HISTORY AND APPLICATIONS
During much of the 19th and 20th centuries, a variety of asbestos in construction and industrial applications was used due to its heat resistance and durability. The carcinogenic properties of asbestos were discovered in the 1960s, yet it remained a commonly used material throughout the 1990s. As a result, construction workers, iron workers, shipyard workers, miners, and many other professionals continued to be exposed to its harmful effects.
“My wife and I had just adopted four young children when we were shocked to be told that my wife had mesothelioma. She was in her early 40’s. Because my wife had a complex medical history, several law firms had turned down our case before we found Charles. He and the team of lawyers that he assembled to help us took our case to trial when the companies initially refused to settle. Dealing with mesothelioma is impossibly hard, both physically and emotionally, but their compassion and hard work for us made the legal part of it easier for our family. If you have a family member with mesothelioma, you need to talk to Charles before you hire some other lawyer."
- Joseph Z., West Virginia
WHO IS AT RISK?
Mesothelioma cancer most commonly develops as a result of on-the-job asbestos exposure. The history of asbestos use in construction and industry is well-known, but other professions carried a significant risk of asbestos exposure as well. For instance, nearly one-third of all mesothelioma victims are United States Navy veterans who served between the early 1930s and late 1970s. Many teachers with a mesothelioma diagnosis developed the disease as a result of exposure in buildings with damaged asbestos reinforcement and cork board that contained asbestos. Many mechanics were exposed to asbestos used in certain brands of brake pads manufactured through the late 1990s. Sadly, many of these workers’ families were exposed to asbestos through the workers’ clothes. The worker would wear his work clothes home unknowingly carrying the dangerous asbestos fibers home. When wives and children washed and dried the clothes, they could be exposed to large enough quantities to cause mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is a chance that you were exposed to asbestos at work or at home, even if you were not working in a construction or manufacturing environment. Occupations that carry a risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Longshoremen
- Firefighters
- Oil refinery workers
- Sheet metal workers
- Painters
- Electricians
- Demolition workers
- Janitors
- Telephone repair workers
- Welders
- Railroad workers
- Plumbers
- Factory Workers
- Textile seamstresses
- Boilermakers
- Automotive industry workers
- Shipyard workers
In addition to mesothelioma, doctors and scientists have long believed that asbestos can lead to other cancers.
"My mother was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012. Charles was always there for our entire family, not only as our attorney but as our friend. Every time I called, texted or emailed Charles, he responded immediately and was always professional, pleasant and understanding. Our case was dismissed by a district judge, reinstated by the court of appeals, and was successfully settled for us. I would highly recommend Charles to anyone who needs a mesothelioma lawyer."
- Jimmy C., Louisiana
WHEN TO CONTACT AN ASBESTOS ATTORNEY
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with cancer, and you believe asbestos exposure may be the cause, you should contact an experienced asbestos attorney as soon as possible. Remember that asbestos exposure can be at work, but many people were exposed to it by cleaning and washing their husband’s or father’s clothes.
"My husband and I were high school sweethearts. We had been married for 31 years when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 52. We were still raising our youngest son who was in high school. A larger firm had declined to handle our case because, they said, it was going to be too difficult to identify my husband’s asbestos exposures. Charles took our case and made a hard situation as easy as he could make it for us. He always clearly explained what was going on with our case as it moved forward, and settled it for an amount that allowed me not to have to worry."
- Carol K., Michigan
TYPES OF CANCER ASSOCIATED WITH ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Often, our lawyers can make claims for damages related to asbestos exposure if our client has been diagnosed with lung cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancer of the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, or oral cavity. The claims are based upon the exposure to asbestos and the underlying medical diagnoses.
Our lawyers are knowledgeable and experienced, and they use this experience and knowledge to assist families that suffered due to asbestos exposure. Please call us to see if we can assist you in making a claim for cancers of the lungs, stomach, colon, rectum, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, or mouth that may be associated with exposure to asbestos.
CONTACT US
Questions? Looking for help? Please reach out for assistance.