While it is widely known that exposure to asbestos can cause devastating and ultimately fatal illnesses, not every person who is exposed develops diseases like mesothelioma. In fact, mesothelioma is considered relatively rare.
Work-related deaths peaked in North Carolina in 2014
On-the-job injury or death will always be a hazard in certain dustries, but 2014 was an especially bad year for North Carolina workers. The number of work-related deaths in the state nearly doubled from 2013 to 2014. Twenty-three work place fatalities were reported in 2013, and in 2014, that number rose sharply to 44 deaths.
Why are there so many parties named in many asbestos lawsuits?
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has learned that exposure has led to a catastrophic illness, you need to understand your legal rights and options. In many cases, it is possible to file a lawsuit, but some people shy away from this decision.
More than 100 cases of cancer diagnosed in group of miners
A recent report released some troubling numbers for miners in the Iron Range. Out of 69,000 people who worked in the mining industry between 1930 and 1982, a total of 101 have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
What is a "wrongful death" action?
A commonly asked question is whether a personal injury lawsuit can be brought against the alleged wrongdoer if the injured person dies from his (or her) injuries before the suit is commenced. For many decades, the answer was "no," because under the common law of England and then the United States, the claim for damages expired upon the death of the injured person. Realizing the unfairness of this outcome, many state legislatures, including the North Carolina General Assembly, passed statutes specifically to create a legal right to bring a lawsuit even if the injured person had died from the injuries.
Navy veterans with asbestos illnesses: Know your legal options
If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Navy, worked in shipbuilding or were employed as a longshoreman, you should understand the risks of asbestos exposure. The men and women who worked in these capacities often came into contact with the toxic material and this exposure could have devastating consequences.
What to know about asbestos and premises liability claims
When people think about premises liability claims, they often think of claims that involve dog bites, slip-and-fall injuries or swimming pool accidents. While these are some of the more common incidents prompting premises liability claims, asbestos exposure can also be grounds for a legal claim against a property owner.
Claiming damages from asbestos requires lawyers with experience
This blog has frequently noted that airborne fibers from asbestos-containing products continue to pose a health hazard both in North Carolina and throughout the country. These fibers are found in old building that are being renovated or torn down, in the shipbuilding industry and in buildings that have older heating systems. Most people are aware that asbestos once posted a serious health hazard, but few people realize that asbestos is still present in the environment and that people are still getting sick from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos hazards cannot just be wiped away
There is no doubt that construction work comes with some very obvious on-the-job hazards, from working high off the ground to using heavy and powerful machinery. However, some of the most dangerous risks of construction work are too small to even see.
What you need to know if you suffer a work-related illness
Workers across North Carolina are typically eligible to pursue financial relief if they get hurt or develop an occupational disease through the course of their employment. This relief is workers' compensation, and it can be crucial for people to understand what these benefits are and how they can help workers who have gotten sick as a result of asbestos exposure.
An asbestos primer: how does asbestos exposure cause illness?
Most people in North Carolina know that asbestos poses a significant health hazard, but not everyone understands how this material causes illness. In our last blog under the title "Asbestos Primer," we described the physical nature of asbestos: it is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in sulation products, brake linings and valve gaskets before its health risks were discovered. In this post, we will discuss the medical implications of exposure to asbestos-containing products.
How do I know if there's asbestos in a building?
Identifying asbestos can be very difficult for people without the proper training, tools and testing. In fact, many people have asbestos in their home, school or office building without even realizing it.
