What is Asbestos?

•    Asbestos is a natural mineral that possesses six distinct forms. All forms of asbestos possess unique characteristics that offer numerous benefits in relation to the construction of buildings. When combined with building materials such as cement, asbestos effectively reinforces and strengthens the complimentary material.
•    Asbestos was used as a building material throughout the Industrial Revolution and the early 20th century. Asbestos does not burn and transmits heat poorly; such qualities made the mineral a good insulator against heat. In addition, asbestos is also a poor conductor of electricity and therefore useful as an insulator against electrical currents. Asbestos also resists corrosion and was used for exterior applications. The inherent characteristics of the mineral offered construction companies and consumers with a strong, yet flexible material, which aided in the protection of other goods.

Dangers of Asbestos:

•    Scientific research has proven that chronic contact (specifically inhalation) with asbestos particles can result in the contraction of deadly diseases. On its own, asbestos represents a minimal threat; however, when the mineral is disturbed it will release toxic particles into the air. When these fibers are inhaled, they stick to the outer linings of the lung and the abdomen. Over time, chronic inhalation of such toxins will alter the cells within the respiratory system and precipitate a deadly disease known as mesothelioma.  In addition to mesothelioma, perpetual contact with asbestos can result in the formation of other diseases such as various forms of lung cancers.
•    Asbestos-related symptoms do not present themselves until at least 15 years after initial contact with the fibers have been made. That being said, when the particles are perpetually inhaled, the inflicted individual (over time) will experience severe chest pains, a persistent cough, rust-colored phlegm, severe weight loss, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

What to do if an Asbestos-Related Disease is contracted

•    The laws surrounding the use and manufacturing of asbestos-related products are stringently regulated by the federal and local governments of the United States. If you or a loved one has contracted an asbestos-related condition through an occupation or because of an employer’s failure to meet the mandatory safety protocol instituted by a governmental agency, you may be entitled to receive a settlement through the initiation of an asbestos claim.
•    An asbestos claim is the formal inclusion of the justice system to review a particular development of an asbestos-related disease. Through the inclusion of an asbestos lawyer, an individual will develop a case that puts the employer or manufacturer at fault for placing the individual in constant contact with the deadly agent.
•    In order to receive a favorable settlement, the individual must offer the court system a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease and proof that proper safety precautions were not met or that exposure was chronic to the causative agent. A full review of the worker’s hours and their specific job function will be observed in accordance with the particular state’s sentiments towards the contraction of asbestos-related diseases.
•    If a favorable settlement is reached the damaged party will receive a monetary package that is offered to recoup a portion of the losses experienced from medical costs, lost wages, and emotional strain.