Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and electricians have historically faced a greater risk of work-related asbestos exposure than workers in most other industries. Work-related injuries and illnesses are common concerns for electricians, and asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, you need to hire an electricians’ mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.
Asbestos was widely used throughout the US in various applications, primarily for its insulating and fireproofing properties. Many older buildings throughout the country had asbestos insulation, and asbestos was also used in the production of fireproof equipment and various industrial materials and components for many years. Once the health risks of asbestos exposure became apparent, asbestos use in the US declined significantly, and it is now heavily regulated.
About 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US each year, primarily because of asbestos exposure that happened years ago. One of the most challenging aspects of mesothelioma is the fact that it takes a very long time for noticeable symptoms to appear, usually decades after exposure. Electricians continue to face a high risk of asbestos exposure today due to the nature of their work:
Electricians often need to work in older buildings that may still contain asbestos insulation. While there have been widespread asbestos abatement and removal operations conducted throughout the US, any remaining asbestos insulation could shed particles if it is damaged or disturbed.
Working in cramped areas like inside walls, crawlspaces, and utility rooms could mean exposure to asbestos pipe coverings and fragments of other asbestos-containing materials.
Electricians sometimes need to cut into walls and other surfaces that may have been constructed with asbestos-containing materials. This can release asbestos particles into the surrounding area.
Some electricians need to use components and materials made with asbestos, and older systems could include such components, such as phenolic molding materials, electrical boards made with cement, insulation tape, and asbestos-insulated cables.
Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. Any electrician diagnosed with this cancer should hire an electricians’ mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible so their legal representative can help them determine the most likely source of the asbestos exposure that caused their illness. These cases are inherently difficult, so experienced legal counsel is an invaluable asset for any electrician diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Legal Options for Electrician Asbestos Exposure
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, an electricians’ mesothelioma attorney can review the details of your situation and explain your legal options. You could qualify to claim workers’ compensation benefits if you were exposed to asbestos at your current job, but this claim may only yield medical expense coverage and a portion of your lost income. You may have other options available and will need an attorney’s help to fully explore them.
Your attorney may trace the source of your asbestos exposure to a company that’s no longer in business. Many US companies that formerly produced asbestos products were required to establish mesothelioma injury trust funds to compensate those diagnosed with mesothelioma in the future because of their products. Your attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file such a claim and, if so, guide you through the filing process.
When a specific party, such as a property owner, employer, or product manufacturer, is directly responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused your condition, this can form the foundation of a personal injury claim for toxic exposure. Success with a personal injury claim for mesothelioma could mean recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, lost future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Ultimately, receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing in several ways, and this is a terminal form of cancer with a relatively short life expectancy in most cases. You have a limited time to pursue accountability and compensation, and a skilled electricians’ mesothelioma attorney is an invaluable asset in this challenging situation. Wallace & Graham, PA is ready to assist you, so reach out to our firm as soon as you can to learn how we can help.
FAQs
How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can potentially cause mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure, and once is enough for a person to develop mesothelioma. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases significantly with repeated exposure or if the individual has a genetic predisposition to developing cancer. It typically takes many years, often decades, for noticeable mesothelioma symptoms to appear.
Is Mesothelioma Curable?
No, mesothelioma is an incurable and terminal cancer. The average five-year relative survival rate for all stages of mesothelioma is only 15%. Early detection can improve the efficacy of treatment, but mesothelioma treatment primarily focuses on mitigating symptoms, slowing the disease’s progression, and maintaining the patient’s quality of life. Eventually, everyone diagnosed with mesothelioma will need to transition to palliative care.
How Much Compensation Can an Electrician Claim for Asbestos Exposure?
The amount of compensation an electrician can claim for asbestos exposure varies based on several factors. An electrician may be able to recover compensation for all medical expenses related to their condition, lost wages, lost future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Your electrician’s mesothelioma attorney can accurately determine the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim.
Why Should I Hire an Electricians’ Mesothelioma Lawyer?
You should hire an electricians’ mesothelioma lawyer to have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Your attorney will know how to prove the most likely source of the asbestos exposure that led to your mesothelioma diagnosis, and this will inform you of your legal options for claiming compensation. You are more likely to secure appropriate compensation for all of your damages with a skilled attorney representing you.
The team at Wallace & Graham, PA has decades of experience representing clients nationwide in mesothelioma cases, and we have helped many electricians with asbestos exposure claims. If you believe you developed mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure during your years working as an electrician, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an electricians’ mesothelioma attorney and learn more about our legal services.
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.
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