Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog

Fireproofing Materials Used in World Trade Center Alleged to Cause Mesothelioma

February 19, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the widow in this case will be referred to as Mrs. M.B.R., and the late husband will be referred to as Mr. R.

In a recent legal battle in the New York Supreme Court between a mesothelioma widow and Arconic, Inc., the judge presiding over the case denied Arconic’s motion to dismiss the claim against them. Arconic, Inc. is just one of the multiple companies named in the personal injury claim. According to Mrs. M.B.R., the defendants are responsible for having exposed her late husband to asbestos.

Mrs. M.B.R.’s late husband used to work at the World Trade Center construction site. According to the mesothelioma widow, during the time her husband worked at the World Trade Center construction site, the Arconic’s fire-proofing spray her husband worked with led to him being exposed to asbestos, which, in turn, led to him developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium (the thin tissue covering most of your internal organs). Arconic, Inc. did not take these allegations lightly and decided to counter the accusations by filing a motion to dismiss with the court. According to Arconic, they stopped using asbestos-containing products after 1970. The company argued that Mr. R started working at the World Trade Center after the company had stopped using asbestos-contaminated products.

How Much is a Mesothelioma Claim Worth in 2024?

February 12, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

When an individual or company is to blame for the asbestos exposure that resulted in someone developing mesothelioma, the negligent individual or company can be held liable and made to pay damages. When mesothelioma victims are considering filing a compensation claim, one of the questions they ask is, “How much will I recover?” For those considering filing a mesothelioma claim in 2024, the question is likely, “How much is a mesothelioma claim worth in 2024?”

So, how much is a mesothelioma claim worth in 2024? Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question. There isn’t an average compensation amount that claimants can expect to recover after filing a mesothelioma claim in 2024. The value of a mesothelioma case can vary widely based on several factors. Mesothelioma victims should be wary of attorneys who guarantee them a certain amount of compensation. Even an attorney cannot predict the exact value of a case.

Factors That Can Impact the Value of a Mesothelioma Claim

Anxiety in Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families

February 11, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Anxiety is a natural and common emotion. Being anxious entails feeling worried, nervous, or on edge. Most people experience these feelings. Anxiety is a product of our body responding to threats or harm. Mesothelioma patients or family members of mesothelioma patients may experience more anxiety than other people. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are feeling anxious, you may need support. In this article, we discuss the types of anxiety and share some general tips for coping with anxiety.

Types of Anxiety

There are two ways that mesothelioma patients or their families can experience anxiety. Generally, anxiety can either be acute or chronic. Acute anxiety is when someone experiences sudden and intense but brief periods of anxiety. An example is when someone gets a panic attack. On the other hand, chronic anxiety is when symptoms of anxiety return frequently or do not go away over time. Chronic anxiety can also include multiple instances of acute anxiety.

How Can Mesothelioma Patients Find Experienced Doctors?

January 30, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can affect the tissue surrounding the lungs, the tissue in the abdomen, the tissue in the heart, or the tissue around the testicles. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs. When someone develops mesothelioma, it is crucial that they find an experienced doctor, regardless of the type of mesothelioma. While there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are several treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. An experienced doctor can give an accurate diagnosis and determine which treatment option is suitable for a patient. A qualified doctor can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan for a patient.

How to Find an Experienced Mesothelioma Doctor

The importance of finding an experienced mesothelioma doctor can never be overstated. The doctor a mesothelioma patient chooses can make a huge difference in the patient’s outcome. Choosing an experienced mesothelioma doctor increases the chances of achieving a positive outcome. But how can mesothelioma patients find experienced doctors?

Printing Press Companies’ Attempts to Dismiss Mesothelioma Lawsuits Denied

January 17, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

For purposes of this article, the victim in this case will be referred to as Mr. R.D.

In a recent court decision, Justice Adam Silvera of the New York Supreme Court denied two printing press companies’ motions to dismiss the mesothelioma claims filed against them. The two printing press companies tried to escape liability for the deceased victim’s asbestos exposure between the 1960s and 1980s. Justice Adam Silvera ruled that the victim’s testimony was strong enough to allow the case to proceed.

The victim in this case, Mr. R.D., was a printing press operator from the 1960s to the 1980s. It was during this time that R.D. was exposed to asbestos numerous times. Before passing away, the late mesothelioma victim filed lawsuits against two press companies he accused of being responsible for his asbestos exposure. The two companies are L3Harris Technologies Inc. and Heidelberg USA. Inc. printing presses. In his legal claim, Mr. R.D. said that he developed mesothelioma as a result of being exposed to brakes from Airflex, which L3Harris incorporated in their printing presses. As for the other defendant, Mr. R.D. claimed their presses also contained asbestos. According to the mesothelioma victim, the two companies exposed him to asbestos-contaminated parts in their machines without sufficient warnings of the dangers they posed.

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

January 8, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma develops after a person gets exposed to asbestos. However, mesothelioma does not develop immediately. It can take decades for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, once mesothelioma has developed, it progresses fast. Because mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of other illnesses, it is often not detected early. Most times, mesothelioma is diagnosed when it has reached advanced stages. Unfortunately, in the advanced stages, mesothelioma prognosis becomes more unfavorable because of limited treatment options. Early detection is crucial to have a favorable mesothelioma prognosis. So, if you or a loved one has signs and symptoms that might indicate a possible case of mesothelioma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will use physical examination and tests to check for mesothelioma. Read on for more on how mesothelioma is diagnosed.

The Mesothelioma Diagnosis Process

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that might indicate mesothelioma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Your family doctor might not be able to test for mesothelioma, but they are a good place to start. Your family doctor can refer you to a specialist.

Seven Myths and Misconceptions About Asbestos and Mesothelioma You Need to Be Aware of in 2024

January 1, 2024 | Throneberry Law Group

Unlike before, the dangers of asbestos are now widely known. Many people know that this dangerous substance can cause several serious illnesses, including mesothelioma. However, some people may still have the wrong information about asbestos. There are also some prevalent myths about mesothelioma. In this article, we debunk seven myths and misconceptions about asbestos and mesothelioma you need to be aware of in 2024.

Myth #1: Asbestos is Banned in the United States – False

While over sixty countries have implemented a national ban on asbestos, this substance is not banned in the United States of America. However, after the dangers of asbestos became widely known, asbestos use became heavily restricted. Several agencies govern and restrict asbestos use in the United States, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Filing a VA Claim for Asbestos Exposure

December 20, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Among the people at high risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses are veterans. This is because of the widespread use of asbestos in the military. Fortunately, veterans who later develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible to recover VA benefits by filing a VA claim. In this article, we discuss the meaning of a VA claim, the eligibility criteria for VA benefits, and how to file a VA claim.

What Is a VA Claim?

A VA claim is a type of claim that veterans who develop an illness or disability as a result of their service in the military file. A VA claim enables sick or disabled veterans to recover monetary compensation. Veterans who develop health issues due to asbestos exposure during their military service can file a VA asbestos claim. VA claims are filed with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). After a veteran files their claim, the claim is subjected to a rating system that assesses disease type, exposure history, and disease severity. This rating scale is used to determine compensation amounts.

Some Crucial Questions to Ask a Mesothelioma Lawyer Before Hiring Them (Part 2)

December 13, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

In most cases, mesothelioma results from the negligence of other parties, such as employers, asbestos manufacturers, property owners, government agencies, and product suppliers. When negligence results in an individual developing mesothelioma, the victim or their family can hold the negligent party or parties liable. Mesothelioma victims and their families can file legal claims against negligent parties and seek justice and financial compensation.

When pursuing a mesothelioma claim, you are not legally required to hire an attorney, but working with an attorney is a good idea. To ensure you hire the right attorney, take time to interview potential attorneys. In a previous article with the same title, we shared five questions to ask a mesothelioma attorney before hiring them. This article shares five more questions to ask potential mesothelioma attorneys during the initial consultation.

What are my options?

Can a One-Time Exposure to Asbestos Be Harmful?

December 6, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can pose significant health risks. Most people know this. Asbestos can cause illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. When someone is exposed to asbestos, it is understandable for them to get worried. Asbestos-related diseases can be fatal. It is estimated that mesothelioma alone kills approximately 2,500 people yearly in the United States of America. But is asbestos dangerous if exposure only happened once? In other words, can a one-time exposure to asbestos be harmful?

Should You Be Worried About a One-Time Exposure to Asbestos?

The truth is that even a one-time exposure to asbestos can be harmful. Researchers have for a long time warned that no amount of asbestos is safe for humans. Any amount of asbestos exposure can be potentially dangerous and even deadly. However, a one-time or short-term exposure to asbestos may pose a relatively low health risk compared to repeated exposure. The chances of developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease are said to be higher for those who have been exposed to asbestos repeatedly or for a long time as compared to those who have been exposed to asbestos once or for a short time. For example, a person who was exposed to asbestos daily in their line of work may be more at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses as compared to someone who suffered exposure once during a house demolition.