Since the 1980s, thousands of people have been exposed to asbestos without even knowing it. With symptoms often showing up decades after exposure, thousands find themselves battling confusing symptoms that do not seem to have a cause.
If you or a loved one is facing an illness as a result of asbestos exposure, you are not alone, and you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering. Cicero asbestos lawyers are dedicated to helping you fight for your rights.
The asbestos lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm have been fighting for the rights of people like you. We are dedicated to acting as your advocate while you focus on healing. Call (800) 217-6099 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Asbestos Properties, Uses, and Risks
The use of asbestos in building construction and commercial products was regulated after the discovery that inhalation of the chemical can lead to life-threatening illnesses. Despite the ban, the mineral can still be found in old buildings and some commercial products, and Illinois residents are still suffering from its harmful effects.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines asbestos as a mineral fiber that contains carcinogenic substances and has placed strict regulations on its use.
Some important facts about asbestos exposure to consider include:
- Developing symptoms after exposure to asbestos can take between ten and 50 years, and tracing symptoms back to exposure can prove challenging.
- Asbestos is most commonly found in workplaces but can occur in homes, schools, airports, and some consumer products, like drywall.
- Families of those exposed to asbestos in the workplace run the risk of being exposed through contaminated clothing or equipment that is brought home.
Chronic exposure to asbestos can lead to symptoms that include scarring of the lungs, chronic coughing, and significant chest pain. Obviously, the more exposure you have experienced, the higher your risk. But since no one can pinpoint the exact amount of exposure that results in illness, any exposure could lead to potential disaster.
The EPA outlines the most common asbestos-related illnesses. These include:
- Lung Cancer: A common form of cancer with symptoms that include pain when breathing, trouble swallowing, and a persistent cough
- Malignant Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that can take between 30 to 50 years to develop with symptoms that mirror those of lung cancer.
- Asbestosis: A serious, long-term illness that is characterized by fibers that eat away at the lung lining and cause scar tissue buildup. Symptoms of Asbestosis include chest pains, shortness of breath, cracking noises when you breathe.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms and have concerns about possible asbestos exposure, a Cicero asbestos lawyer can work with you to assess your case, collaborate with medical professionals to document your illnesses, and walk you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.
Asbestos Laws in Cicero
Since the discovery of the harmful nature of these minerals, the state of Illinois’ Asbestos Unit implemented a number of regulations designed to ensure the safety of the environment and its citizens. These laws govern the amount of asbestos that can be present in any building, processes and procedures for construction work, and the use of some commercial products. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has implemented a number of federal regulations that include mandatory testing of properties, ensuring employees are offered an adequate degree of protection from chemical exposure, and more.
If you believe your illness is the result of prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals, you have three options for legal recourse. You can file a civil suit, apply for Worker’s Compensation (if your exposure occurred at the workplace), or you can seek compensation from an Asbestos Trust Fund. If you choose to file a civil suit, Illinois’ Administrative Code §855.610 requires you to be able to prove that your illness is the result of exposure.
Under the Illinois Administrative Code, victims suffering from asbestos-related illnesses have two years from the date of exposure to file a suit. If an asbestos-related illness has taken the life of a loved one, families have two years to file a wrongful death claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Cicero Lawyer serving Cicero, call (800) 794-0444
Legal Counsel for Asbestos Exposure
Victims looking to seek compensation for illnesses or premature death are welcome to file on their own. However, employing legal counsel can save you endless headaches, stress, and confusion.
A Cicero asbestos lawyer understands that factors that are considered in civil suits (previous knowledge of dangerous levels, failed inspections, etc.) and will be able to work with the appropriate parties to investigate and bring forth a viable claim. Once you employ legal counsel, they will:
- Review medical records to get acquainted with your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plans
- Investigate asbestos levels in previous employment sites, your current residence, and any other possible exposure points
- Compile all communication involved in the process
- File a civil suit and litigate on your behalf in a trial
If you have suffered unfairly as the result of asbestos exposure, we understand your pain and are here to remind you that you have legal rights. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to seek financial compensation that covers your medical expenses, emotional pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
While no amount of financial compensation will erase the pain and suffering you and your family are experiencing, a fair settlement can take the weight of financial obligations off your shoulders and give you the peace of mind to focus on healing and spending time with your loved one. Call (800) 217-6099 to speak to a member of the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today. The consultation is free, there are no obligations, and we only collect our fee if you win.
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