Why We Love Asbestos Defense Attorney (And You Should Also!)

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

A lawyer for asbestos defense can protect those whose financial security has been affected by exposure to the toxic mineral. Compensation can cover medical expenses funeral and burial costs as well as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.

Our attorneys serve as local, regional and national counsel in mass toxic tort litigation. As as such, we are acquainted with the particular issues and complex science associated asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos fibers are dangerous and can cause severe medical conditions like mesothelioma. A New York asbestos attorney is experienced in handling lawsuits to seek the financial compensation of those affected by asbestos exposure and their families. These cases can be complex, so it's important to have a mesothelioma lawyer to assist you.

New York has a long history of asbestos litigation and many residents have been exposed to this hazardous substance. In recent years, there have been more claims against former asbestos producers than ever before. These cases are a result of the recognition of a connection between asbestos and diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The companies were aware of the dangers that asbestos posed but did not take the time to warn their employees and customers.

The New York City area is particularly susceptible to asbestos-related illnesses due to its old structures and a myriad of construction sites. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a notoriously toxic place that continues to have an impact on the community around it.

Mesothelioma is triggered by exposure to asbestos in direct contact, and many workers were exposed to asbestos at work. Secondhand exposure can also result in mesothelioma. This includes spouses who wear husband's clothes at work and come in contact with asbestos dust frequently.

Litigation involving mesothelioma is expensive for defendants. This is particularly the case if they were wrongly identified as defendants. According to a study, more than 3,600 lawsuits have been filed in New York courts since 2014 and the number is expected to increase even more. This kind of litigation is usually fueled by specialized asbestos law firms that advertise on daytime television and encourage victims to file claims with the promise of large settlements.

The defendants may be able mitigate some of the costs associated with these cases by argument that their policy terms have expired or they're only accountable for a small percentage of the total value of the claim. However, New York law has not set out a clear policy on how to divide liabilities when the alleged exposure is within and outside the insurer's policy periods.

Asbestos-related diseases

Exposure to asbestos can cause various illnesses. The most serious condition is mesothelioma. Many people have died due to mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related diseases include asbestosis and lung cancer. Pleural plaques and pleural effusion are also asbestos-related.

Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal illness caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that accumulate in the lungs and cause irritation to the lining of the chest cavity, ribcage, and abdominal cavity (the pleura). Inhaling these fibers can lead to scarring of the lungs, known as asbestosis. It can also result in thickened patches of pleura (pleural plaques) or a more extensive fibrosis. Pleural plaques or diffuse fibrosis could reduce lung capacity, as measured by breathing test. They can also cause pain and discomfort in breathing, but they do not lead cancer or mesothelioma.

Most of the time, symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses don't show up until decades after the initial exposure. It could take up to 50 years for asbestos fibers inhaled to cause lung damage. Workers who handled, cleaned and removed asbestos from their workplaces and their spouses, children and others who were exposed to asbestos are at risk for developing mesothelioma.

In addition to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, and mesothelioma ovarian. The most deadly form of mesothelioma is ovarian cancer, but it's less prevalent than mesothelioma in general. It is diagnosed later than most other mesothelioma types, because it occurs in the linings of reproductive organs. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases.

There were many companies that employed asbestos in the 20th century, but they knew that it was dangerous. When they did not remove asbestos from their products, thousands of people were exposed. These people can now sue for financial compensation. Many of the asbestos-related manufacturers have gone bankrupt. As a result, the victims are able to seek the compensation they deserve from the trust funds set up by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

For decades, asbestos-related companies have put profits ahead of the safety of their employees as well as consumers by producing dangerous products, without warning of the dangers. They are now confronting the consequences of their carelessness. People who have suffered from life-altering issues caused by mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses are seeking full and fair settlement.

The attorneys at Belluck & Fox are dedicated to helping individuals and families obtain the justice they deserve. Our lawyers have over 25 years of experience and have helped our clients receive millions of dollars in compensation. Our New York mesothelioma lawyers work to hold responsible large corporations accountable and to obtain maximum compensation for our clients.

A number of states have set up special asbestos attorney courts, where claims can be filed more efficiently. Additionally, judges have established special procedures for evaluating and resolving such cases.

New York is one such state, with its own asbestos court known as NYCAL. The number of cases in this court has increased steadily, as asbestos victims are becoming more and more likely to seek compensation from solvent former asbestos defendants who have become bankrupt. In order to ensure that the justice system isn't overloaded, the New York Supreme Court has established an extra judicial panel to supervise NYCAL.

A panel composed of six Supreme Court judges will review each case in NYCAL to determine whether or not to take it up with it. Judges will also assess the merits of every claim to determine the amount of amount of money each plaintiff should receive.

The panel is currently examining more than 3500 lawsuits. The panel is expected issue its final decision before the end of this year.

New York asbestos lawsuits are often complex and include allegations of several defendants. Belluck and Fox's lawyers have vast experience in the litigation of these difficult matters. They are knowledgeable of the rules regulations, rules, and policies of the asbestos courts in New York, as well as the laws of other jurisdictions where they have handled multidistrict litigation.

The firm also has extensive experience as National Coordinating Counsel, representing clients in complex, multidistrict litigation. In this capacity, lawyers create strategies, coordinate and manage regional and local counsel, and ensure cost-effective, consistent defenses for each client. They have worked closely with coordinating and trial judges and litigation special masters in various jurisdictions in which they were involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A Tulsa asbestos lawyer will determine which strategy is best to defend the client in an injury claim that involves asbestos. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels product manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors and property owners in matters involving claims of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related illnesses. The firm works with clients on developing internal programs to deal with potential liability and safety issues.

In addition to its asbestos practice in the national level, Bowles Rice serves as national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this role, the firm develops litigation strategies, manages local and regional counsel, and achieves consistent and cost-effective defense, in line with client goals. It also plays an important role in the administration and management of asbestos dockets, as well in negotiations with plaintiffs' lawyers and coordinating discovery for its client.

The firm's lawyers have experience in defending clients from mesothelioma claims and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos defense attorneys are familiar with the intricate research and technology involved in these cases as in addition to unique legal issues that arise while representing companies in federal and state courts across the United States.

Catherine has represented numerous manufacturers as the lead trial counsel in asbestos and product liability personal injury lawsuits as well as in cases that have been consolidated involving multiple plaintiffs. She has extensive experience in arguing asbestos-related cases in state and federal courts as well as before various appellate and supreme court bodies.

While at Brobeck, Vogel worked on asbestos cases, including those involving respondents of the Asbestos Claims Facility in Northern California. The case files contained SEAR forms (Short Evaluative Reports Encapsulated), which contained confidential data about the claimants. These included medical reports as well as work histories and an inventory of asbestos-related products that plaintiffs worked with or near. Vogel was required to have access to a password to access the files. She could then go through any SEAR forms that she received from her current employer.

The Bowles Rice Asbestos claim Team, in addition to its extensive experience in trial and appellate work, is recognized nationally for its ability to negotiate settlements for its clients. The firm has worked closely with plaintiffs’ lawyers to create and implement settlement agreements. It also has a wealth of experience defending businesses against appeals.