What is Asbestos? Why Seek a Kentucky Asbestos Lawyer?
Asbestos is a name given to a group of chemicals that are present in specific products. These chemicals are naturally-occurring, and include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, and several others. The products asbestos is used in are generally building materials and vehicle brakes.
Anyone who works or has worked in the production of automotive parts, on older construction sites, in older warehouses or industrial buildings, or in the deconstruction and demolition of older buildings, may be at risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos affects the body in specific ways. As it is composed of often-miniscule fibers, these fibers can be inhaled and cause irritation to the lungs and throat, which leads to the immediate effects of coughing and choking. Later symptoms of exposure may not appear for years afterward, but include major diseases of the lungs such as emphysema and lung cancer. Other diseases caused by asbestos exposure include mesothelioma and pleural disorders. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing these problems after exposure to asbestos due to the weakened state of their lungs.
Asbestos-related disorders have been recognized by the medical community since the 1920s, and many lawsuits have been filed as a result. Asbestos was a convenient material for construction in the early 20th century due to its flame-retardant properties, and was also very inexpensive, a vital element during the Depression. As the latency period for many of these disorders can range from 10-20 years up to 50 years, in the decades following exposure many people fell ill with various disorders. Once the cause was recognized, civil suits were filed against many employers alleging that asbestos was the cause of these injuries and illnesses.
According to the Environmental Working Group Action Fund, around 10,000 people lose their lives each year to asbestos-related disorders. 1 out of every 125 American men aged 50+ dies from these disorders, likely because of exposure at an earlier time in their lives.
Between 2,000 and 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related issues are diagnosed every year in the United States. Because many view the development of the diseases as negligence on part of the employers or manufacturers, lawsuits are filed on a somewhat regular basis to recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Kentucky asbestos lawyers, as well as lawyers in other states, have formed practices around helping individuals recover damages caused by exposure.
Asbestos symptoms are not always apparent. Many symptoms appear to be nothing more than a common cold or a persistent cough that doesn’t improve; however, one of the main symptoms is a shortness of breath. Other symptoms include chest pain, weight loss, and anemia. Individuals experiencing symptoms like this should see their doctor as soon as possible to discuss symptoms, as the standard lifespan of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma is reported to average less than 12 months. If you speak with a doctor and are diagnosed with one of these diseases that could possibly be due to asbestos exposure, consider seeking legal counsel. Attorney Group for Kentucky is here to answer your questions and help you understand your legal rights in your particular situation.
Finding a Kentucky Asbestos Lawyer
Kentucky asbestos lawyers work to help their clients seek compensation for exposure to asbestos or dangerous work conditions. Individuals who have worked in vehicle brake manufacturing, construction, or other areas where they may have been exposed to asbestos should seek the counsel of a Kentucky asbestos lawyer in regards to their legal rights in seek compensation.
Attorney Group for Kentucky wants to help you understand your legal rights in your specific situation. Many of those affected may not realize their injuries or illnesses are asbestos-related until it is too late. If you experience the symptoms above, seek advice from your doctor, and if diagnosed, contact Attorney Group for Kentucky with your questions. We can help you decide if you wish to pursue a claim, and can connect you with a Kentucky asbestos lawyer who can assist you in filing your lawsuit for compensation.
