Contact with asbestos can lead to serious and terminal illnesses in humans. Unfortunately, millions of products were made using asbestos for about a century before researchers realized the substance was toxic. Today, despite the known carcinogenic nature of asbestos, the US still has not banned its use in consumer products. If you believe you or a family member has an illness related to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, civil laws may entitle you to compensation. Contact Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. to speak to a Meriden asbestos lawyer about your case today.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is dust- or fiber-like in appearance. It has natural strength and fire-resistant properties that made it a popular choice for building materials, including cement, insulation, drywall and HVAC. For many years, the carcinogenic properties of asbestos were unknown. This led to its wide use in consumer goods, building construction, manufacturing, engineering, mechanics, shipbuilding and many other industries. Today, asbestos still remains in thousands of products and buildings throughout the US.
A person’s exposure to asbestos, even in a small amount, could lead to serious chronic illnesses later in life. Although it takes 10 to 70 years (or, by some counts, longer) on average to notice the symptoms of asbestos exposure, once present, they are generally irreversible. A patient’s prognosis for recovery will depend on the type of illness.
Other possibilities include lung cancer, atelectasis, stomach cancer and colon cancer. The symptoms of an asbestos-related illness often include chronic cough, bloody cough, trouble breathing, rapid breathing, chest pain, clubbing of the fingers and weight loss. As soon as you notice any signs of an asbestos-related illness or recognize that you came into contact with asbestos, visit a doctor in Meriden.
When you hire an asbestos attorney in Meriden, you gain access to experienced investigators. Tracing the source of your asbestos exposure could identify one or more parties who are responsible for your damages. If an employer knew or should have known it was exposing you or a loved one to asbestos, for example, the company could be liable for a related illness.
Holding someone responsible could mean recovering compensation for losses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and lost wages. If the at-fault party is unable to afford a judgment award, your lawyer could help you seek compensation from one of the several asbestos funds available.
Every year, thousands of new patients receive asbestos-related illness diagnoses. Many of these patients are eligible for financial recovery. If you or a family member has a serious illness related to asbestos exposure, do not wait to contact an attorney. The Meriden injury lawyers at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. care about patients in the Meriden community. We can help you fight for justice and a fair financial award. Call (203) 265-2035 today for a free consultation.