Once found in nearly every home, building, and school – along with a multitude of commercial products – asbestos has proven itself to be highly toxic when inhaled. And, as such, is now subject to a number of state and federal regulations. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is often without one’s knowledge and symptoms can take decades to develop.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an illness you believe to be caused by past asbestos exposure, you have the right to investigate and seek compensation. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has over 35 years of experience and can act as your guide and advocate every step of the way. You are not alone. We are here to help. Call (800) 217-6099 for a risk-free, no-obligation consultation today.
Where Asbestos Is Found
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in building materials, commercial products, insulation, and more. The mineral’s heat and fire-resistant properties make it cost-effective and durable while the ease with which it can be manipulated facilitates its use in a variety of commercial products.
Unfortunately, asbestos is also toxic and has the ability to cause serious and often life-threatening illnesses when inhaled. Like all toxic materials, the likelihood of illness is proportionate to the amount of exposure. If you’ve spent years working in buildings or construction sites where asbestos is commonly found, your chances of developing an illness years later are much higher than those who haven’t encountered the mineral on a daily basis.
Common Places Asbestos Is Found
- Attic and wall insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Building shingles
- Some paint and patching compounds
- Hot water and steam pipes
- Many heat resistant fabrics
You do not need to understand exactly when and where the exposure occurred. It’s our job to investigate while you focus your energy on healing physically and emotionally from a devastating diagnosis. A medical examination that includes a thorough medical, work, cultural, and environmental history report will help determine the likelihood of exposure.
For a free legal consultation with a Asbestos Lawyer serving Illinois, call (800) 217-6099
Asbestos and Your Health
According to Cancer.gov, asbestos is a known carcinogen and has been found to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The likelihood of you developing one of these serious illnesses depends on a number of factors that can include the duration of your exposure, the makeup of the asbestos fiber you’ve been exposed to, where and when you were exposed, and individual risk factors.
Illinois Asbestos Lawyer Near Me (800) 217-6099
Illnesses Commonly Caused by Exposure:
- Lung Cancer: Symptoms include pain while breathing, difficulty swallowing, coughing.
- Mesothelioma: Symptoms include those of lung cancer.
- Asbestosis: Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, crackling sounds while breathing.
If you’ve spent a considerable amount of time surrounded by asbestos, your symptoms or diagnosis may be asbestos-related, and you may be entitled to financial compensation. A Waukegan asbestos lawyer can explain your rights and help you fight for what you deserve.
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State and Federal Asbestos Regulations
While other countries have enacted outright bans on the mineral, the United States has not. However, laws regulating asbestos use were passed in the 1970s and the Clean Air Act of 1973 took strong action to ban five specific uses and any “new use” in the country.
The Clean Air Act of 1973: outlawed asbestos as a building material but did not eliminate all asbestos-containing materials. Instead, it banned five specific uses and any “new use” in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency cautions sufferers to remember that it can take between 15 and 30 years for symptoms to develop and urges people with symptoms to seek medical attention immediately and provide a comprehensive work history to their medical provider.
In the state of Illinois, those who choose to seek compensation for asbestos-related illnesses have three options:
- File a Civil Lawsuit: Under the Illinois Administrative Code, you will need to effectively prove that your illness is a direct result of exposure.
- File for Workers Compensation: If exposed on the job, worker’s compensation will cover the financial costs of treating your illness.
- Seek Compensation from the Asbestos Trust Fund: Designed to assist victims, the trust funds awards compensation to thousands annually.
A Waukegan asbestos lawyer will know the details of each option, will understand the state’s statute of limitation regulations and how they apply to your case, and will advise you on the route that best suits your needs.
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Legal Counsel for Asbestos Exposure
If you can prove that your cancer or illness was caused by asbestos exposure, you are entitled to seek compensation for your medical expenses, emotional pain and suffering, and any lost wages. A Waukegan asbestos lawyer will review your case, speak with your medical providers, review your work history, investigate exposure likelihood, and build a strong case for you and your family. If need be, a lawyer can also litigate in court on your behalf.
Damages You May Be Able to Claim:
- Medical: Medical bills, medication, and rehabilitation costs, hospital visits, surgeries, and more.
- Emotional: Mental pain and anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression, anxiety, and more.
- Professional: Loss of current wages or current earning capacity and projected loss of future wages or earning capacity.
Don’t let someone else’s negligence force you to shoulder a financial burden on top of the physical and emotional one you’re already experiencing. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free consultation today. Our team doesn’t get paid until you win, and we are committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Call (800) 217-6099 to get started with a free consultation.
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