When a person develops mesothelioma, it is, in many cases, related to past exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is unsafe, and after years of repeated exposure to this hazardous mineral, health problems can arise.
The Mayo Clinic reports that it can take up to 60 years after your initial exposure for mesothelioma to develop. About 3,000 Americans get diagnosed with mesothelioma annually, according to the American Cancer Society.
When a person becomes exposed to asbestos fibers used in commercial products, it can have a devastating effect on that person’s health. Through repeated exposure, these fibers can become trapped in the lungs or abdomen, inflaming cells, and damaging a person’s DNA. Over time, these DNA changes could eventually contribute to the growth of pleural or abdominal mesothelioma.
If you have experienced exposure to asbestos while living or working in Hawaii and have developed mesothelioma, you might want to contact a Hawaii mesothelioma lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Call our team today at (800) 794-0444. We will review your situation and determine if you have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company or operation that negligently exposed you to asbestos.
Understanding Mesothelioma
Doctors diagnose over 3,000 cases of mesothelioma annually in the United States, with about three-quarters of these cases involving pleural mesothelioma, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This cancer affects men mostly above the age of 70, and once diagnosed, the overall five-year survival rate is only 10 percent.
Many mesothelioma cases involve workers in asbestos-related industries, including miners, shipbuilders, construction workers, and auto parts makers. However, everyday household products such as crayons, makeup, and home insulation also contained asbestos that could have exposed people to this known carcinogen.
Because mesothelioma has no known cure, U.S. medical researchers continue to investigate the links between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma to find a cure. The American Cancer Society notes that current research focuses on which asbestos fibers cause cancer, how they do so, and whether any level of exposure might be safe for humans.
If you or a loved one has recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you might be able to file a lawsuit against an employer or business for repeated exposure to asbestos. You can consult a Hawaii mesothelioma lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to discuss your situation. Call us today to review your case. The initial consultation is free, and we can let you know if you have legal avenues to explore.
Asbestos in Hawaii
In Hawaii, commercial and residential building projects still use products that contain asbestos, like ceilings, walls, flooring, and insulation. You might also find asbestos in products like roofing shingles, water supply lines, and fire blankets, as well as many automotive products, including engine gaskets, clutches, and brake linings and pads.
Other possible exposure to asbestos in Hawaii may occur at power generation plants, military bases, and other manufacturing facilities. Construction workers also face a potential for asbestos exposure while renovating or demolishing older buildings constructed with products containing asbestos.
Because of this risk of exposure, Hawaii’s Department of Health has launched a program to protect the island’s public health and reduce the risk of asbestos exposure in the environment.
If a worker at one of these locations develops mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure, the person can file an asbestos claim in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. If the person has died of asbestos-related mesothelioma, the family can file a wrongful death claim in Hawaii against the company responsible for their loved one’s exposure.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Personal Injury Lawsuits Involving Mesothelioma
When a person tries to recover damages in a mesothelioma case, they will file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in state court. A 1997 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Amchem Products, Inc., v. Windsor) held that federal courts could no longer hear class-action suits related to asbestos exposure.
In mesothelioma personal injury cases against a Hawaii employer (for example, a local shipbuilder), the plaintiff must show that that the company:
- Was aware that asbestos was in the products it made or used, or the building had asbestos products in the insulation or wiring.
- Knew (or should have known) that asbestos was hazardous to its employees.
- Did nothing to protect its workers from asbestos exposure.
- That exposure led to the development of mesothelioma.
- The mesothelioma diagnosis caused injuries to the patient.
By not providing a safe work environment for its employees, the business breached its duty to its workers. It did not act in good faith. A mesothelioma attorney can provide evidence of this negligence to the court and move the case forward as you seek justice and compensation for your injuries.
Damages in a mesothelioma case could include:
- Hospital bills
- Medical treatment (such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation)
- Cancer medications
- Medical equipment
- In-home care and support
- Lost income (wages, bonuses, benefits)
- Pain and suffering
In a wrongful death claim, you could also seek funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, and the loss of your loved one’s future income and support.
Because of the complexity of most asbestos claims, you might want to work with a Hawaii mesothelioma lawyer in building your case. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has compiled a database of companies and products linked to asbestos exposure. We can compare your work history and previous residences with our information to determine the liable parties in your case.
Contact a Hawaii Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
Mesothelioma cases in Hawaii can take a great deal of time to come to a possible financial settlement. The plaintiff must be ready for a lengthy legal battle with past employers who negligently exposed you to asbestos, insurance companies, and opposing counsel.
Working with a Hawaii mesothelioma lawyer can alleviate some of your stress as you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to review the details of your case. Call us today at (800) 794-0444.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form