Asbestos Defense Litigation

Asbestos cases need to be thoroughly studied. This involves identifying asbestos-containing products and locating potential defendants. This may involve gathering information from coworkers, family members, abatement workers and reviewing the records.

Cetrulo LLP has served as national and regional Defense Liaison Counsel in asbestos litigation group litigation dockets. We manage these dockets and coordinate with local attorneys in order to create consistent, cost effective defense strategies.

Asbestos Product Identification

Asbestos is found in hundreds of building materials -- cement products, paints floor tiles, adhesives, artex, insulation and doors to name just a few. It is difficult to determine if a material contains asbestos or not by its appearance. The most effective method to determine asbestos' presence is to have an experienced environmental surveyor conduct an inspection.

Asbestos fibers are tiny and light, which means they can travel for a long distance even through closed doors or windows. Once they reach the lungs, they can cause the development of serious health conditions. Asbestos is dangerous if it is damaged and releases deadly fibres into the air. This is why it's very crucial that building materials never be disturbed or removed without proper labeling and supported by a professional inspection.

Due to the lengthy latency between exposure and illness, obtaining meaningful discovery in an asbestos action is extremely challenging. There are other significant issues regarding the admissibility and testimony of expert witnesses for plaintiffs and the causal link between exposure to asbestos and diseases.

In these cases asbestos defense lawyers often argue for summary judgment based on an absence of factual basis. For instance, imagine that plaintiff Paul was involved in a multi vehicle accident in New York City. But, he doesn't have information regarding the date and location of the accident, the cars involved or any other details that could be used to prove that defendant David is liable for his injuries.

In this kind of scenario, an experienced New York mesothelioma lawyer should be consult. They will review the details of the case as well as any expert reports and other documents, to determine if summary judgment is the right remedy. New York mesothelioma lawyers such as Weitz & Luxenberg and Simmons Hanly Conroy, Cooney & Conway, can assist their clients in this process. Asbestos firms that practice nationwide can also assist their clients with filing their claims in the most appropriate jurisdiction. This may include the State of New York or a federal court located in New York City.

Asbestos Disease Identification

Asbestos is not mined anymore in the United States. However, it is still found in buildings and products manufactured before 1989. As these products degrade they release tiny fibers into the air that are inhaled by those in the vicinity. These fibers can cause several kinds of lung diseases.

Lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure include asbestosis, mesothelioma and pleural disease. Inhaling these fibers can cause various symptoms, including chest pain, fatigue and a shortness of breath. These symptoms might not be apparent until years after exposure to asbestos.

All forms of asbestos, including chrysotile can cause cancer specializes in asbestos litigation humans. Asbestos exposure can lead to cancers of the lungs, larynx, and the ovaries. It also can cause mesothelioma which develops in the linings of body cavities, including those found in the stomach, the heart and the tests. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it has a latent period of time and has symptoms with other conditions such as rheumatoid joint arthritis and sarcoidosis.

People who are most likely to develop asbestos-related diseases are those who worked directly with asbestos or had exposure to significant environmental hazards. This includes boilermakers, construction workers and shipyard workers. Also included are railroad and U.S. Navy vets and those who helped clean up after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Some of the symptoms of these people include breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing.

A doctor can determine whether a patient suffers from an asbestos-related condition by reviewing the person's medical history, work history and background of family members. X-rays, CT scans and other tests can help doctors confirm an asbestos-related diagnosis. Patients with asbestosis are encouraged to have a yearly lung function test. This test will allow them to keep track of their condition. This test can detect asbestosis ' progression and also identify other health problems that may be associated with the disease. Patients suffering from asbestosis should get regular vaccinations to avoid other respiratory illnesses like psoriasis. The EPA provides an TSCA Hotline and an asbestos Ombudsman who can provide further information and help.

Asbestos Database Development

Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that were extensively used in industrial and construction settings due to its tough, fire retardant, and corrosion-resistant properties. asbestos law & litigation particles inhalation can cause various health issues that include mesothelioma which is a cancer of the lungs, other organs, and neurological problems. These diseases can manifest 30 years or longer.

In many asbestos cases there are multiple defendants and a complex discovery. This can be difficult when the asbestos products that are involved in a particular case cannot be identified. To determine the asbestos products involved, forensic experts are needed along with various investigative techniques and tools that include interviewing former co-workers, obtaining invoices and delivery documents, and taking samples at home and at work. The type of asbestos -- amosite, chrysotile, or crocidolite -- must also be determined.

We have a wealth of experience in defending companies in the asbestos industry including product manufacturers, distributors contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers. Our team has been the National Coordinating Counsel and Trial Counsel for numerous asbestos litigation clients, and we have defended the companies in a variety of jurisdictions across the country. We also serve as Defense Liaison Counsel to several of these states' asbestos dockets, which is where we oversee regional and local counsel to ensure consistent and cost-effective defense strategies as well as outcomes.

Our national strategy to manage the asbestos defense has proven effective and, in multiple instances, has decreased legal costs by millions of dollars in comparison to what companies paid when they were being represented by other firms. Courts across the country have recognized our unique and aggressive approach to handling asbestos cases.

We also have experience the defense of massive toxic tort lawsuits brought against manufacturers of pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals and petrochemicals. These lawsuits are based upon assertions that exposure to these chemicals has led to diseases like occupational asthma, restrictive and obstructive pulmonary disorders, and other neurological disorders.

Medical Expert Witnesses

Medical expert witnesses in asbestos cases are essential due to the fact that many signs of exposure to asbestos can be misinterpreted as other ailments like emphysema and other types of lung cancer. It is essential for attorneys to have access to experts in these fields to aid in identifying different illnesses and show how each disease is caused by different types of exposure.

Medical records of asbestos-related victims are typically the most reliable source for this proof. X-rays are available and can be accessed through CT scans and biopsies. To get the most value out of the information available, medical professionals are needed to sift the data, and provide their views on probabilities, causes, and other issues.

Medical experts who provide testimony in asbestos cases have a good reputation and have been involved in dozens, or even hundreds of cases. This reputation increases their credibility before the jury. Additionally, the knowledge and experience of the doctors who prepare for testimonies ensures that they are able to anticipate questions from the defense and know how to present their findings to the court.

It is crucial that experts from both the scientific and medical fields testify on the different causes of asbestos litigation online-related diseases. It is not enough to prove that the victim suffers from mesothelioma. It must be shown how the asbestos defendant exposed the plaintiff to carcinogens and why smoking increased the risk of mesothelioma.

Expert witness fees can be an enormous portion of overall costs associated with asbestos cases. This is the reason it is essential for a defending attorney to be able to efficiently choose and employ the most suitable expert witness for a given case.

We represent material suppliers, asbestos Defense litigation product manufactures distributors, and property owners in asbestos litigation wiki cases before state and federal courts across the United States. Our team of highly experienced and committed lawyers is well-versed in asbestos litigation, offensively and defensively. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.