There have been more than 30,000 personal injury claims made against the manufacturers and producers of toxic asbestos over the years. It has been estimated that there will be over 180,000 additional claims by the year 2010.

There have also been thousands of claims made for property damage as it relates to asbestos, determining who is responsible for removing and treated asbestos based materials that have been used in building construction.

Asbestos Attorneys - Frequently Asked Questions

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a class of minerals found in sedimentary deposits around the world. It gained popularity because of its insulating abilities and its resistance to heat. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos can lead to a fatal disease known as mesothelioma.

What are punitive damages?

Most jurisdictions have adopted some form of punitive damages, which are designed to punish and deter wrongdoing. Generally speaking, punitive damage awards have been available when the defendants conduct was intention or so reckless that it should be considered outrageous.

What are the advantages of class action?

In theory it would promote efficiency because it would reduce the repetitive evidence and repetitive testimony. The down side to this is that it delays the disposition of individual cases that could be tried in state courts.

How long do I have to file a mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit?

Each state has a statute of limitations (time limits) that governs how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you do not file your case within that time frame, you may be barred forever from filing a claim. You should consult with a mesothelioma attorney to determine what your state's applicable statute is.

What if I am a smoker?

You can still have a valid claim.

What are some of the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms vary depending on which type of mesothelioma you have. Pleural Mesothelioma symptoms might include pain in the chest area, difficulty breathing, fever, and weight loss. Periotoneal mesothelioma symptoms might include pain in the stomach area, blood clots, bowel problems, and anemia. Pericardial Mesothelioma symptoms might include irregular heart beat or murmurs, fatigue and chest pain. Testicular mesothelioma symptoms would include swollen scrotum and pain in the testes.

How Many People Have Been Exposed to Asbestos?

Some estimates say that over 11 million people have been exposed to asbestos since the 1930s.

Who is at most at risk for developing mesothelioma?

Exposure to asbestos in the work place is the most likely cause of mesothelioma. Certain jobs are riskier than others. Some high risk professions and industries include:

Manufacturing

Wheel and Brake Shops

Taconite Plants

Shipyards

Armories

Airports

Breweries

Pipelines

Heating and Construction

According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (1968), asbestos insulation workers have a high risk of dying of bronchogenic carcinoma. The study suggested that asbestos workers that smoked cigarettes had about 92 times the risk of dying of bronchogenic carcinoma as men who neither worked with asbestos nor smoked.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Most asbestos attorneys will offer a free consultation.