Asbestos Defense Litigation
Asbestos cases must be thoroughly examined. This includes identifying asbestos-related products and locating potential defendants. This may involve collecting information from relatives, coworkers members, abatement workers and studying documents.
Cetrulo LLP has served as the national and regional Defense Liaison Counsel in asbestos litigation dockets. We manage these dockets and coordinate with local counsel to develop consistent, cost-effective defense strategies.
Asbestos Product Identification
Asbestos can be found in a wide range of building materials, such as cement products, paints and floor tiles. It is also present in artex, adhesives, doors insulation, and adhesives. It is extremely difficult to determine whether or not the material is asbestos-free based on its appearance alone. A certified environmental surveyor can conduct an inspection to determine the presence of asbestos.
When asbestos fibres become airborne, they're tiny and light, meaning they can travel long distances even through windows or doors. Once they reach the lungs they can lead to the formation of serious health issues.
asbestos lawsuits becomes dangerous when it is damaged and releases harmful fibres into the air. This is why it's important that building materials not be disturbed or removed without proper labeling and accompanied by an expert inspection.
Due to the long time between asbestos exposure and illness, it is very difficult to obtain meaningful evidence in an
asbestos lawsuit -
bagger-kumar-2.blogbright.Net -. There are also serious concerns regarding the admissibility of and testimony of plaintiffs' expert witnesses and the causal link between exposure to asbestos and the development of disease.
In these situations asbestos defense lawyers often argue for summary judgment based on an absence of factual basis. Imagine, for example, that plaintiff Paul was in a multi-vehicle accident in New York City. But, he doesn't have details about the date or location of the accident, the cars involved or any other information which could be used to support the conclusion that defendant David is responsible for his injuries.
A New York mesothelioma attorney with expertise in this field is recommended. They will analyze the facts of the case, as well as any expert reports and other documents to determine whether or not summary judgment is an appropriate remedy. New York mesothelioma lawyers such as Weitz & Luxenberg and Simmons Hanly Conroy, Cooney & Conway, can aid their clients in this process. Asbestos law firms throughout the country can help their clients to file their claims in the best jurisdiction. This may include the State of New York or a federal court located in New York City.
Asbestos Disease Identification
Asbestos is not being mined in the United States. However, it can still be present in products and buildings that were manufactured prior to 1989. When these materials degrade, they release tiny fibers into the air that can be breathed in by those in the vicinity. These fibers have been known to cause a variety of lung ailments.
Lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural disease. Those who inhale these fibers may experience a variety of symptoms, including chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. These symptoms could not manifest until years after exposure to asbestos.
All forms of asbestos including chrysotile are carcinogenic for humans. Exposure to
asbestos lawsuit can cause cancers of the lung and larynx, as well as ovaries. It also can cause a form of mesothelioma that develops in the interior of body cavities, such as those in the stomach, the heart and the tests. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify, as it has a long latent period and has many symptoms that are comparable with other conditions such as sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
People who are most likely to suffer asbestos-related illnesses are those who worked directly with the substance or were exposed to a significant amount of environmental toxins. This includes construction workers, boilermakers and shipyard workers. Also included are railroad and U.S. Navy vets and those who assisted in cleaning up after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Some of the symptoms of these people include breathing difficulty coughing, chest pain and chest pain.
A doctor can determine if a patient is suffering from an asbestos-related disease by looking at the patient's medical background, work history and family history. X-rays and CT scans can confirm the presence of asbestos-related conditions. Patients with asbestosis are advised to undergo a yearly lung function test. This will help monitor their condition. This test can identify the progress of asbestosis and identify other health issues that could be a result of this disease. Patients suffering from asbestosis should also receive regular vaccinations to avoid the onset of other respiratory diseases, such as psoriasis. The EPA offers a TSCA Hotline as well as an Asbestos Ombudsman who can provide additional information and help.
Asbestos Database Development
Asbestos is one of the fibrous minerals that was extensively employed in industrial and construction settings because of its durable, fire retardant, and corrosion resistant properties. Asbestos particles inhalation can cause a variety medical problems, including mesothelioma, a cancer of the lungs and other organs, as well as neurological disorders. These diseases can manifest 30 years or longer.
In many asbestos cases there are several defendants and a complex discovery. This is often complicated when the asbestos materials involved in a case can't be identified. To determine the asbestos products involved, forensic experts are needed, as well as various investigative techniques and tools like interviewing former colleagues, obtaining invoices and delivery papers, and taking samples at work and at home. The type of asbestosamosite, chrysotile or crocidolite -- must be identified.
We have a vast amount of experience defending companies involved in the asbestos industry. This includes companies that manufacture products distributors, suppliers and manufacturers as well as contractors. Our team has served as National Coordinating Counsel and Trial Counsel for numerous asbestos litigation clients and has represented these companies in multiple jurisdictions across the country. We also serve as Defense Liaison Counsel for a number of the states' asbestos dockets, which is where we oversee regional and local counsel to ensure consistency and cost-effective defense strategies as well as results.
Our national approach in managing asbestos defense has proven to be effective. In numerous instances, it has reduced legal costs by millions of dollars compared to the amount companies paid to other firms. Courts across the country have recognized our unique and aggressive method of managing asbestos cases.
We have also defended massive toxic tort suits brought against the manufacturers of industrial, pharmaceutical and petrochemical chemicals. These lawsuits are based upon assertions that exposure to these chemicals has led to ailments like occupational asthma, restrictive and obstructive pulmonary disorders, and other neurological disorders.
Medical Expert Witnesses
Medical expert witnesses are critical in asbestos cases, mostly because the symptoms of asbestos exposure can be easily confused with other ailments like emphysema, or other types of lung cancer. It is vital that lawyers have access to these experts who can differentiate the various diseases and explain how each disease is a result of different types exposures.
Medical records of asbestos victims are often the best source for this evidence. X-rays are available and can be accessed through CT scans and biopsies. To make the most of these data, medical experts are required to sort through the data, and provide their views on possible causes, probabilities and other issues.
The medical experts involved in asbestos cases are typically very well-known and have testified in dozens or even hundreds of other cases. This reputation increases the credibility of these experts to the jury. Additionally, the experience of these doctors in preparing for testimonies is that they know how to anticipate questions from the defense and how to provide evidence to the judge.
In addition to medical professionals in addition, it is essential to have scientists provide evidence on the different causes of asbestos diseases. It is not enough to prove that a mesothelioma sufferer is a victim. It must be proven that the asbestos defendant exposed her to carcinogens and how smoking can increase the risk of mesothelioma.
Expert witness fees can make up a large portion of the total costs of asbestos cases. Therefore, it is crucial that a defense attorney is capable of quickly identifying and hire the best expert witness for any given case.
We represent material suppliers, product manufactures distributors, premises owners and material suppliers in asbestos cases before state and federal courts across the country. Our team of committed and experienced lawyers are proficient both defensively and offensively in asbestos litigation. Contact us today to learn how our firm can assist you.