If you work as a boilermaker and have developed an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Asbestos-related diseases can be malignant or nonmalignant. Malignant cancerous growths spread to other parts of the body and are deadly. Nonmalignant growths do not spread and often may be removed.
Individuals who work in boiler construction or repair may have been exposed to asbestos. At one time, people working in this profession were the most exposed to this deadly carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance that is known to cause cancer to develop.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for boilermakers through 2030 is not expected to change. That means the possibility of exposure to asbestos will continue for people working in this occupation.
The New York occupational asbestos exposure attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP want you to get fair compensation for your injury. Our legal team works hard to represent and protect your rights. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our team has the resources, knowledge, and skill to handle your case.
We recognize that every person has a unique story to tell. We are ready to listen and use your information to support your claim. We have the privilege of being relied on when people need legal representation most. Our team treats each case with the same care and attention to detail that has resulted in over $400 million in compensation and settlements for past clients. Each case is different, so past success is not a guarantee we will win your case.
However, we will aggressively fight to protect your rights. Contact Hach & Rose, LLP today by calling (212) 779-0057 for your free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and advise you on your next best steps.
Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos is a mineral naturally found in the soil and rocks. It wasn’t until the 1970s that health experts discovered asbestos increased the risk for lung disease. Until then, it was widely used across many industries in the U.S. and the world. People who work around asbestos are at higher risk for asbestos-related diseases, as are their families. This is because the asbestos fibers escape into the air and may get caught on your clothing. When you wear your clothing home, the fibers can escape into the air where they can affect your family.
The fibers get stuck deep in the lungs after being inhaled. The body does not break down asbestos, so it remains there where it can cause scarring and inflammation. This can lead to several different types of health conditions that are either benign or malignant. These include:
- Benign
- Asbestosis: Diffuse pulmonary fibrosis with severe lung scarring that causes pain and difficulty breathing
- Atelectasis: Lung collapse that triggers coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Progressive disease that causes difficulty breathing and may lead to lung cancer.
- Pleural effusion: Excess fluid build-up in the lungs. It can cause a dry cough and difficulty breathing. This is sometimes a symptom of mesothelioma.
- Pleural plaques: Calcified collagen in the membranes of the lungs.
- Malignant
- Lung cancer: Asbestos is responsible for approximately 20% of all lung cancer. It impairs lung function and can be fatal.
- Mesothelioma: There are four types of this aggressive cancer that can develop in the lungs, abdominal cavity, heart, and testicles.
The symptoms typically do not show up for approximately ten to fifty years after the initial exposure. The severity of the symptoms can vary, and they depend on the type of illness. For example, the symptoms of asbestosis are not the same as the symptoms of mesothelioma.
How a New York Asbestos Lawyer Can Help
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. Since the 1970s, manufacturers have known the products can harm people. Financial compensation may include:
Medical expenses: Your illness will require medical treatment. The costs can add up quickly. You may be entitled to reimbursement and compensation for future medical expenses. These can include the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and emergency room visits.
Lost wages: You may be entitled to reimbursement for lost wages and lost income. If you’re unable to work or the disease has reduced your future ability to earn, the court may award you compensation for that loss.
Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for medical expenses does not consider pain and suffering. Because these are subjective factors, insurance companies and the court rely on objective factors to help determine the extent of your pain and suffering. These can include the type of disease, if it is expected to be fatal, or the length of recovery.
Punitive damages: Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and prevent further future misconduct. These are generally only awarded when the conduct was malicious or intentional.
Your actions after receiving a diagnosis may also impact the compensation awarded. For example, the court expects that after diagnosis, you will follow your doctor’s orders, take all prescribed medication, and see all necessary specialists. If you do not, it may indicate to the court that the disease is not as bad as you say it is.
The manufacturer’s insurance company may send an insurance adjuster to ask you questions. They may also offer you an initial settlement. Insurance adjusters are excellent negotiators and work hard to limit their clients’ financial liability. It is important you do not speak with an insurance adjuster without your attorney present. This will help to reduce the risk that you may accidentally say something that negatively impacts your case.
Asbestos Risks for Boilermakers
There are two types of boilermakers. Boiler producers work in factories where boiler tanks and assemblies are made. Nearly everyone on the assembly line handles asbestos materials. Boiler operators used boilers for steam generation. The installation, operation, and maintenance of boilers are done in poorly ventilated rooms. In this environment, boilermakers were exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers.
While boilermakers, in general, had the highest risk of exposure to asbestos, those working on shipboard had the greatest exposure. For several hundred years, ships used steam boilers to generate energy. The room was often poorly ventilated, and trained boilermakers spent their entire day in the boiler room.
Whether the boilers used wood, oil, coal, or gas, they all produced large volumes of heat. The machinery needed to be insulated and fireproofed. Asbestos was considered the perfect material. The carcinogen could be found in:
- Boiler tank liners
- Outer wraps
- Boiler room protection on the floor, ceiling, and walls
- Gaskets, seams, and access openings
- Insulation over pipes
- Adhesive pipe connections
- Cement for supports, acoustic control, and base pads
Call Our Legal Team Today
The legal team at Hach & Rose, LLP is committed to protecting your rights and helping you get the compensation you deserve. During your free consultation, we’ll review your information and discuss your eligibility for a claim or lawsuit. We give you this advice whether you choose us to represent you or not.
In New York, there is a three-year statute of limitations after the discovery of the illness. This means a lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date you realize you have a disease. If you choose [firm name], we fight aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation to cover your expenses and protect your family. Call us today at (212) 779-0057 for your free consultation.