By Matthew Richard Kerridge
Asbestos claim for sufferers run into the billions today and is rising as new evidence becomes known and litigation becomes easier for claimants.
Due to the many specialists that are now available to fight claims in courts and as diagnosed patients are increasing, the analysts are estimating that costs of litigation in the US alone is more than $200 billion.
Lets' reflect on exactly what is asbestos and why it is such a dangerous substance:
It was hailed as the wonder substance of the 20th century and became extremely popular from 1930-1980. Manufacturers and especially the construction industry couldn't get enough of the product for various reasons.
It is resistant to heat, electrical and chemical damage, is a good sound absorber and has malleable strength as well. It is so versatile that it can be mixed when using cement and can be woven into certain fabrics or mats. As new uses developed, it was copiously used in hotplate and oven wiring as an electrical insulation.
Today you will not find asbestos in many developed countries as research has proved that it is lethal once inhaled. Unfortunately it is not so in the developing countries where it is widely used as roofing and side walling in homes and schools, office blocks and any other such structures.
The real problems envisaged is the use of asbestos in developing countries. The most popular use is in corrugated asbestos-cement sheets used in roofing and side walls in the home industry especially. Factories, schools and other buildings like sheds and shelters are continuously being built with asbestos as well.
Many claimants lodge their claims even if they haven't been working at their employer for 30 years or so. The ex employer need not be in the same business and will be held liable for any damages incurred to employees who worked in his business at any given time.
Those unfortunate patients who died of asbestosis may not have had the opportunity to actually lodge a successful claim but will be considered if a spouse of family member lodges on their behalf. If there is also evidence that immediate family have been exposed to these fibers by way of clothes of the patient, then there is a possibility that their claim would also be successfully lodged.
There are state benefits available to victims and their carers. A specialist attorney can not only pursue an asbestos claim for a sufferer, but also provide advice and assistance with applications in order to maximize benefit entitlement.
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