Mesothelioma Lawyer for Automotive Workers
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Mesothelioma Lawyer for Automotive Workers
If you previously worked in the automotive industry, chances are you’ve encountered asbestos. This hazardous material was commonly used in car parts until the 1980s and continues to pose a risk. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma in auto workers is more common than you might realize. If you or someone you love suffered asbestos exposure, contact a mesothelioma lawyer at Flint Cooper.
In the meantime, this article aims to help you understand the asbestos disease, your legal options for recovery, and the financial resources available to you and your family.
The Hidden Risk of Asbestos in Cars
Before the health risks of asbestos became widely known, it was a staple in car manufacturing. Manufacturers favored asbestos for its heat resistance and durability. The EPA later found that chrysotile asbestos presented an unreasonable health risk to workers. It was present in numerous car parts, including:
- Sheet gaskets
- Aftermarket automotive brakes and lining
- Brake blocks
- Vehicle friction products
Those who have directly handled asbestos are not the only ones who need to worry about asbestos-related health risks. The EPA determined that some workers who did not directly work with these automotive parts may still have experienced sufficient exposure to result in an asbestos disease.
How Much Asbestos Exposure Is Dangerous?
Unfortunately, no amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe. The risk of developing mesothelioma depends on the amount of exposure as well as other factors such as duration, source, type of asbestos, pre-existing issues, and genetic makeup. For example, someone who smokes is at a higher risk of developing complications of mesothelioma.
How Mesothelioma Develops
Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lung lining and stay there for years. Over time, these fibers can irritate the lungs, leading to mesothelioma. Symptoms of the disease may not manifest for decades, making early detection and diagnosis challenging.
Financial and Legal Resources for Recovery
Victims have multiple avenues of potential recovery for occupational diseases like mesothelioma. Automotive workers might have workers’ compensation benefits and other forms of civil recovery available. Alternatively, numerous victims have filed asbestos-related lawsuits in recent years, resulting in significant mesothelioma lawsuit settlements.
Workers’ Compensation
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing an asbestos lawsuit can offer a path to financial recovery if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma as an automotive worker. Courts have held auto parts manufacturers and even automobile manufacturers liable for failing to warn about asbestos risks.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Some companies that produced asbestos-containing products have set up trust funds to compensate victims. If the company you worked for has declared bankruptcy, an asbestos trust fund may be your best option for compensation.
Military and Veteran Benefits
If you are a U.S. veteran exposed to asbestos during your service, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides special benefits, including medical treatment and monthly disability compensation.
Preventive Measures
Although asbestos use has diminished, it hasn’t been entirely eliminated. Modern safety guidelines recommend:
- Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums
- Wearing personal protective equipment
- Regularly conducting asbestos safety training
It’s crucial to ensure your workplace takes proper precautions to protect automotive workers from asbestos exposure.
What to Do If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
If you received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you have legal rights. Taking immediate action is essential given the severity of the disease. You can start by:
- Consulting a mesothelioma specialist. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. You need to seek medical treatment from a doctor specializing in occupational diseases like mesothelioma.
- Documenting your exposure. The more evidence you can gather about your asbestos exposure, the stronger your legal case will be.
- Exploring various financial options. Consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney to guide you through the complicated process of seeking compensation.
- Building a support network. Connect with support groups and other families who are going through the same struggle. Depending on your preference, you can join these groups online and in person.
Taking the proper steps early on can help you build a solid case for damages. Speak with a Flint Cooper lawyer immediately if your past automotive industry work resulted in asbestos exposure.
Practice Areas
Asbestos
Mass Torts
Personal Injury
Government Takings
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer at Flint Cooper
Mesothelioma can be a devastating diagnosis, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Legal and financial help is available. If you’ve spent years in the automotive industry, understand that your occupational history may have exposed you to this life-altering disease. Proactive measures can make all the difference.
At Flint Cooper, we have ample experience dealing with mesothelioma litigation. We know what it takes to build a solid case and are committed to pursuing justice on your behalf. Our firm has over 20 years of experience and can represent clients in all 50 states. We deliver results and will fight tirelessly to help you receive compensation for your mesothelioma. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more.
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