Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer. A diagnosis will change a person's entire outlook on life and, very possibly, will dramatically reduce his or her life expectancy. At Napoli Bern Ripka Shkolnik, LLP, we believe in fighting for victims of asbestos exposure who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. With more than 150 years of experience and more than 35 qualified trial lawyers in our Asbestos Litigation Department, we are fully prepared to represent mesothelioma patients to the fullest extent.
Asbestos Lawsuits
Mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other pleural diseases are serious and fatal medical conditions that are linked to asbestos exposure in the construction, factory, shipbuilding and automotive industries. Companies and contractors for branches of the military that knew that they were exposing their workers to these health hazards need to be held accountable. You can contact a mesothelioma lawyer today so that we can begin working to defend your rights.
Asbestos is a word used to describe group of fibrous minerals that occur naturally in the earth. These minerals are long, thin fibers widely used in manufactured goods because of their ability to be woven, high tensile strength, insulating properties and resistance to heat and most chemicals. North American mining of asbestos minerals and its commercial use began in the 1800's and by 1950, the United States was the world's largest user of asbestos. Since then, manufacturers have used asbestos in products such as roofing materials, thermal and electrical insulation, cement pipe and sheets, flooring, gaskets, coatings, plastics, textiles, paper and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts. Our dedicated mesothelioma lawyers can help you determine if your or a loved one's illness is related to asbestos exposure.
Regulation of asbestos use started in the 1970's with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banning its use in several applications, such as gas fireplaces, where product use could release asbestos into the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses for asbestos in 1989 and its use has declined, but because the EPA still allows uses established prior to that date asbestos products are still manufactured and in use today.
Mesothelioma Information Center
This website contains a good deal of information about mesothelioma, asbestos exposure and what a victim can do to seek monetary damages to cover medical care and other expenses associated with his or her condition. We have included brief descriptions of the pages in our Mesothelioma Information Center below. Feel free to review these or to click on a topic for more information:
Mesothelioma 101
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of cancer. There is much to know about this disease, including what symptoms to watch for, how it is diagnosed and what treatment options may be available to a patient. Our attorneys shed light on all of these topics and more in this portion of our website.
Asbestos Exposure
Typically occupational in nature, exposure to asbestos minerals can cause mesothelioma and a host of other medical problems. Asbestos fibers are fine and may easily become airborne, where they can be inhaled or swallowed by unsuspecting workers. The family members of asbestos miners and other workers may also be at risk of exposure when asbestos fibers are carried home on workers' clothing, shoes, hair and skin and then inhaled or ingested by family members.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Workers and others who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be able to take legal action against their employers or other parties responsible for their exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit of this kind is filed in civil court, where the plaintiff (the party filing the lawsuit) can seek damages meant to compensate him or her for physical, emotional and financial losses. Mesothelioma lawsuits are a primary focus of our firm. We are committed to helping our clients seek justice.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of minerals found in naturally occurring deposits across the planet. There are six different types of asbestos, used in different ways. Asbestos is fibrous and has a number of desirable qualities that made it extremely popular in the U.S. prior to its regulation. It is heat and flame resistant, does not conduct electricity and can be woven into cloth or incorporated in other materials.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Understanding the link between asbestos and mesothelioma can help you get a clear picture of how this deadly form of cancer is caused by asbestos fibers. When inhaled, ingested or otherwise introduced into the body, they may become lodged in the mesothelium, which lines the body cavities and organs. Once there, they can cause irritation, inflammation, scarring and the development of cancerous cells.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by asbestos fibers that become lodged in the lung tissue. These fibers lead to the development of scar tissue, which hinders the ability of the lungs to work properly, namely inhibiting lung expansion. There is no cure for this condition and no way to reverse the damage.
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is not the only form of cancer linked to asbestos. Lung cancer may also be caused by these fibrous minerals. Lung cancer symptoms may not be apparent and the disease may not develop for years after asbestos exposure, even up to 15 years or more, which can make it difficult to identify exposure as its cause. Patients are therefore advised to inform their doctors if they or a loved one worked with or around asbestos or asbestos-containing products.
Pleural Disorders
The pleura is a layer of tissue that covers the lungs and chest cavity, protecting the lungs and allowing then to expand and contract in the chest. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the pleura, causing disorders called pleural plaque (hardening of the pleura) and pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleura). Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chronic cough, chest pain and fever.
Veterans & Mesothelioma
Of all Americans, those who served in the Armed Services may be at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma or other health problems related to asbestos. Asbestos was used by the military in hundreds of applications before it was regulated, particularly during and between World War II and the Vietnam War. Members of the Navy may have suffered the most exposure due to the high concentrations of asbestos and asbestos-containing products used in shipbuilding at that time. We are committed to helping veterans seek benefits and medical care.
World Trade Center Exposure
Asbestos exposure is one of the health problems presented by the clean-up and debris removal operations at the World Trade Center disaster site after the towers fell on September 11, 2001. People who were living or working in the area when the towers collapsed as well as first responders, firefighters, police officers and construction and demolition workers may have been exposed to asbestos, as it was used as fire insulation in the North Tower. Asbestos has been identified as one of the carcinogens present in the cocktail of dust and fumes that clouded New York City after the World Trade Center collapsed.
Mesothelioma FAQ
If you have questions about mesothelioma, we have answers. Our frequently asked questions page provides helpful insight and answers to the most common questions we have encountered. If you do not find your answer there, you can always contact NBRS to schedule a complimentary case review.
Asbestos mining, manufacturing of asbestos products and deterioration or disturbing of an asbestos products in some way, such as during construction or demolition, releases asbestos mineral fibers into the environment. The human eye cannot see these fibers because they are so small. When a person inhales these asbestos fibers, they lodge in the lungs and remain there throughout the person's life. High concentrations of asbestos, long duration and frequency of asbestos exposure increase the probability of asbestos-related health conditions and could lead to your need for an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
We have more than 35 asbestos litigation attorneys dedicated to fighting for mesothelioma patients across the U.S. Call today!
At Napoli Bern Ripka Shkolnik, we have represented many individuals who have suffered these health risks, so you can be confident that we are prepared to fight in a way that will maximize your recovery.
​Contact a mesothelioma attorney at our firm for more information.