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 may cover medical costs funeral and burial costs, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life.

Our lawyers serve as local, regional and national counsel in massive toxic tort litigation. As as such, we are acquainted with the particular issues and the complex science that go along asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos fibers are deadly and can cause severe medical conditions like mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is skilled in handling asbestos lawsuits which seek financial compensation for the victims and their families who have been exposed to this toxic substance. These cases can be extremely complex and therefore it is essential to have an experienced mesothelioma lawyer on your side.

New York has a long history of asbestos litigation, and many residents have been exposed to this hazardous material. In recent years, there have been more lawsuits against former asbestos producers than ever before. These cases are a result of the recognition of a connection between asbestos and diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These companies knew of the dangers associated with the asbestos claim-containing mineral, yet they failed to warn their employees and consumers.

New York City is especially susceptible to illnesses caused by asbestos due to its old structures and many construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously toxic area that continues to affect the surrounding community.

Many workers were exposed asbestos in their work environments. Exposure to asbestos from the outside can lead to mesothelioma. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposed workers who were wearing their husband's work clothes and came into contact with asbestos dust on a regular basis.

The mesothelioma litigation can be costly for defendants, particularly when they are mistakenly identified as defendants. According to a study, more that 3,600 claims have been filed in New York courts since 2014, and the number could increase further. Specialized asbestos law firms typically advertise on television during the day and encourage victims to file claims under the premise that they will receive significant settlements.

The defendants might be able to reduce the cost of these cases by arguing that their policy periods are overdue or that they are only responsible only a small percentage of the amount claimed. However, New York law has not set out a clear policy on how to allocate liability when the alleged exposure occurs in and out of the policy period of the insurer.

Asbestos-related illnesses

A myriad of asbestos-related diseases can develop due to exposure to the harmful mineral. The mesothelioma condition is the most serious. Many people have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer and asbestosis. 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 cause irritation to the lining of the ribcage, chest cavity and abdominal cavity (the the pleura). Inhaling these fibers can lead to scarring in the lungs. This is known as asbestosis. It can also result in thickened pleura patches (pleural plaques) or a more extensive fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis reduce lung capacity as determined by breathing tests. They can also cause pain and difficulties in breathing, but they do not lead cancer or mesothelioma.

The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases typically don't manifest until decades after the initial exposure. This is because it can take between 20 and 50 years for the exposure to asbestos fibers to damage the lungs. Workers who handled, cleaned, and removed asbestos from their workplaces and their children, spouses and others who were exposed to asbestos are at risk for developing mesothelioma.

In addition to mesothelioma other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the ovary. The most fatal form of mesothelioma is ovarian cancer, however it is less frequent than the general mesothelioma. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma because it occurs in the linings of reproductive organs. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases.

Several companies used asbestos during the 20th century. They were aware that it was dangerous. When they failed to remove it from their products, thousands of people were exposed. These people now are able to seek financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies are insolvent. In the aftermath, victims are able to seek the compensation they deserve from the trust funds established by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

Asbestos case-related companies have put profit over the safety of their workers and customers for a long time, producing hazardous products without warning of the dangers. They are now facing the consequences of their carelessness. 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 settlement.

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

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

New York, a state that has 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 special court has been steadily increasing. The New York Supreme Court created a special judicial board to supervise NYCAL to stop the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.

A panel comprised of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine if it is accepted or rejected. Judges will also assess the merits of each claim to determine the amount a plaintiff should receive.

The panel is currently examining more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to make a final decision at the end of this year.

New York asbestos lawsuits can be complicated and can involve multiple defendants. The lawyers at Belluck & Fox have extensive experience with the litigation of these complex matters. They are well-versed in the asbestos courts in New York as well as their rules regulations, policies and guidelines in addition to other jurisdictions in which they have handled multi-district litigation.

The firm also has vast experience as National Coordinating Counsel, representing clients in multidistrict litigation that is complex and complex. In this capacity, attorneys create strategies, coordinate and oversee regional and local counsel, and ensure consistent and cost-effective defenses for every client. They have collaborated closely with coordinating and trial judges and litigation special masters in various jurisdictions in which they were involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A Tulsa asbestos lawyer will determine which strategy is best to defend the client against an injury claim that involves asbestos. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and property owners on matters involving claims of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm also works with clients to create internal programs for identifying and addressing any safety and liability issues.

In addition to its asbestos practice across the nation, Bowles Rice serves as the national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this capacity the firm designs litigation strategies, manages local and regional counsel, and achieves consistent and cost-effective defense that is in sync with the client's goals. Additionally it plays an important part in the administration of asbestos dockets and negotiations with counsel for plaintiffs and also leads discovery for its clients.

The firm's lawyers have extensive trial and appellate experience, defending clients against claims by injured claimants, which includes those who are claiming mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense attorneys are familiar with the intricate science involved with these cases, and the unique legal issues that arise when defending businesses in state and federal courts across the United States.

Catherine has represented a variety of manufacturers in asbestos and product liability personal injury cases, defending them as lead trial counsel and in consolidated trials that involved multiple claimants. She has extensive experience litigating asbestos-related lawsuits before the federal and state courts, as well as various Supreme Court and appellate courts.

While at Brobeck, Vogel worked on asbestos cases, including those involving respondents of the Asbestos Claims Facility in Northern California. The case files contained SEAR forms (Short Encapsulated Evaluative Reports) that contained confidential information about plaintiffs, including medical reports, work history and a list of asbestos products that plaintiffs worked with or around. Vogel was required to have an account password to access the files. She was then able to review 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 recognized nationally for its ability to successfully negotiate settlements for its clients. The firm has worked closely with plaintiffs' lawyers to create and implement settlement agreements. It also has a wealth of experience in defending businesses against appeals.