Oakland Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Asbestos consists of a number of naturally occurring mineral fibers that are heat-resistant and do not corrode easily. It is because of these properties that asbestos was once used extensively in commercial products such as insulation, fireproofing materials, automotive brakes, and wallboard materials. If the fibers are disturbed, they become airborne, and people can inhale them. After they enter the body, they become trapped in the lungs and other important organs. Over time, they can lead to some of the most serious diseases, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive type of cancer, and California has the highest number of cases in the entire country. There were 284 new cases in 2021, and the following year, there were 208 fatalities due to mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos causes many other diseases, as well. If you or a loved one has become sick, our Oakland asbestos lawyer can advise on whether you are entitled to compensation.

What Diseases are Caused by Exposure to Asbestos?

Sadly, mesothelioma is not the only disease caused by asbestos exposure. Others include:

• Lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Asbestosis
• Pleural plaques
• Pleural thickening
• Pleural effusions

It is not always easy to determine that a disease was caused by asbestos exposure, as a person can inhale the substance and not realize it. For example, someone may wash their spouse’s clothing, not realizing it contains asbestos fibers. When they do, they may disturb the fibers and inhale them.

What Compensation is Available in Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits?

You may have the right to file a claim for compensation if you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos due to someone else’s negligence. An asbestos attorney in Oakland can help. It is impossible for anyone to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to without first fully reviewing the facts of your case. The most common types of compensation available in these cases include:

• Medical expenses, including hospitalizations, prescription medication, and other costs of treatment
• Lost wages, vacation pay, sick pay, and other employment benefits
• Loss of earning capacity, if you cannot return to work in the future or must accept a lower-paying job
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

Challenges Associated With Asbestos Exposure Claims

All personal injury claims present their own challenges, but those that arise in asbestos exposure lawsuits are unique. Many companies liable for exposure to asbestos are now bankrupt or no longer operating. Some diseases caused by the substance, particularly mesothelioma, do not manifest for 20 to 60 years. By the time a person is diagnosed, the company is no longer solvent, making it more challenging to determine who to file a claim against.

Asbestos exposure also often happens while a person is working. If the sick individual still works for the company, they must file a workers’ compensation claim instead of a lawsuit. Although workers’ comp does provide benefits for medical expenses and a portion of a person’s lost wages, compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering is not available.

Our Asbestos Exposure Lawyer in Oakland Can Explain Your Legal Options

If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to asbestos exposure, you do have legal options. Our Oakland asbestos exposure attorney at Brod Law Firm can explain your legal options and guide you through the process. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review and to get the sound advice you need.