10 Things You Must Know About Asbestos Claims

Even if you were exposed many years ago, you are entitled to be compensated for your exposure to dangerous, toxic substances in the workplace, like asbestos. This substance has been shown to cause several different types of lung diseases, such as cancer. To help ensure that you fully understand this dangerous substance, read below for the 10 things that you must know about this toxic workplace hazard.

1. Although every state follows a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, there are exceptions made for toxic exposure cases that may have taken time to become known to the victim. Instead, the statute of limitations clock begins ticking once your illness has been diagnosed by a doctor.

2. Asbestos is a widely used compound that is composed of 6 different minerals and is mostly used in the the construction and insulation industries. Products using asbestos are often heat, electrically, chemically, sound and fire resistant.

3. You can be exposed to asbestos by inhalation of the tiny fibers when breathing, which causes those fibers to become lodged in your lung tissue. Conditions associated with asbestos include Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer.

4. Products made with asbestos include brake pads, building construction products, insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, and much more.

5. Occasional or accidental exposure is not known to be dangerous; only long term exposure is connected to diseased lungs.

6. Many people may find it difficult to believe, but the use of asbestos has not been banned in the United States. It should be noted that six categories of asbestos-related materials have been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

7. There has never been a larger mass tort in the United States than asbestos cases and the single, largest award ever for damages in connection with asbestos was $322 million dollars. 

8. Sufferers of asbestos-related conditions endure symptoms of chest pain, coughing, weight loss, shortness of breath, anemia and a crackling noise in the chest.

9. Having said that casual exposure is not shown to cause an asbestos-related medical condition, family members of asbestos workers are at risk due the substance being brought home on their family member's clothing skin and hair.

10. In the anticipation of ongoing lawsuits, over 30 billions dollars have been ordered set aside in a trust to compensate the victims of this toxic substance.

Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you realize that you have been afflicted with an asbestos-related condition so they can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact a firm like Vick & Glantz, LLP to get started.


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