Indiana Asbestos & Mesothelioma Attorney

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral which was widely used in the manufacture of many products beginning in the late nineteenth century. It is a toxic substance that can have dramatic effects on health 10, 20 or even 50 years after exposure. Asbestos became increasingly popular with manufacturers and builders in the early part of the 20th century because of its sound absorption, strength, resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability. If you have been employed in a job where you were exposed to asbestos, you may have significantly increased risk for cancer (Mesothelioma), asbestosis, or other illnesses.

Federal regulation of asbestos began in the 1970s. Due to health concerns, all new uses of asbestos in the United States were banned in July 1989. That year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule, which eventually led to banning about 94% percent of the asbestos used in the USA. Most asbestos uses established before that date are still allowed, but strictly regulated by the government. If you have been a victim of serious health issues due to exposure to asbestos, it is critical that you obtain the help of an asbestos attorney in Indiana right away.

Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, a relatively rare condition, is a deadly, aggressive cancer almost always linked to contact with asbestos. Heavy exposure to materials containing asbestos fibers or jobsites where asbestos is used, removed, or disturbed can cause Mesothelioma cancer. Typically, people suffering from Mesothelioma have a history of asbestos that was heavy, repeated and concentrated in industrial settings; however, the heavy exposure may have been for a period as short as a few months.

Asbestos Diseases / Asbestos Cancers
In addition to Mesothelioma, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers increases the risk of other major diseases: asbestos related lung cancer and asbestosis. A combination of cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure dramatically increases the odds that asbestos lung cancer will develop. Asbestosis is a nonmalignant (non-cancerous) form of asbestos related disease. It is also sometimes referred to as asbestos related pulmonary fibrosis and is observed by shortness of breath along with dry cough, loss of appetite, and severe fatigue.

Rail Road Exposures
As early as the 1930s, railroad companies had evidence that asbestos containing products used regularly in the industry posed a serious threat to their workers. The Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) allows injured railroad workers to sue their employers for job-related injuries, including diseases such as Mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis.

Shipyard & Navy Ship Exposures
Asbestos was used across all branches of the military for many years. The heaviest forms of exposure were for navy veterans exposed to high levels of asbestos while serving on ships (aircraft carriers, cargo ships, destroyers, submarines, battleships, etc.) in the naval fleet as well as in naval shipyards across the country.

Toxic Torts / Workplace Hazards
A toxic tort is a type of legal term used to describe personal injury claim in which a person (Plaintiff) claims that exposure to a chemical or toxin caused their injury or disease. Most people are exposed to toxic chemicals from the environment, the workplace, in the home, or from consumer products. Common chemicals include asbestos, coal tar pitch, benzene, silica, and talc. Being exposed to toxic chemicals can cause many serious and life-threatening medical conditions, including Mesothelioma, cancer, birth defects, and even death. The only way to know if illness is the result of toxic exposure is by consulting with a medical doctor.

Resolving a Mesothelioma Case

If you were exposed to asbestos, the first thing you should do is get regular checkups by a doctor who is familiar with asbestos related disease, including Mesothelioma. In the unfortunate event you or a loved one are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, asbestos cancer, or asbestosis, George & Farinas, LLP lawyers are available to help discuss your legal options. Our team of Indianapolis mesothelioma lawyers are dedicated to helping you obtain the recovery you deserve.

Call our office today for a free, no hassle consultation.

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