ASBESTOSIS

Employers who failed to provide personal protective equipment, or did not warn employees of asbestos-laden areas at the work site, may be liable. Injured persons and their families may qualify for damages covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs.

Many types of workplaces are known for endangering employees in the past by exposing workers to asbestos in work areas and failing to warn and protect them from toxic substances. 

There is no safe level of exposure to toxins like asbestos. Chronic and short-term exposure to asbestos may lead to serious adverse health problems like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Contact an asbestosis lawyer at (513) 381-2333 with any questions related to working in an area that may have had asbestos on site.

Any formerly exposed worker in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana could be at risk of developing severe health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Joe Lyon is an experienced Ohio Asbestosis Lawyer and Catastrophic Injury Attorney representing plaintiffs nationwide in a wide variety of toxic tort and mesothelioma claims.

What Is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused specifically by inhaling asbestos dust or fibers. Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to the scarring of lung tissue scarring. Asbestosis symptoms can be mild or severe, and usually don’t appear until many years after a worker’s exposure.

Asbestos was used in many industrial applications and many workers did not know when or where they were exposed. Employers, however, beginning in the 1950s had some idea of the dangers and still failed to provide safe workplaces.

The federal government began regulating the use of asbestos in the 1970s, though in thousands of cases, the damage was already done. Cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer are still being diagnosed from the negligence of employers.

High levels of asbestos dust exposure over a long period of time can lead to fibers lodged within the alveoli (tiny sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in your blood). Asbestos fibers irritate and scar lung tissue, causing secondary health issues.

What Do Damages From an Asbestosis Lawsuit Cover?

A damages award or settlement amount from an asbestosis lawsuit can cover a wide range of costs and expenses, including: 

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages 
• Loss of the ability to generate income in the future
• Pain and suffering
• Costs of additional treatment and therapy
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Loss of companionship
• Wrongful death damages

The amount of damages recovered in an asbestosis lawsuit will vary from case to case. The amount may be calculated based on various factors, including the severity of the injuries and the degree of liability involved. 

The damages amount may also depend on the skill and experience of the attorney handling your case. As a result, it’s important to hire a lawyer that has proven success in handling asbestos-related cases.

If you or a loved one have been affected by asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related conditions, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an asbestosis attorney at (513) 381-2333 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights. 

What Is the Difference Between Asbestosis and Mesothelioma?

Many people think asbestosis and mesothelioma are the same. The terms may often be used interchangeably, but in reality there are several differences between the two: 

• Asbestosis refers to non-cancerous scarring of the lung tissues caused by asbestos exposure. Those diagnosed with asbestosis may be at higher risk for developing asbestos-related cancers in the future. 
• Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of internal organs known as the mesothelium. It is rare but can often be highly aggressive.

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma may involve similar symptoms, and both can be serious and in many cases life-threatening. Also, both conditions are traceable back to exposure to asbestos at some point in the patient’s life. 

If you were exposed to asbestos and suspect that you may have asbestosis or mesothelioma, seek medical attention and contact a lawyer. An asbestosis attorney can help trace your exposure points and hold the proper parties liable for the damages and costs caused by your condition. 

What Are the Symptoms of Asbestosis?

Asbestosis signs and symptoms may not present for up to 10 to 40 years after initial asbestos exposure. Common symptoms may be similar to other lung conditions like mesothelioma, and can include:

• Trouble breathing
• A persistent cough
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Clubbing of fingers and toes — finger and toes appear wider and rounder than normal
• Chest pain

These symptoms can drastically lower one’s quality of life and may interfere with the patient’s ability to perform everyday tasks.

Which Types of Workers Are at Risk of Asbestosis Illness?

Certain types of jobs may present higher risks of asbestosis. While asbestosis can affect anyone who is exposed to asbestos, the following occupations may be associated with higher exposure risks:

• Asbestos miners
• Aircraft mechanics
• Auto mechanics
• Boiler operators
• Construction workers
• Electricians
• Military base personnel
• Railroad workers
• Shipyard workers
• Power plant workers
• Steel workers
• Renovators
• Maintenance crews
• Insulators
• Hospital workers
• School staff

If you worked in any of these occupations, or similar ones where asbestos exposure may have occurred, you may be eligible for compensation if you were diagnosed with asbestosis. Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options. 

How Can An Asbestosis Lawyer Help Me?

Asbestosis claims can be complex and may be difficult to approach without the help of a qualified lawyer. An asbestosis lawyer can perform various tasks, such as: 

• Pinpointing the exact location of the asbestos exposure
• Reviewing the employer’s history of asbestos use
• Gathering medical records and documents
• Working with expert witnesses such as medical experts
• Formulating a strong trial strategy
• Negotiating for the maximum damages award amount

Companies throughout the nation have a responsibility to protect employees from toxic exposure. In the United States, federal law requires employers to take certain occupational safety measures, including issuing warnings and protective equipment.

An asbestosis lawyer can help review the laws to see if a violation occurred, and can determine your eligibility for compensation. 

How Can I Get in Touch With an Asbestosis Lawyer?

Asbestosis is a serious medical condition that can result in permanent, life-long damage. This can impair a person’s ability to work, participate in hobbies, and perform daily tasks. 

If you or a loved one have been affected by asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related conditions, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an asbestosis attorney at (513) 381-2333 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights. Your attorney can guide you through the process at each step of the way.