained the dangerous substance and workers today continue to be exposed to asbestos. Because of the delay in symptoms, linking asbestos exposure to a particular workplace can be a challenge.

Turley Redmond & Rosasco has helped mesothelioma patients recover vital workers’ compensation benefits for more than a quarter century. Our workers comp attorneys have studied and understand the unique nature of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and we are skilled at documenting occupational diseases and demonstrating the connection to the worker’s job.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer with no known cure. The condition occurs when a worker inhales the tiny jagged asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the lung tissues. A worker does not feel immediate effects of asbestos exposure. Instead, patients remain asymptomatic as the fibers slowly damage the mesothelium that surrounds the lungs. Mesothelioma may develop years or decades after exposure. In fact, a patient may discover the condition on an X-ray or CT scan before feeling the full impact of the disease. Mesothelioma causes such debilitating symptoms as dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pains, fatigue, weight loss, anemia and respiratory complications, which grow progressively worse. Diagnosis of mesothelioma is, therefore, a permanent disability.

Occupations with High Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Employees in many occupations face high risks for asbestos exposure. This includes not only those who work in construction, demolition and remodeling, but also those who work in buildings constructed with asbestos-containing materials. Even New York residents who work near buildings containing asbestos can face exposure risks, as fibers released due to deterioration and rebuilding efforts can travel away from their original location.

With this in mind, numerous New York residents face the risk of asbestos exposure in one form or another. However, some of the occupations with the highest risk levels for asbestos exposure include:

• 9/11 first responders
• Aircraft and auto mechanics
• Bricklayers, carpenters, drywall installers and painters
• Electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians
• Cement and asphalt workers
• Construction workers
• Demolition and remediation workers
• Engineers and other building professionals
• Police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
• Office workers who work in older office buildings

But, we cannot emphasize enough that regardless of what you do for work, you should consult with a New York mesothelioma lawyer if you have any concerns about possible asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure has been a risk for New York residents for decades; and, due to the long latency period for mesothelioma and asbestosis, many residents are just starting to learn the effects of exposure that occurred years or decades in the past.

Workplace Asbestos Exposure in Long Island

Asbestos is contained in products as diverse as building insulation, sheet metal, fireproof textiles, household appliances and automotive brakes. Many old buildings and products contain asbestos, which becomes dangerous if released into the air. Workers in certain industries are at particular risk of exposure at their workplaces, including:

• Construction and demolition sites
• Shipyards and vessels
• Chemical plants
• Automotive centers
• Factories
• Power plants
• Firefighters

Office workers may also be exposed to this deadly fiber because of poorly maintained buildings and renovation projects that release the asbestos. The asbestos fibers stick to clothing and may also be spread to family members of workers who have been exposed.

9/11 Terrorist Attacks Exposed Workers to Asbestos

We will never forget the tragedy that occurred on 9/11 and we honor the heroes who helped in rescue, recovery and rebuilding. Sadly, anyone who helped in the aftermath of the terrorist attack was exposed to high levels of toxins, including asbestos, that were unleashed when the towers fell. Our firm assists 9/11 workers in recovering their rightful workers’ compensation benefits and other types of benefits.

Why Asbestos Exposure is a Particular Issue for New York Residents

New York has one of the highest rates of asbestos claims in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that asbestos was used heavily in construction applications in the 19th and 20th centuries—just as New York City was growing into the global business and cultural hub that it remains today. As New York City grew, its suburbs grew as well; and, as a result, commercial buildings and homes from Manhattan to Long Island were constructed with harmful asbestos-containing building products.  

Despite strict regulations adopted in the later half of the 20th century, asbestos exposure still remains a very serious issue for New York residents. Individuals who lived through New York’s asbestos boom continue to face risks, as do those who are exposed to asbestos during demolitions and renovations. General asbestos exposure is a concern as well; and, as a result, anyone who has concerns about the signs of exposure should consult with a New York mesothelioma lawyer about their legal rights.

Lung Cancer

In addition to mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, exposure to asbestos can also cause cancer in the lungs themselves. While mesothelioma is perhaps the most well-known cancer associated with asbestos exposure, cases of asbestos-related lung cancer are actually much more common.

Similar to mesothelioma, lung cancer from asbestos exposure can take years – if not decades – to develop. But, once the cancer develops, it can metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) quickly. This is one aspect of asbestos-related lung cancer that makes it particularly dangerous. Many people live much of their adult lives without any concerns or symptoms, and then all of a sudden they find themselves dealing with a diagnosis that came too late.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a type of lung disease that results from the inhalation of asbestos fibers. While there are treatment options for managing the symptoms of asbestosis, like mesothelioma the disease currently has no known cure. Similar to mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis is particularly common in older New York city residents who were exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s. However, many younger New York residents have been diagnosed with asbestosis as well, including those who were exposed to asbestos after 9/11.

As a chronic condition, New York residents who develop asbestosis can suffer from the disease’s symptoms for the rest of their lives. This not only leads to exorbitant medical bills, but also pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and other non-financial losses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestosis, you should talk to a Long Island asbestos lawyer about your legal rights, and we encourage you to contact us 24/7 for a free consultation.

The Process of Seeking Financial Compensation for Asbestos Exposure in New York

Due to the unique nature of asbestos-related claims, the high number of asbestos claims in New York, and the severe risks that exposed individuals face, seeking financial compensation for mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis is unlike seeking compensation for any other type of injury or illness. For this reason, it is extremely important to hire an experienced Long Island asbestos attorney to represent you.

Many New York residents can file their claims with New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCAL). NYCAL divides claims between those involving plaintiffs who need immediate treatment for mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis (“in extremis” claims) and those involving plaintiffs whose conditions are less severe (“first-in-first-out” claims). Claims involving death from mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis also fall into the first-in-first-out category. NYCAL processes in extremis claims as quickly as possible; and, due to the extremely high volume of pending asbestos exposure claims in New York, it seeks to process all claims on an expedited basis.

Since the risks of asbestos exposure are well-known, and since many asbestos-related claims involve similar fact patterns, individuals and families who have valid claims can often recover significant financial compensation. However, in order to assert your legal rights effectively, you will need an experienced New York mesothelioma lawyer on your side. At Turley Redmond & Rosasco, L.L.P., our lawyers have decades of experience handling asbestos exposure claims on behalf of individuals and families throughout New York. We can use this experience to effectively and efficiently seek the full compensation you and your loved ones deserve.

To get started, all you have to do is get in touch. Once you contact us, we will arrange for you to meet with a Long Island asbestos lawyer one-on-one. If you have a claim, our lawyers will pursue your claim for you, and we will work with you throughout the process to ensure that we are helping you in every way we can. 

Recover for Mesothelioma with Assistance from Our Long Island Workers’ Compensation Firm

You are entitled to important benefits if you were exposed to asbestos at your workplace. Do not delay in accessing your rights to disability. Schedule an appointment with the New York workers’ compensation firm of Turley Redmond & Rosasco today. Your first consultation is free, so you risk nothing to learn about your options for filing a claim. We have offices in Nassau and Suffolk County.