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

A lawyer who is a defense attorney for asbestos can help protect those who's financial security was affected by exposure to the toxic mineral. Compensation can cover medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life.

Our attorneys serve as local, regional, and national counsel in massive toxic tort litigation. We are well-versed in the unique issues and the complex scientific aspects that are associated with asbestos cases.

New York Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos is a dangerous fiber that can cause various serious medical conditions, including mesothelioma. A New York asbestos lawyer is experienced in dealing with asbestos lawsuits, which seek financial compensation for victims and their families for exposure to this toxic substance. These cases can be complicated, and it is critical to have a reputable mesothelioma lawyer on your side.

New York has had a long history with asbestos litigation, and many residents were exposed to this hazardous material. In recent years there have been more claims against former asbestos manufacturers than ever before. These cases stem from the recognition of a connection between asbestos and diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The companies were aware of the dangers associated with the hazardous mineral, but failed to inform their employees and customers.

New York City is especially susceptible to diseases caused by asbestos due to its old structures and many construction sites. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a notoriously hazardous area that continues to affect the surrounding community.

Many workers were exposed asbestos at work. However, people also get diagnosed with mesothelioma after experiencing an exposure secondarily to the harmful substances. This is especially true for spouses who wear husband's clothing at work and come in contact with asbestos dust frequently.

Litigation involving mesothelioma is expensive for defendants. This is particularly true if they have been incorrectly identified as defendants. According to an investigation, more than 3,600 claims have been filed in New York courts since 2014, and the number could rise further. This niche litigation is often driven by asbestos law firms that advertise on daytime television and encourage victims to file claims, with the promise of large settlements.

Defendants may be able to lower some of the expenses arising from these cases by argument that their policy terms have expired or they're only responsible for a small portion of the claim value. New York law does not have a clear rule on how to distribute liability when the alleged exposure is of the insurance policies.

Asbestos-related Illnesses

Exposure to asbestos can lead to many different ailments. The most serious of these is mesothelioma. Many people have died due to mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include lung cancer and asbestosis. Pleural plaques and pleural effusion are also asbestos-related.

Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal illness that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which accumulate in the lungs and irritate the lining of the ribcage, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity (the the pleura). The inhalation of these tiny fibers can result in scarring of the lungs known as asbestosis and, sometimes, the development of thickened patches on the pleura referred to as plaques of pleura or the more widespread fibrosis of the pleura, referred to as diffused pleural fibrosis. Pleural plaques and diffused fibrosis decrease lung capacity as measured by breathing tests. They can also cause pain and difficulties in breathing, however they do not lead mesothelioma or cancer.

Often, symptoms of asbestos-related diseases don't show up until decades after the initial exposure. This is because it can take between 20 to 50 years for the inhalation of asbestos-containing fibers to damage the lungs. People at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related ailments include those who handled, washed and removed asbestos-containing products from the workplace and their spouses and children of those who were exposed to asbestos.

Other asbestos-related illnesses, in addition to mesothelioma, include lung cancer and laryngeal carcinoma, peritoneal, ovarian, and peritoneal cancer. The most dangerous form of mesothelioma is called ovarian cancer, but it's much less frequent than the general mesothelioma. It is diagnosed later than other types of mesothelioma because it develops within the linings of reproductive organs. The symptoms can be similar to other illnesses.

There were many companies that employed asbestos in the 20th century, however they were aware that it was a risk. When they did not remove it from their products, thousands of people were exposed. Now, those exposed are able to sue for financial compensation. Many asbestos-related companies have declared bankruptcy. In the aftermath, victims are able to seek the compensation they deserve from the trust funds set up by the bankruptcy courts.

Asbestos Litigation in New York

Asbestos companies have put profit before the safety of their workers and their customers for decades making dangerous products, without warning of the dangers. These companies are now facing the consequences of their inattention. People who have suffered from asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer are seeking fair and full settlement.

The lawyers at Belluck & Fox are dedicated to assisting families and individuals receive the justice they need. Our attorneys have more than 25 years of experience and have assisted our clients to receive millions of dollars in compensation. Our New York mesothelioma attorneys work to hold large corporations accountable and seek maximum compensation for clients.

Many states have created asbestos courts that are specifically designed so that claims can be filed more efficiently. Judges have also established specialized procedures to evaluate and resolve such cases.

New York is one such state with its own asbestos court known as NYCAL. The caseload in this specialty court has grown steadily, as asbestos victims are becoming more and more likely to seek compensation from solvent asbestos defendants who have become bankrupt. To ensure that the justice system does not get overwhelmed the New York Supreme Court has ordered the creation of an extra judicial panel to supervise NYCAL.

A panel composed of six Supreme Court judges will review every case in NYCAL to determine whether or not to accept it. Judges will also evaluate the merits of each claim to determine how much a plaintiff should receive.

Currently, the panel is studying more than 3,500 lawsuits. The panel is expected to issue its final decision before the end of the year.

New York asbestos lawsuits can be complicated and involve several defendants. Belluck & Fox's lawyers have extensive experience in the litigation of these difficult issues. They are familiar with the rules, regulations, 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 has also extensive experience as National Coordinating Counsel, representing clients in complex, multidistrict litigation. In this capacity, lawyers develop strategies, coordinate and oversee local and regional counsel, and ensure consistent and cost-effective defenses for each client. They have worked closely with trial and coordination judges and litigation special masters in the various jurisdictions where they were involved in asbestos litigation.

Representation of Plaintiffs

A knowledgeable Tulsa asbestos defense lawyer will determine the best approach to defend a client against an asbestos-related personal injury claim. The Bowles Rice Asbestos Team counsels suppliers, manufacturers contractors, distributors, contractors, and property owners in matters involving claims of mesothelioma and lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm collaborates with clients to develop internal programs to determine and address potential safety and liability issues.

In addition to its asbestos practice across the nation, Bowles Rice serves as national Coordinating Counsel in multi-state asbestos litigation. In this role, the firm develops strategies for litigation, oversees local and regional counsel, and achieves consistent and cost-effective defense that is in sync with client goals. Additionally it plays an important role in the management of asbestos dockets, negotiations with counsel for plaintiffs and leads discovery for its clients.

The firm's lawyers are skilled in defending clients from mesothelioma-related claims and other asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos defense lawyers are acquainted with complex research and technology involved in these cases, as in addition to unique legal issues that arise while defending companies before federal and state courts across the United States.

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

During her time at Brobeck, Vogel worked on asbestos cases, including those for respondents in the Asbestos Claims Facility in Northern California. The case files contained SEAR forms (Short Evaluative reports that are encapsulated) which contained confidential information about the plaintiffs. This included medical reports and work histories, as well as the list of Asbestos Claim-related products that plaintiffs used or worked near. Vogel was required to use access to these files, and she could also review the SEAR forms of any case at her current employer.

In addition to its extensive trial and appellate experience as well as its vast trial and appellate experience, the Bowles Rice Asbestos Team is well-known throughout the country for its ability to negotiate settlements on behalf of its clients. In this capacity, the company collaborates with plaintiffs' lawyers in the development and execution of settlement agreements, and it has extensive experience in defending businesses against appeals.