Indiana Asbestos & Mesothelioma Attorneys

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What Is Asbestos?

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, and by July 1989, 94% of new uses of asbestos were banned in the United States. Most asbestos uses that were established before that date are still allowed and old products containing asbestos still exist. The government strictly regulates these uses.

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.

What Is Mesothelioma?

• Mesothelioma is a relatively rare condition
• It is a deadly and aggressive cancer
• It's cause is almost always linked to asbestos exposure, typically from a working environment where asbestos is used or encountered
• Most people who suffer from Mesothelioma were subject to heavy asbestos exposure over a significant period of time, but as short as a few months.

Railroad 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.

Defective Products and Personal Injury

George & Farinas also handles personal injury claims for those who have suffered injury due to someone else's negligence or misconduct. Our personal injury team located in Indianapolis is dedicated to serving clients nationwide. We are here to help you obtain the recovery you deserve, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.