For much of the 20th century, asbestos was used in thousands of products across America. This naturally occurring mineral was prized for its strength, heat resistance, and durability. It was common in insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, cement products, auto parts, and even household items like hair dryers and oven mitts.
What workers weren’t told was that breathing asbestos dust causes serious health problems. The tiny, needle-like fibers can lodge in the lungs and surrounding tissues, eventually causing cancer and other diseases decades after exposure.
Industries with high asbestos exposure included construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, power plants, oil refineries, railroads, and automotive work. Veterans, especially Navy personnel who served on ships, faced particularly heavy exposure. Even family members developed diseases from asbestos dust brought home on workers’ clothes.
Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer are aggressive diseases that are difficult and expensive to treat. Most victims were exposed between the 1940s and 1980s but are only now being diagnosed because these diseases take 20-50 years to develop.
At William Mattar Law Offices, our asbestos litigation attorneys help victims nationwide get compensation from the companies that knowingly put profits above safety. Take our online quiz now to see if you qualify for a lawsuit.
Understanding Asbestos Diseases
A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Nearly always caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems, and fluid buildup. Average survival is 12-21 months after diagnosis without specialized treatment.
Develops in lung tissue after years of fiber accumulation. Symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Often discovered at advanced stages. Asbestos-exposed smokers have a risk 50-90 times higher than non-exposed non-smokers.
Found in thousands of workplaces and products until the 1980s. Common in insulation, cement, textiles, brake pads, and shipbuilding materials. Still present in many older buildings. Even brief exposures decades ago can cause disease today.
Watch for persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. If you worked around asbestos and experience these symptoms, tell your doctor about your exposure history. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
Your Legal Options
Victims may receive money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Settlements often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on diagnosis, exposure history, and responsible companies.
Many companies set aside billions in special trust funds for asbestos victims. These funds pay claims even when companies have gone bankrupt. Our attorneys identify all possible trusts you qualify for to maximize your compensation.
Laws limit how long you have to file after diagnosis. These “statutes of limitations” vary by state but are typically 1-3 years. Taking our online quiz quickly helps protect your rights before deadlines expire.
Our mesothelioma attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. The online qualification quiz is free and helps determine if you have a valid asbestos claim.
Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit?
Not everyone exposed to asbestos qualifies for legal action. Our national asbestos litigation team at William Mattar Law Offices looks for specific factors to determine if you have a valid claim.
First, you need a formal diagnosis of mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer. Your medical records must confirm this diagnosis through imaging studies, biopsies, and doctor’s reports.
Second, we must establish your asbestos exposure history. Qualifying situations typically include:
- Working directly with asbestos materials in construction, manufacturing, or other industries
- Working in environments where asbestos was present, such as factories, power plants, or military bases
- Using products that contained asbestos, like certain automotive parts or construction materials
- Living with someone who brought asbestos fibers home on their work clothes or in their hair
- Living near mines, factories, or other facilities that processed asbestos
Most people diagnosed today were exposed decades ago when asbestos use was widespread across the country. The timing matters because these diseases typically take 20-50 years to develop after exposure.
Family members may qualify to file if a loved one died from an asbestos-related disease. The compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost financial support.
Take our online quiz to see if your situation meets the requirements for filing a claim.
Taking Action
Seek treatment from doctors experienced with asbestos diseases. Specialized cancer centers offer advanced therapies that may extend survival and improve quality of life. Documented medical records strengthen your legal case.
Make a list of all workplaces, military service, or products that may have exposed you to asbestos. Note the years and your specific duties. This history helps connect your illness to responsible companies.
Our simple questionnaire takes just minutes to complete. Answer questions about your diagnosis, work history, and exposure timeline. We’ll quickly determine if you qualify for compensation based on your specific situation.
Don’t delay seeking legal help after diagnosis. Evidence becomes harder to gather as time passes. Companies may dispute responsibility, making a prompt and thorough investigation crucial to your case’s success.
Check Your Eligibility
Don’t face mesothelioma or lung cancer alone. Take our free online quiz now to see if you qualify for substantial compensation. The companies that caused your illness should be held accountable. This simple step could be your path to financial security during this difficult time.
