Asbestos use began in the late 19th and early 20th century especially in the construction and shipbuilding industries because it was an excellent fire retardant and has high electrical resistance. In the era of steam-propelled warships, asbestos was the common insulating material used to cover pipes, pieces of machinery and in boiler spaces. It was also commercially used in paper mills and in industrial construction because it was inexpensive and easy to use.
Unfortunately, problems with asbestos arise when the fibers or asbestos dust becomes airborne and the fibers are ingested or inhaled. The lawyers at the Injured Workers’ Legal Center have years of experience representing workers who have been exposed to asbestos and been diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma and/or lung cancer. Asbestosis is a lung disease which creates a scarring of the lungs from the asbestos fibers that can become so severe it prevents the lungs from working. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial lining of the lungs and chest, abdominal or pericardium linings. Cancer of the lung can happen to individuals exposed to asbestos but for those individuals who both smoke and have had asbestos exposure, the risk of disease is magnified.
Asbestos related disease often does not appear for 20-40 years after exposure. We represent retired workers long since removed from the job sites where the exposure happened, as well as the spouses and children who were indirectly exposed to the asbestos-covered clothing of their family laborer. We have obtained Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars for our clients from Asbestos manufacturers and equipment makers who required asbestos products in the installation and use of their products.
Early attorney involvement is essential given the complexity of asbestos claims. The Injured Workers’ Legal Center always provide free consultation on asbestos claims and operates on a contingency fee basis. The client pays nothing until the claim is successful and recoveries are obtained. We have successfully pursued claims against many asbestos manufacturers who have been required by law to establish more than 3 billion dollars in funds to pay to victims of asbestos-related disease.