North Country Mesothelioma Lawyer, New York Asbestos Claims, Mesothelioma Attorneys, Mesothelioma Legal Help

Mesothelioma occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims exposed to asbestos on the job have inhaled or swallowed tiny asbestos fibers which became lodged in the lining of their lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Each year another 2,500 to 4,000 mesothelioma victims are diagnosed in the U.S.

In the North Country mesothelioma is a rare cancer in the general population, but in individuals exposed to asbestos, it is not as rare because the only known, established cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. There are experts that have speculated on other causes, and even incidences of mesothelioma with no known asbestos exposure, but those mesothelioma cases are not the rule. The right questions have to be asked to determine what caused an asbestos illness.

A North Country mesothelioma lawyer has to be familiar with the uses and applications of asbestos products. There are many instances where inadequate occupational histories were taken and potential asbestos exposure was not investigated, leaving the victim with little recourse. The New York mesothelioma law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP represents asbestos claims of workers and their families throughout New York State, including the cities of Buffalo, Syracuse, Massena and Finger Lakes, New York. To talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer about your case, complete our online contact form or call (877) NYLAW09 (695-2909).

The incidence of mesothelioma is actually increasing. That is because of the long latency period, or time between the exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease. The latency period associated with this asbestos-caused cancer is typically at least 10 years, and may be as many as 60 years after exposure. That means that a factory worker, engineer, plumber or painter who was exposed to asbestos in the 1940s, 1950s or 1960s may not have experienced any symptoms of mesothelioma until this year.

Since many doctors, even pulmonologists, may not have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma symptoms such as shortness of breath, fluid buildup in the lungs, and back, chest or stomach pain are often initially believed to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper mesothelioma diagnosis can be established.

A history of an individual’s occupational exposure must be taken. The North Country mesothelioma victim may or may not recall the precise nature of his exposure to asbestos. But since there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos, even brief, low-level exposures may be enough to cause mesothelioma.

In North Country mesothelioma cases and in other asbestos-related illnesses, it is important to file a claim within a specified time period from the date that you receive your mesothelioma diagnosis. If you neglect to pursue NY asbestos litigation within the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek damages.

Belluck & Fox, LLP has won a number of major personal injury trials involving asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent mesothelioma claim that settled for over $12 million. To contact the mesothelioma law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP call toll-free at (877) NYLAW09 (695-2909) or use our convenient online contact form.

For more information, contact Belluck & Fox, LLP.