Individuals that worked for a railroad company before 1982 were exposed to high concentrations of asbestos while working. This highly toxic material was not regulated even though manufacturers of asbestos products were aware of the health hazards working closely to these products could cause.
At Sammons & Berry, P.C. our team works to get compensation for retired railroad employees with cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. There are many different cancers that have been linked to asbestos exposure including the following: lung cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.
If you are a retired railroad worker that has been diagnosed with any of the above mentioned cancers, mesothelioma, or asbestosis, our team is here to help you. Our goal it to help you get your share of the $30 billion dollars sitting in asbestos trust funds for those whose health has been impacted by this material.
A cancer diagnosis is not needed in order to receive compensation. If you have experience labored breathing, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough, you may have asbestosis. Asbestosis victims are able to draw financial compensation from these trusts.
What is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a lung disease that develops when asbestos fibers cause scarring in your lungs. The scarring restricts your breathing and interferes with the ability of oxygen to enter your bloodstream. Other names for this disease are pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial pneumonitis.
Many cases originate from workplace exposure to asbestos before federal laws regulating it were enacted in the mid-1970s. This disease takes years to develop and can be life threatening.
The total number of asbestos-related deaths in the United States may exceed 200,000 by the year 2030, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Recognizing the symptoms of asbestosis
In most cases, symptoms don’t start to appear until approximately 20 years (in the range of 10 to 40 years) after exposure to asbestos.
Common symptoms of asbestosis include:
- shortness of breath
- tightness in chest
- persistent dry cough
- chest pain
- appetite loss
- finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips)
- nail deformities
What Causes Asbestosis?
Exposure to high levels of asbestos fibers is what causes asbestosis to develop. The airborne fibers and dust can become trapped in the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lung at the end of the airways), where they irritate and scar the lung tissue. Since asbestosis is a progressive disease (meaning it gets worse over time), symptoms may not develop for up to 20 years after exposure. By this time the asbestos has significantly scarred the lung tissue, making it stiff and unable to expand normally. Smoking can increase the amount of damage done by asbestos and speed up the progression of the disease.
Who Is at Risk?
The main group at risk for asbestosis is people who worked in mining, milling, manufacturing, installation or removal of asbestos products before the late 1970s. With strict regulations in the United States, developing asbestosis from exposure on the job now is much less likely. Nonetheless, many workers in construction and some other industries still face potentially significant workplace exposure, particularly when they work with old equipment or participate in the demolition or renovation of older buildings.
Free Asbestos Exposure Consultation in United States
At Sammons & Berry, P.C. we offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, so you can discuss the facts of your case without paying for anything upfront. Asbestos trusts claims do not require a lawsuit, depositions, or courtrooms. The process is simple and easy for the client and should not require any stressful legal confrontations for the client. The law firm handles all of the claims for the client, helping you maximize your compensation.
We do not accept any payments from our clients until they receive compensation. We charge on a contingent fee basis, which means you pay a percentage of what you get paid in your claim. If we are unable to collect anything for you, there is no cost to you.
Call (800) 519-1440 to speak with a Sammons and Berry, P.C. representative and start your journey towards compensation.
Wrongful Death Claims For Families of Asbestos Victims
If you have lost someone in your family due to the harmful exposure of asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. If you can provide the work history and a death certificate for your loved one, our attorneys can help you file an asbestos claim. We understand how difficult this process can be, this is why we work with you every step of the way to help you get the money you deserve. Reach out to our team today to learn more about filing a claim for a family member.
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