An Asbestos Defense Attorney Can Help Protect the Financial Security of Those Harmed by Exposure to This Harmful Mineral

A defense attorney for asbestos can protect those who's financial security was affected by exposure to the harmful mineral. Compensation can cover medical costs funeral and burial costs, pain and suffering, and the loss of quality of life.

Our attorneys serve as local, regional and national counsel in mass toxic tort litigation. We are well-versed in the unique issues and the complex scientific aspects associated with asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos is a deadly fiber that can cause numerous serious medical conditions, such as mesothelioma. A New York asbestos attorney is experienced in handling lawsuits to seek financial compensation for victims of asbestos exposure and their families. These cases can be complicated, so it's important to have a mesothelioma lawyer on your side.

New York has a long history of asbestos litigation, and many residents have been exposed to this hazardous material. In recent years, there have been more lawsuits filed against asbestos producers in the past than ever before. These cases are the result of the recognition that asbestos legal is associated with illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. These companies knew of the dangers associated with the asbestos-containing mineral, yet they failed to inform their employees and customers.

The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related ailments due to its old structures and a myriad of construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously hazardous area that continues to affect the surrounding community.

Many workers were exposed asbestos at work. However, some people are diagnosed with mesothelioma after experiencing an exposure secondarily to the harmful substances. This includes spouses of asbestos-exposed workers who had their husbands' work clothes and came in contact with asbestos dust on a regular basis.

The mesothelioma litigation is costly for defendants, particularly when they are incorrectly named as a defendant. A study indicates that more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed since 2014 in New York courts. This number could grow. This niche litigation is often fueled by specialized asbestos law firms that advertise on daytime TV and entice victims to file claims, with the promise of substantial settlements.

The defendants may be able lower some of the costs arising from these cases by asserting that their policy periods have expired or they're only responsible for a small portion of the amount of the claim. However, New York law has not set out a clear policy on how to allocate liability when the alleged exposure is in and out of the policy period of the insurer.

Asbestos-related Diseases

Exposure to asbestos can cause many different diseases. The most serious of these is mesothelioma. Many have died from mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include asbestosis and lung cancer. Pleural plaques and pleural effusion are also asbestos-related.

Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal condition that is caused by asbestos fibers which accumulate in the lungs. They then cause irritation to the linings of the ribcage (the pleura), chest cavity, and abdominal cavity. Inhaling these tiny fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis and occasionally, the formation of thickened patches on the pleura referred to as pleural plaques or a more widespread fibrosis of the pleura known as diffused fibrosis. Pleural plaques or diffuse fibrosis can reduce lung capacity as determined by a breathing test. They can also cause pain and difficulties in breathing, but they don't cause mesothelioma or cancer.

The signs of asbestos-related illness typically do not manifest until decades after the initial exposure. It can take up to 50 years for asbestos fibers inhaled to cause lung damage. Workers who handled, cleaned and removed asbestos from the workplace and their spouses, children, and others exposed to asbestos are at risk for developing mesothelioma.

Other asbestos-related diseases, in addition to mesothelioma include laryngeal cancer and lung cancer and peritoneal, ovarian and peritoneal cancer. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest form of mesothelioma for women, but it is less common than mesothelioma general. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma, because it develops within the linings of reproductive organs. The symptoms may be similar to other diseases.

There were many companies that used asbestos in the 20th century, however they knew that it was a risk. When they failed to remove asbestos from their products, thousands of people were exposed. Now, those exposed have the right to seek financial compensation. Many asbestos-related manufacturers are bankrupt. The victims can now seek compensation from the trust funds established by bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

For decades, asbestos companies have put profits ahead of the safety of their employees and consumers by producing dangerous products, without warning of the risks. These companies are now confronting the consequences of their inattention. People who's lives have been affected by mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses are seeking full and fair settlement.

The attorneys at Belluck & Fox are dedicated to assisting families and individuals receive the justice they need. Our lawyers have more than 25 years experience and have helped our clients receive millions of dollars of compensation. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys work to hold large corporations accountable and seek the highest amount of compensation for their clients.

A number of states have set up asbestos legal courts with specialization, where claims can be filed more efficiently. Judges have also created specific procedures to assess and resolve these cases.

New York is one such state, with its own asbestos court, known as NYCAL. The number of cases in this court has grown steadily, as more and more asbestos victims seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who went bankrupt. The New York Supreme Court created an extra judicial board to oversee NYCAL in order to keep the justice system from becoming overwhelmed.

A panel of six Supreme Court Judges will review each case to determine whether it should be accepted or rejected. Judges will also consider the merits of each case to decide how much money a plaintiff should receive.

The panel is currently examining more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to announce its final decision by the end of the year.

New York asbestos lawsuits can be complex and can involve multiple defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have vast experience in the litigation of these difficult cases. They are familiar with the rules regulations, rules, and policies of the asbestos courts in New York, as well as the laws of other jurisdictions in which they have handled multidistrict litigation.

The firm also has vast experience as National Coordinating Counsel, representing clients in multidistrict litigation that is complex and complex. In this capacity, lawyers develop strategies, oversee local and regional counsel and ensure that they are able to provide consistent and efficient defenses for clients. They have collaborated closely with coordinating and trial judges and litigation special masters in various jurisdictions where they were involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A skilled Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best strategy to defend a client against an asbestos-related personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team advises product manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, distributors, and owners of premises on matters that involve mesothelioma claims, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses. The firm works with clients on developing internal programs to determine and address potential safety and liability issues.

In addition to its asbestos practice in the national level, Bowles Rice serves as the national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this capacity Bowles Rice devises strategies for litigation and supervises local and region counsel to ensure a uniform and cost-effective defense that is in line with the client's objectives. It also plays a significant part in the administration and management of asbestos dockets, as well as negotiations with plaintiffs' lawyers and in coordinating discovery for its client.

The firm's attorneys are experienced in defending clients from claims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos defense attorneys are familiar with the complex science associated with these cases, and the particular legal issues that arise when representing companies in state and federal courts across the United States.

Catherine has represented a variety of manufacturers as lead trial counsel in asbestos and personal injury lawsuits involving product liability, and in cases that have been consolidated involving multiple claimants. She has extensive experience in arguing asbestos-related lawsuits before the state and federal courts, as well as various Supreme Court and appellate courts.

During her tenure at Brobeck, Vogel handled asbestos cases for respondents, including those in the Asbestos Claim Facility in Northern California. The case files contained SEAR forms (Short Encapsulated Evaluative Reports) that contained confidential information on the plaintiffs, such as medical reports, a history of work and an inventory of asbestos-related products that the plaintiff worked with or around. Vogel was required to have an account password to access the files. She was then able to go through any SEAR forms provided by her current employer.

The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team, in addition to its vast experience in appellate and trial work, is recognized nationally for its ability to negotiate settlements for clients. In this capacity, the firm collaborates closely with lawyers representing plaintiffs in the preparation and execution of settlement agreements. Additionally, it has extensive experience in defending businesses against appeals.