As You Move Toward Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit, Get Answers to Important Questions about the Legal Road to Compensation for your Injuries.

You may be considering an asbestos lawsuit to seek compensation for the harm asbestos has caused you and your family.

But how should you choose an asbestos lawyer, and what can you expect if you do pursue an asbestos lawsuit?

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions we hear from people considering an asbestos lawsuit following a diagnosis of mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Please complete the form on this page for a free legal review of your potential asbestos case. We will get back to you shortly to answer address any issues you'd like to discuss.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can be affected by asbestos exposure?
Even though the average asbestos levels in buildings today seem to be very low, an estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. The heaviest exposures are in construction, primarily during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. Workers are also likely to be exposed during the manufacturing of asbestos products like textiles, insulation, automotive brake and clutch work. Asbestos-related illnesses have also occurred in shipyard workers, fire fighters, school custodians and even meter readers.

How long does it take for asbestos symptoms to affect an exposed person?
Asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, often 15 or 30 years (or more) after initial exposure. Because the latent nature of these diseases, you should have regular screening tests. Also, because asbestos-related diseases are progressive, when a respiratory problem arises and you have had potential exposure to asbestos, you should immediately be tested.

What are the symptoms of harmful asbestos exposure?
The most common symptoms of asbestos exposure are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, the detectable symptoms of asbestos exposure can appear up to 25 years after exposure. This is why annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.

What medical problems can arise from asbestos exposure?
Serious medical problems that can occur are deep breathing difficulties, chest infections, gastro-intestinal problems, asbestosis (asbestosis scarring can either cause lung impairment or heart disease), mesothelioma (virtually all cases of mesothelioma are linked with asbestos exposure) and lung cancer.

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to asbestos?
The first thing to do if you suspect you’ve been exposed to asbestos is to be tested. Weitz & Luxenberg recommends that you consult your primary care physician for an immediate x-ray referral.

Can I file an asbestos-related lawsuit?
According to New York State law, anyone can bring an asbestos-related lawsuit within three years of discovering an asbestos-related illness, regardless of the last time of exposure. This three-year period is called the Statute of Limitations. After three years from discovery of an asbestos-related illness you cannot file a lawsuit. It’s important to realize that the Statute of Limitations is in regards to when the disease was discovered, not the last time of exposure. Because an asbestos-related illness often doesn’t become apparent for many years, many lawsuits have been successfully filed over 20 years after the last asbestos exposure, for example.

Can I file a lawsuit if a family member has died from an asbestos-related disease?
According to New York State law, the estate of an asbestos-related disease victim can file a Wrongful Death lawsuit within two years of the victim’s death.

Where can I get more information about asbestos-related disease and asbestos lawsuits?
Weitz & Luxenberg has the largest asbestos litigation practice in New York State, and arguably the entire USA. Our firm has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease. If you would like a free consultation or more information about an asbestos lawsuit, please complete the form below, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.