A naturally occurring mineral, asbestos is strong and heat resistant. However, asbestos is also a deadly carcinogen.
Steel, chemical, and other construction and manufacturing industries in Michigan regularly took advantage of asbestos ignoring the risks it posed to workers. Asbestos was cheap and plentiful and could help make gloves flame retardant, insulate hot pipes, or add strength without extra weight to tiles.
While asbestos workers were not warned of the risks, management knew but ignored it; one executive wrote: "If you have enjoyed a good life while working with asbestos products, why not die from it." Instead of increasing safety measures or seeking alternative fibers, companies kept mum in an effort to protect their profits. In an internal document from Owens Corning Corporation:
"...we have a $10 million Kaylo operation... the replacement of asbestos program does not offer any direct sales growth potential but must be carried out so that in the event the health hazard aspect of asbestos fibers becomes a major national and/or political hot potato, OCF will have an alternate fiber to switch to so as to stay in business."
A few months later, Owens-Corning stated in another document,
"...if and only if the asbestos threat reaches the 'danger point' would we then want to reconsider an asbestos-free product...."
Michigan ranks ninth in the nation in mesothelioma deaths, revealing the widespread use of asbestos in Michigan. Many of our clients worked regularly with asbestos in their jobs as electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, steelworkers, puddlers, boilermakers, laborers, and chemical plant workers. Still others weren't aware they were being exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos is linked to asbestosis, a severe scarring of the lungs, and several types of cancer. Most notably, asbestos is associated with mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer, the only known cause of which is asbestos exposure.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, arising out of the lining of the lungs known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma (also called abdominal mesothelioma) and pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the heart) are even more rare, but are also both tied to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is sometimes called a "signal cancer," an indication that you've likely been exposed to asbestos.
In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is associated with lung, colon, colorectal, stomach, throat, laryngeal, and esophageal cancers. If you've been diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer, you may need an experienced asbestos attorney.
Lung cancer claims, for instance, are not negated if you smoked. In fact, smoking's relationship with asbestos is synergistic, meaning that together they increase your risk for developing lung cancer dramatically over either independently. Even if you smoked, you may be entitled to asbestos compensation.
Getting a diagnosis and finding the right specialists to treat your injuries is the important first step. However, don't neglect to consider your rights: there are strict time limits on pursuing an asbestos lawsuit, usually starting from the date of your diagnosis. These "statutes of limitations" or "statues of repose" can limit or even prevent you from receiving compensation.
Being handed a serious diagnosis is overwhelming; dealing with medicines and treatments is time consuming. Our asbestos attorneys can help you sort out the details of your case quickly and efficiently. There is no cost or obligation to have our attorneys review your asbestos case, so please, contact us today.
Our Michigan mesothelioma lawyers have been involved in asbestos litigation from the beginning. We have represented thousands of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestos victims from Saginaw, Detroit, Allen Park, and throughout Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio.
As pioneers in asbestos litigation, we are intimately familiar with the enormous history of documents, depositions, and evidence needed to win asbestos settlements. A single mesothelioma lawsuit may involve thousands of documents, not to mention require expert testimonies and knowledge of job sites that may have been gone for decades.
Our accumulated body of knowledge and more than three decades of experience has helped us win jury verdicts in Michigan, as well as Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. We understand when to settle and how to achieve maximum settlements. Our track record in asbestos litigation shows our experience.
In addition to our trial experience, we have a large arsenal of corporate documents, depositions and medical articles dating back to the 1930's with which to vigorously prosecute your asbestos case. We work with world-renowned doctors who are experts in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer caused by asbestos.
We are also familiar with local Michigan steel mills, chemical plants, and other job sites. Time other lawyers will spend getting up to speed will instead be spent on your asbestos injury claim.
If you are looking for a Michigan mesothelioma lawyer or asbestos attorney, we have the experience and knowledge to aggressively represent you. Your case is unique; we would be happy to talk to you about how we can help you. There is no fee or obligation for a case evaluation with one of our attorneys.
