Mesothelioma Lawyer for Construction Workers
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Mesothelioma Lawyer for Construction Workers
For decades, construction workers have faced higher rates of asbestos exposure. This dangerous mineral is linked to various health issues, including a rare and aggressive cancer called mesothelioma. Construction workers with asbestos-related illnesses have rights and several options for financial recovery. This article aims to educate you, as a current or former construction worker, about the risks associated with occupational asbestos exposure. We will explain your legal options, including hiring an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
The Risk of Asbestos in Construction
Construction sites historically used materials containing asbestos because of its heat-resistant and insulating properties. In 1989, the EPA banned the use of new products containing asbestos. By then, it was too late for millions of construction workers who were already exposed.
Whether involved in building structures or installing asbestos insulation, you may have been unwittingly exposed to high levels of asbestos. The problem is so severe that people often ask, How much asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma? While providing a specific answer is complex, prolonged or intense exposure increases the risk significantly. The reality is there’s no safe level of asbestos exposure.
The Link Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Once you inhale or ingest asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in the lining of your lungs, causing irritation that may eventually lead to mesothelioma. Symptoms can take decades to appear, making early detection exceedingly challenging.
Construction workers are at high risk because asbestos was commonly used in older buildings and construction materials, such as insulation, tiles, and roofing shingles.
Legal Options for Construction Workers
Construction workers may have several avenues of recovery, including workers’ compensation benefits, personal injury litigation, and asbestos trusts. Treatment for mesothelioma can be extremely costly. The expenses include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and palliative care, often exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is crucial to explore all your options for financial recovery. Here’s a look at some potential recovery options for construction workers diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Workers’ Compensation for Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Although workers’ compensation benefits should cover immediate medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, they may not be sufficient to cover the long-term costs associated with mesothelioma treatment. Depending on your employer, pursuing a workers’ compensation claim might not be viable for workers in Texas, where employers aren’t required to provide coverage. Furthermore, workers’ compensation won’t hold the responsible parties accountable in the way that a personal injury lawsuit can.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is often a preferred path to financial recovery if you received a mesothelioma diagnosis. Construction workers may be able to file a lawsuit against a third party who is directly responsible for occupational asbestos exposure. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help establish a strong case against the responsible parties, such as manufacturers of asbestos-containing products or construction companies that failed to provide adequate protection.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Companies that have gone bankrupt but were known to produce asbestos-containing materials must set up trust funds to compensate victims. Accessing these funds doesn’t preclude you from filing a personal injury claim. Your mesothelioma lawyer will often recommend pursuing both paths for maximum financial recovery.
Veterans Disability Benefits
Asbestos exposure affects more than private construction workers. Military construction workers who develop mesothelioma could also be eligible to receive VA disability benefits.
Grants and Subsidies
Some organizations provide grants and subsidies to help cover costs if you must travel for treatment. For example, a mesothelioma travel grant could cover gas, taxi fares, hotel stays, and airplane costs. While these grants are helpful, they are usually insufficient to cover all expenses, making legal avenues for financial recovery all the more essential.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Awareness and prevention are the first lines of defense against mesothelioma for construction workers. Employers should take precautions to ensure:
- Regular asbestos safety training,
- Utilization of personal protective equipment,
- Use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums, and
- Regular monitoring of air quality.
Many older buildings still contain asbestos, which means the risk of occupational exposure remains. Employers who fail to provide safety gear and training could be liable for asbestos-related illnesses.
What to Do If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
Protecting your rights is essential if you’re a construction worker diagnosed with mesothelioma. You should:
- Consult a specialist. The sooner you get diagnosed and begin treatment, the better your chances of survival.
- Document your exposure. Maintain records of your employment history, tasks, and any incidences of asbestos exposure.
- Seek legal advice. Consult a mesothelioma lawyer to evaluate your options for financial recovery through personal injury claims, workers’ compensation, and asbestos trust funds.
It’s also helpful to seek emotional support. Join an online group or attend an in-person meeting. Many find these emotional support groups to be beneficial coping mechanisms.
Practice Areas
Asbestos
Mass Torts
Personal Injury
Government Takings
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer at Flint Cooper
Despite the ban on asbestos products, mesothelioma in construction workers is a growing problem. Many workers suffered exposure long before any EPA ban, only showing symptoms years later. At Flint Cooper, we represent construction workers facing asbestos-related diseases in all 50 states. With over two decades of experience, our skilled lawyers understand how to identify and successfully pursue all legal avenues of recovery.
If you’re a current or former construction worker diagnosed with mesothelioma from occupational asbestos exposure, contact Flint Cooper to schedule an initial consultation. Let us review your case and help you protect your legal right to recovery.
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