If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related illness in the District of Columbia, contact a DC asbestos lawyer to discuss your options and the possibility of filing a claim.
In this day and age, the complications from exposure to asbestos are well-known. Individuals exposed to the material for a particularly extensive period may susceptible to a host of serious medical issues. Possible complications include lung disease or cancer, mesothelioma, heart and circulation issues, a weakened immune system, and the increased possibility of stroke or heart attack.
Asbestos is used extensively in a number of everyday items, including building supplies and vehicle brakes. While not particularly harmful if undisturbed, asbestos can be downright lethal to those who come in constant contact with the naturally-occurring material. The drastic side effects can be seen in those who work around asbestos on a regular basis, including those in the construction and demolition industries.
Today, the dangers of asbestos are much more commonly understood. But in the beginning, it was heralded for its many qualities, and used in abundance. Asbestos, a natural fiber of minerals from rocks and soil, permeates industrial and historic buildings. Originally hailed as an ideal material for building and construction, protective clothing, and friction-creating devices, asbestos was readily used for the unusually strong heat resistant protection provides, and installed as insulation for the best buildings and most advanced factories.
Anyone working in environments with exposed or agitated asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma, asbestos-caused cancer that sometimes remains dormant for up to 30 years after exposure. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and suffered any of the listed symptoms as a result, you may be entitled to recompense. An initial consultation with an experienced DC asbestos lawyer is imperative to determine the viability of a potential lawsuit.
There have been well-documented cases of individuals suffering from the side effects of asbestos. The three major complications from exposure to asbestos include lung cancer, a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These three diseases, in addition to increasing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke, are often debilitating and can lead to death. Furthermore, there have been reports of other cardiovascular and circulation complications as well as weakened immune systems.
As victims of asbestos cancer continue to be diagnosed and treated, the legal environment for asbestos cancer cases has seemed to become more accommodating for those devastated by this unfortunate consequence of the nation’s previous industrial progress. Despite the common length of time between exposure and symptoms, notification within a year of the initial diagnosis of asbestos cancer or mesothelioma allows a DC asbestos lawyer to begin investigating legitimate cases.
Developing a solid case requires good documentation that includes dates, times and where the exposure to asbestos occurred. If possible, your notes should provide as much detail as to the start and duration of the exposure, as well as when the symptoms first started. A detailed account of your suffering will help your attorney provide a compelling case and ensure the largest possible settlement for you.
When a person goes through a terrible experience of being exposed to asbestos, he or she should report the contact to the proper authorities to prevent further exposure. After filing this report, the individual should then consult a knowledgeable DC Asbestos lawyer or law firm to file a claim. An attorney with extensive experience in asbestos lawsuits will help you navigate the often complicated legal system and ensure that you receive just compensation for your injuries. Contact one of the premises liability lawyers at our firm today to learn more about these common types of personal injury claims.
