Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is a carcinogen. A carcinogen is a cancer-causing substance. Unfortunately, before the discovery of its cancer-causing effects, asbestos was used in several commonly used products.
Asbestos can cause cancer as well as other medical conditions. If you or your loved one’s health has suffered from asbestos exposure, you might be able to seek compensation. A Palatine asbestos lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your exposure.
Awards from lawsuits can help you and your family recover. Compensation can pay for medical treatments and bills. Call (800) 217-6099 to talk to one of our team members at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
The American Cancer Society considers all forms of asbestos and substances containing asbestos as known carcinogens. The fibers are strong, do not conduct an electrical current, and resistant to heat. Most of its uses were in construction, insulation, and machinery. Manufacturers used asbestos in hundreds of products.
The industry first noticed the dangers of breathing in asbestos particles in the 1920s and made some efforts to protect its employees. It took almost 50 years since then before laws and standards limited the use of asbestos in construction.
Asbestos exposure happens through breathing or swallowing it. The fibers can go into the air, foods, and liquids. This mixture can occur:
- During mining and processing.
- While making products that contain asbestos.
- When installing an asbestos-containing product.
- During the demolition of asbestos-containing buildings.
- From drinking water from asbestos-containing pipes.
- From eating food prepared in asbestos-containing cookware.
- When rain, wind, and nature affect asbestos-containing products.
For instance, rain can wash off asbestos particles from asbestos-containing roof shingles. The earth absorbs the rainwater and contaminant well water.
Asbestos can also stay in fibers of your clothes. If you work with it, you can bring the toxin back home to your family. An entire family or group can develop side effects of asbestos from one person’s workplace, school, or other location.
Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
It can take years and years for the effects of asbestos exposure to show. It might be decades after your exposure to cancer to damage your living cells or have difficulty breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, the effects and symptoms of long-term asbestos exposure can take 10 to 40 years.
Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other types of cancer, depending on how it entered the body. You might have developed lung cancer from breathing it or swallowing it.
In addition to cancer, asbestos can cause asbestosis, which is a type of lung disease. Asbestosis makes it hard for you to breathe, have shortness of breath, and have a chronic cough.
Filing Asbestos Lawsuits
If you or a loved one developed cancer or another health condition because of asbestos exposure, you might have a personal injury case. You might have a wrongful death case if your loved one died because of exposure to asbestos, such as complications from cancer or a health condition.
You have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. The date when this period starts is the day of the diagnosis or death. Speak to someone at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm if you have questions about the statute of limitations in Illinois.
The following people are more likely to have been exposed to asbestos:
- Asbestos processors and miners
- Aircraft and vehicle mechanics
- Boiler operators
- Construction workers
- Electricians and insulators
- Railroad workers
- Refinery and mill workers
- Shipyard workers
- Family members of the above
You will need to provide evidence of you or your family member’s diagnosis or condition, such as medical records. Employment records and job descriptions can also help illustrate you or your loved one’s exposure.
Determining the Liable Party
You can file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the organizations that exposed you or your family member to asbestos. Parties that may be liable for your losses include the following:
- Landlords and property owners who make no efforts to limit exposure to tenants and workers. Landlords are responsible for maintaining a safe living environment, and damage to or remodeling in the apartment or house can uncover asbestos. Construction workers on the property could unknowingly risk breathing the toxin in if the owner did not inform them of asbestos.
- Manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products which failed to notify the public of the health hazards can be liable. Asbestos is still in manufacturing in the country. These companies can face liabilities if they do not properly warn consumers.
- Mining companies are scattered through the area and may be responsible for airborne particles negatively affecting the health of those who lived and worked near the site.
- An employer who did not warn their employees of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Construction companies and factories in Illinois were major hotspots for asbestos exposure.
Most for-profit businesses will avoid telling consumers about the dangers of their goods unless legally required. Your Palatine asbestos lawyer will need to prove that the defendant was negligent, had strict liability, or had a breach of warranty.
For a free legal consultation with a Asbestos Lawyer serving Palatine, call (800) 794-0444
Legal Assistance with Asbestos Lawsuits
The awards from a lawsuit can help you financially. You can use your compensation to pay for past medical bills, on-going treatment, after-death expenses, and more. Your Palatine asbestos lawyer will need to prove that the defendant was negligent, had strict liability, and had a warranty breach.
Asbestos lawsuits require evidence to establish how the defendant is responsible for you or your loved one’s health condition. You might need to negotiate a settlement or take your claim to court. Our legal team is here to help and fight on your behalf. We do not shy away from tough cases.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works on a contingency basis, meaning we receive our payment from your award. Give us a call at (800) 217-6099 with your questions and concerns.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
