Virginia Asbestos Lawyer
Medical conditions that put an individual’s health and well-being at risk can leave victims feeling concerned and lost. Some conditions may be easier to identify than others, such as a scrape or a broken bone. Others, such as a shortness of breath or fatigue, are more difficult to find the causes of.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was heavily used in construction and manufacturing during World War II to strengthen cement, insulate, and fireproof structures. In 1989, however, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of the substance, citing how toxic and dangerous it is to one’s health.
Exposure to the material can cause serious conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis in the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Although asbestos fibers cannot be seen or even smelled, it is possible for someone to accidentally inhale the material. Illnesses related to the heavy inhalation of the substance can take 20-50 years to develop, which ultimately makes reversing damage challenging.
Asbestos-related cases are complicated and time-consuming. One may need the help of a knowledgeable Virginia asbestos lawyer to help navigate the legal landscape and fight to seek the compensation a victim deserves. A lawyer who knows the laws and regulations and can put forth a plan to carry out can be beneficial to one’s case.
Why Asbestos Claims Go Unreported in Virginia
Unsafe conditions leading to the development of asbestos-related illnesses can have serious side effects, yet not everyone may choose to report their claims.
Some reasons why asbestos-related claims in Virginia may go unreported include the following:
- It can take several years for the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis to appear, making the source of the symptoms tough to detect
- Trouble understanding the intricacies of the United States legal system
- A lack of guidance on how to properly file a medical claim stemming from unsafe working or living conditions
- Although symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, include chest pain and trouble breathing, some doctors struggle to link the symptoms back to the natural mineral
According to the National Cancer Institute, even those simply living with individuals who are exposed to asbestos while at work, such as those with professions in mining, construction, shipbuilding, and firefighting, may be at risk, due to second-hand exposure.
Since asbestos cases are not as straightforward as others, legal advice and representation can simplify the reporting process. A Virginia asbestos lawyer can use their legal education and training to prepare and submit a case to be reviewed.
The Role of an Asbestos Attorney
Unlike many other cases, asbestos cases do not require the lawyer to work extensively with the victim. As such, the patient is given the opportunity to use their time to focus more on their health and medical treatment.
Due to different circumstances each individual may have, the actual case procedures will differ from client to client. However, the Virginia asbestos lawyer will help the client prepare the case by helping one determine the source of asbestos exposure and file the case in the appropriate states.
In Virginia, lawyers can reference the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) and the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to determine if state asbestos standards and regulations were successfully followed when the client was exposed to the mineral.
After examining the client’s work history and exposure time to use as evidence, the lawyer will then meet with the relevant parties to attempt to reach a settlement agreement in the form of financial compensation. Most cases are completed here and do not proceed to trial.
Let a Virginia Asbestos Lawyer Assist You Today
Any serious medical condition can lead to emotional distress, high medical expenses, and a decreased quality of life. Asbestos exposure can have lasting effects on one’s life, which is why an individual who believes they are suffering from the material should seek out a seasoned Virginia asbestos lawyer to help handle the legal procedures and fight for a fair compensation.
