When it comes to paper mill workers and asbestos exposure, this is a consistent risk for anyone in this field, despite the fact that asbestos use has declined dramatically over recent years, and the health risks of asbestos are well understood. If you have previously worked in any paper mill and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to hire a paper mill workers’ mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible to explain your legal options.
Legal Options for Paper Mill Workers’ Asbestos Exposure
Paper mill workers have consistently faced some of the greatest workplace asbestos exposure risks in the US, due to the environments in which they work, the materials they use, and the nature of their everyday job responsibilities. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has diminished significantly over the past few decades, new cases of mesothelioma continue appearing every year because of asbestos exposure that happened years ago.
About 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US each year, and one of the most challenging aspects of this disease is the difficulty many people have in proving the most likely source of their asbestos exposure. A few of the risks facing paper mill workers in the US include handling asbestos-containing products materials, working in older buildings that contain asbestos insulation and other hazardous materials, and the risk of exposure due to poor ventilation.
Paper mill workers have also faced the risk of asbestos exposure due to the talc used in many paper mill operations, which can be contaminated with trace amounts of asbestos. Ultimately, it can be very difficult for a paper mill worker to accurately determine the source of the asbestos exposure that caused their condition, so it is crucial for them to hire a paper mill workers’ mesothelioma lawyer to help with their case as soon as possible.
Claiming Compensation for Paper Mill Worker Asbestos Exposure
Your paper mill workers’ mesothelioma attorney at Wallace & Graham, PA can review employment records and other evidence to assist you with proving when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos at your job. This may require careful review of decades’ worth of evidence, so it’s vital to have a seasoned attorney handling your case. Once you have determined the source of your exposure, your attorney can explain your legal options.
Many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma several decades after they were exposed to asbestos. If this applies to your case, the company responsible for your diagnosis may already have gone out of business. Many US companies that produced asbestos products were required to establish mesothelioma injury trusts to compensate those diagnosed with mesothelioma in the future because of their products. You may qualify to file a claim to such a trust.
Your paper mill workers’ mesothelioma attorney can guide you through this claim-filing process and help you secure appropriate compensation. If you were exposed to asbestos at your current job and have developed mesothelioma, this qualifies as a work-related illness, and you may be eligible to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Your attorney can guide you through this process as well, negotiating a fair determination of benefits on your behalf.
In the event a specific party is directly responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused your mesothelioma, this can form grounds for a personal injury claim for toxic exposure. The plaintiff in a personal injury case has the right to seek full repayment of any economic losses the defendant caused, such as medical bills and lost income, and the plaintiff may also claim compensation for their pain and suffering.
Mesothelioma is a terminal diagnosis, and the average five-year relative survival rate for all stages of this cancer is only 15%. You have a short time to build your case, so it’s crucial to hire a paper mill workers’ mesothelioma lawyer at your first opportunity. The team at Wallace & Graham, PA can help you understand your legal options, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible so we can start building your case.
FAQs
How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. There is no “safe” level of exposure, and once is enough for someone to eventually develop mesothelioma. The risk of mesothelioma increases significantly when a person is repeatedly exposed to asbestos or if they have a genetic predisposition to developing cancer. It often takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to appear following asbestos exposure.
Is Mesothelioma Curable?
No, mesothelioma is an incurable cancer. After diagnosis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life as much as possible. Eventually, anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma will need palliative care. Early detection of the disease can help slow its progression and keep symptoms manageable for longer.
How Much Compensation Can a Paper Mill Worker Claim for Asbestos Exposure?
The amount of compensation a paper mill worker can claim for asbestos exposure depends on several factors. Your paper mill workers’ mesothelioma attorney can assess the full scope of your economic damages, such as your medical expenses, lost income, and lost earning capacity, and they can also help you secure compensation for your pain and suffering with a personal injury case.
Why Should I Hire a Paper Mill Workers’ Mesothelioma Lawyer?
You should hire a paper mill workers’ mesothelioma lawyer to have a better chance of not only succeeding with your recovery efforts, but also of securing appropriate compensation for your damages. Whether you are filing a claim against a mesothelioma injury trust fund, pursuing workers’ compensation benefits through your employer, or filing a personal injury case for toxic exposure, you are more likely to reach a favorable outcome with an attorney representing you.
The team at Wallace & Graham, PA has years of proven experience handling mesothelioma cases for clients nationwide, and we have assisted many paper mill workers with asbestos exposure claims. You have a limited time to build your case, and our team is ready to assist you with every step of these difficult proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced paper mill workers’ mesothelioma attorney and learn how we can help.
About the author:
William M. Graham
Managing Partner of
Wallace & Graham, P.A.
William M. Graham is the Managing Partner at Wallace & Graham, P.A. in Salisbury, NC, where he focuses on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has been admitted to the North Carolina State Bar (1991). Graham earned his J.D. from Antioch School of Law and is recognized for his dedication to clients affected by asbestos-related illnesses. His practice reflects deep expertise and commitment to client advocacy.