Insurance USA

Mesothelioma Law Firm

Many millions of homes across the United States contain the construction material, asbestos. This is because, the majority of the 20th century, asbestos was highly regarded for its fire-proofing qualities. Therefore the material can be found in the average American home: the walls, the roofs, chimneys, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, ducting and heating systems.

When left undisturbed asbestos is perfectly safe and there is no need to be alarmed. However, if there is any damage or disturbance to asbestos, it can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. These fibers may be come lodged within an individual’s lungs. Once lodged these hazardous fibers can cause a number of life-threatening illnesses. Such fibers are identified with difficulty as they do not show up in conventional x-rays.

The dangers of asbestos have been known for a considerable period of time. However many manufacturers of construction materials and employers continued to expose homeowners and employees to the material.

The illnesses that are most likely to affect those exposed to asbestos are asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These illnesses and, in particular, mesothelioma is life-threatening as they can take many years to diagnose. Diagnosis is only real possible once the symptoms become apparent. It is a feature of asbestos exposure that symptoms can take many years to manifest themselves. By the time symptoms do become apparent, it is often too late for the doctors to successfully treat the sufferer. That is not to say sufferers cannot be treated but treatment is difficult.

If you or anyone you know have been exposed to asbestos, or have worked in the construction industry, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person or party responsible for your exposure. A mesothelioma law firm will be able to help you in this case. Filing a lawsuit can be a technical exercise and therefore you should only consider appointing a firm of lawyers who have experience in bringing such cases. A court may award you compensation for the exposure, there could be an award of medical bills, as well as further treatment costs.

The Simmons Firm asbestos attorneys have over a decade of experience representing mesothelioma cancer and asbestos disease victims. Our firsthand experience with the effects of asbestos, coupled with our track record of success, shows our dedication to giving each client the respect and attention they deserve. We serve mesothelioma victims and their families throughout the United States, including the New Orleans area.

NEW ORLEANS MESOTHELIOMA LAWYERS

You should know that the state of Louisiana has a unique set of laws affecting asbestos exposure cases. For example, Louisiana statute of limitations laws restrict the time frame in which mesothelioma victims and family members can file a lawsuit. Our mesothelioma attorneys will help you understand the lawsuit process while guiding you through the sometimes complicated legal system. If you’d like to learn more about the services we offer, please schedule a free case evaluation.

ASBESTOS SITES IN NEW ORLEANS

Although the use of asbestos in the U.S. is regulated, please know that it has not been completely banned. Certain occupations and work sites show a higher risk for asbestos exposure. It takes years for mesothelioma to develop, so it’s important to understand the symptoms, regardless of your current situation. In Louisiana, there are approximately 13.5 deaths per million per year due to malignant mesothelioma.

The following list shows some of the New Orleans job sites that may have contained asbestos. This list is partial and may not reflect current conditions. Please contact a physician immediately if you experience symptoms of asbestos exposure.

New Orleans Nuclear Power Plant
Jung Hotel Building Job Site
Best wall Gypsum Plant
New Orleans Powerhouses
American Standard Chemical Plant
Equitable Shipyards
Folgers Coffee Plant
Babcock & Wilcox
Nopsi Market Street Plant

NEW ORLEANS ZIP CODES SERVED
The mesothelioma attorneys at the Simmons Firm strive to give their clients the personal attention they deserve. If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, our nationwide firm will send a lawyer to you wherever you live in the United States. The New Orleans zip codes we will serve include:

70112, 70113, 70114, 70115, 70116, 70117, 70118, 70119, 70121, 70122, 70123, 70124, 70125, 70126, 70127, 70128, 70129, 70130, 70131, 70139, 70140, 70141, 70142, 70143, 70145, 70146, 70148, 70149, 70150, 70151, 70152, 70153, 70154, 70156, 70157, 70158, 70159, 70160, 70161, 70162, 70163, 70164, 70165, 70166, 70167, 70170, 70172, 70174, 70175, 70176, 70177, 70178, 70179, 70181, 70182, 70183, 70184, 70185, 70186, 70187, 70189, 70190, 70195

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming and terrifying. You may be wondering how you got it, and what it is. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that almost always is caused by exposure to asbestos. It presents itself in the cells within the mesothelium, which covers most of the body’s internal organs as a protective lining, and spreads quickly. Most often, it starts in the lungs and progresses through the heart and abdomen.

Mesothelioma law

Mesothelioma is still considered a rare form of cancer, but diagnoses have increased over the past few decades. Much of this can be attributed to the irresponsible use of asbestos over the past century. Many companies knew of the dangers and health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and failed to inform workers and customers of its potential harm.

GREATER NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA ASBESTOS EXPOSURE: WERE YOU AT RISK?

Asbestos was used extensively in buildings, roads, construction materials, and everyday household items for years. It has only recently been publicly recognized as an incredibly dangerous substance, and great measures must be taken to remove asbestos safely from older architecture.

People who work in trades that directly handle asbestos materials—including construction, automotive repair, and manufacturing asbestos products—face an obvious risk for exposure. Other trades, including firefighting and demolition, also risk exposure to asbestos dust.

Asbestos can be incredibly potent, and unfortunately, exposure is not limited to direct contact with large, concentrated amounts. Family members of those who have been exposed regularly to asbestos can face the possibility of mesothelioma, by breathing in asbestos dust from the exposed individual. Even people who work or live near a site with materials that contain asbestos can be exposed to fibers that have been released into the air and become ill.

DECIDING TO FILE A LAWSUIT: DO YOU HAVE A CASE?

Taking legal action is a difficult decision to make. Fear of losing one’s job is often a concern, as well as financial challenges associated with hiring a lawyer. Many people reconsider when they realize how aggressive and intimidating insurance companies can be, and when medical bills begin to pile up.

Asbestos exposure cases, like mesothelioma, can be much more straightforward. Because mesothelioma is usually a direct cause of asbestos exposure, an individual or company often can be found directly liable. If a company did not inform an employee of a potential exposure, the dangers of exposure, or preventative measures to avoid medical risk, the employee may have a solid case.

The truth of the matter is that asbestos-related mesothelioma can be prevented. Negligence on the hands of your employer is inexcusable. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, then you will face expensive medical care, lifelong side effects, and considerable damages. Despite the length of time it can take for symptoms to appear after exposure—often several decades—you may still be able to file a suit.

CONTACT A METAIRIE & GREATER NEW ORLEANS MESOTHELIOMA ATTORNEY TODAY

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or any of the surrounding areas, the Brandner Law Firm in New Orleans can help you determine whether you have a case. Metairie Louisiana mesothelioma lawyer Michael Brandner has represented families and individuals in personal injury lawsuits for years. With compassion for his clients and an aggressive presence in the courtroom, Michael will work hard to earn you the justice and compensation you deserve. Call him today at 504.552.5000 for a free consultation.