Six naturally occurring minerals form the soft, flexible fibers of asbestos. Asbestos has many uses and so traditionally, it was often used in the construction of commercial buildings. The industrial sector still relies quite heavily on asbestos because it is heat-resistant and very durable. Still, asbestos is very dangerous and those who inhale it may suffer from many different medical conditions, including cancer. While asbestos is not used as often today, there are many spaces that still contain the toxic substance. People can suffer a number of life-threatening conditions due to exposure to asbestos. Tragically, many of these illnesses are entirely preventable. Exposure is often the result of negligent property owners, manufacturers, and other entities. If you or someone you love has suffered from asbestos exposure, you may be able to file a claim for damages. Our Palmdale asbestos lawyer can help you through the process.
What Are the Dangers of Asbestos?While the fibers that make up asbestos are naturally-occurring, this does not mean they are safe. Every year, thousands of people lose their life to asbestos exposure. When a person is exposed to asbestos, they may inhale or ingest it and the fibers then become permanently trapped in the body. These fibers can cause inflammation and scarring over time. According to multiple studies, approximately two to ten percent of all people who are exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer. The current five-year survival rate is just ten percent of people who develop the sickness. The life expectancy for those diagnosed is between one and four years when medical treatment is received. If mesothelioma is not treated, life expectancy is reduced to just six months.
Who is Liable for Asbestos Exposure?If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to asbestos exposure and another person’s negligence was to blame, you can file a claim for financial compensation with the help of an asbestos attorney in Palmdale. Determining who is liable for the exposure is not as straightforward as it may seem, though. The negligent party liable for paying damages may include the following:
Our Palmdale asbestos attorney at Brod Law Firm has seen the catastrophic impacts of exposure and is dedicated to helping clients claim the full settlements they deserve. We can put our expertise to work for you, too. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.