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Asbestos is a fibrous substance which causes chronic or even fatal illnesses when the fibers are ingested and subsequently trapped in the lungs. Asbestos was once a commonly used material by contractors to install fire retardant material in buildings and houses. After public outcry, asbestos use has been discouraged by builders but it can still be used today for construction.
Long-term exposure to asbestos can then turn into mesothelioma, a rare and devastating type of cancer. Mesothelioma invades the lungs, respiratory system, and other organs. In addition, asbestos and mesothelioma may mimic symptoms of other diseases such as more routine respiratory issues. As a result, asbestos and mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose until it is too late and advanced treatments are required.
Some exposure to asbestos is common; there is no way to avoid it completely. However, minimal exposure would not cause long-term illness and injury. Many houses and office complexes made prior to the 1980s will likely contain some asbestos. The risk of exposure to the asbestos material results from construction or building damage, when the structures containing asbestos are opened and the material can circulate in the air. Those who are exposed to asbestos on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time are at a high level of risk.
Compared to the general population, mesothelioma is actually rare but thousands of cases are reported each year. Most mesothelioma cases are attributed to repeated asbestos exposure, with that repeated exposure having occurred many years ago. Therefore, demonstrating direct, causal links between prolonged asbestos exposure and mesothelioma can be difficult to prove.
New options now exist to show secondhand exposure to mesothelioma in California. California mesothelioma cases can now be filed for those affected by asbestos exposure, such as workers, but also by family members who became ill from secondhand asbestos exposure. Secondhand exposure to family members includes exposure to asbestos particles from clothing, accessories, or tools of a loved one who worked with asbestos materials.
Progression of mesothelioma is a slow, irreversible, devastating process and is almost always a terminal disease. A new California State Supreme Court ruling is a progressive step in getting justice for mesothelioma families.
Mesothelioma's symptoms, which are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, may include:
Sadly, by the time mesothelioma patients are treated, the disease has advanced. At this stage, aggressive and uncomfortable treatments may be required, such as radiation, chemotherapy, experimental drugs, experimental procedure and surgery.
The state of California also has guidelines on compensation for victims of asbestos and mesothelioma, including exposure and secondhand exposure.
In California, a victim’s pain and suffering damages are considered part of a broader category, referred to as “non-economic” damages. The right attorney will be able to get you and your family the right compensation.
Without proper legal representation, you may be unable to obtain proper long-term compensation. This would mean that you and your loved ones could hit policy maximums and have to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, such as future medical bills, prescription medications, and mental health care.
We advocate for our clients to get the best settlement possible. At Bridgewater Law Group, we know many of the strategies used by big business, and we can fight them. The health complications that arise from asbestos and mesothelioma can have devastating, lifelong effects. We will not let these companies devalue you or your loved one’s life with rushed settlements or by denying responsibility. Instead, we hold them accountable – both financially and professionally.
There is no cost to you unless we win. Your win is our win, and we will not settle for anything else. Give us a call today for a free consultation and in less than 30 minutes we will know if we can win your case with you.
