If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you will need to find a qualified and diligent asbestos lawsuit attorney. As a victim of asbestos exposure, you have the right to seek justice and maximum financial compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as the future welfare of your family.
Choosing the ideal attorney to represent you in your asbestos mesothelioma case will perhaps be one of the most crucial decisions you will make. As accomplished asbestos lawsuit attorneys, we are dedicated to protecting your rights in the face of devastating illness, injury, harm, and losses to you or your loved ones. Slater & Zurz combines experience and compassion with our tireless advocacy for all of our clients. With over 100 years of collective experience and our relentless pursuit of justice, you can rest assured knowing we will obtain the most favorable result possible.
To learn more about how we can help during this challenging time, we welcome you to contact our firm to arrange a free, confidential consultation with one of our asbestos lawyers. We will go over the specifics of your case, explain your rights and options, and develop an effective course of action to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Consult with an Ohio asbestos lawsuit attorney. Call 888.534.4850 or fill out this form today to schedule your FREE consultation.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of six different minerals that make up microscopic, flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Before the health risks of asbestos were known, the substance was used in thousands of consumer products manufactured and sold in the United States. Asbestos was widely used in the construction, mining, and shipbuilding industries and was often added to paper, cloth, cement, plastic, and other materials to make them stronger and last longer.
But when the tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can permanently become trapped in the body. Over time, the fibers can cause serious health issues, such as inflammation, scarring, and deadly illnesses. The most common illnesses directly caused by asbestos exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer, and the rare and aggressive cancer known as “mesothelioma.”
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused only by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they stick to the internal tissue and can eventually cause cancer to develop in the lining of the lungs. Early symptoms are similar to those caused by other common health problems. Therefore, many people with symptoms go at least a few months before being diagnosed. Symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Pain in the side of the chest
- Lower back pain
- Swelling of the arms and face
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Excessive sweating
- Blood clots
- Fatigue
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Fever
For additional facts about the condition known as mesothelioma visit: Asbestos.com
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause scarring in the lung tissue. Symptoms of asbestosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Dry, persistent cough
- Excessively wide and round fingers and toes
- Tightness and pain in the chest
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma and asbestosis are the only diseases caused solely by exposure to asbestos fibers. However, the prolonged inflammatory effects of asbestos fibers can also lead to lung cancer. Asbestos has also been known to cause cancer of the larynx and ovaries. Asbestos-related cancer may develop 15-35 years from asbestos exposure to the onset of symptoms. Symptoms of asbestos cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Chronic respiratory infections
- Chest pain
- Wheezing or hoarseness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of the neck or face
Call 888.534.4850 or fill out this form today to speak to a qualified asbestos attorney.
Asbestos Exposure at Work
Every year, approximately 39,000 Americans die from asbestos-related illnesses. And although the use of asbestos has decreased significantly, the U.S. has not yet banned the substance completely. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an estimated 27 million workers were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1979. Currently, there are about 1.3 million U.S. workers who are still at risk of asbestos exposure. The following are the top occupations that remain at high-risk.
Construction worker
Those who work in the construction industry have an extremely high risk of exposure. Before the 1980s, thousands of products used in construction contained asbestos. Therefore, home renovators and demolition crews are most at risk. Flooring and roofing materials are still made with asbestos, also putting those who work with these materials in danger.
Industrial worker
Mechanics, chemical workers, machinery operators, and foremen may be exposed to asbestos. Those who work in this industry are among the most at risk because they often work with brake pads, gaskets, paper, textiles, insulation, and fireproofing, all of which generally contain asbestos.
Firefighter
Today, asbestos is still used in fireproofing material. Damage to asbestos products during a fire can also cause the fibers to become airborne and inhaled by firefighters. In addition, asbestos was used to make protective gear for firefighters, such as their jackets, boots, and helmets.
Shipyard worker
Nearly a third of all asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits are filed by government shipyard workers and veterans of the Navy. Workers at the highest risk are those who handle older materials. These include shipyard workers who repair, decommission, or demolish ships and naval equipment.
Power plant worker
One study found that nearly one-third of all power plant workers had asbestos in their mucus samples. Heat-resistant products used at the power plants, such as fireproofing spray and pipe insulation, are major contributors to the high risk of asbestos exposure.
Compensation in Your Asbestos Lawsuit
If you or a loved one developed an illness caused by asbestos exposure, you are eligible to seek compensation from the responsible party. These parties may include:
- Manufacturers of asbestos products
- Asbestos product suppliers
- Raw asbestos fiber companies
- Asbestos contractors
- Premises owners
- Employers
- Construction designers
- Engineers
In an asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuit, you can seek financial recovery for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost or diminished earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages
In many asbestos and mesothelioma cases, an injured victim can also seek punitive damages. These damages are awarded in addition to actual damages in some cases. They aim to punish the responsible party and prevent further wrongdoing. Punitive damages are generally awarded at the judge’s discretion when the judge feels the defendant’s actions were especially negligent or harmful or if the defendant acted intentionally or disregarded the known risk.
To learn more about Ohio asbestos lawsuits, call 888.534.4850 to arrange a FREE consultation.
The Experienced Asbestos Lawyers at Slater & Zurz LLP
As one of the premier law firms in Ohio, Slater & Zurz has acquired an extensive track record of successfully obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. Our success is a direct result of our unwavering commitment to our clients and our ethical and aggressive approach to each of our cases. We only act in the best interests of our clients and diligently pursue every legal avenue possible to get them the results they need and deserve.
Whether you need legal help with asbestos or mesothelioma-related claims or any other personal injury matter, we pledge to work relentlessly on your behalf. With offices in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, & Toledo, Ohio. We can provide clients across the entire state of Ohio with our expert legal assistance. To get started, we encourage you to contact our firm for a FREE consultation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 888.534.4850 or filling out our online form.