Asbestos Exposure: Are You Eligible To File A Lawsuit?

Experienced Asbestos Attorneys Fighting for Workers with Occupational Disease

Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause several types of cancer and other serious illnesses. For decades, this fire-retardant material was used in the manufacture of numerous products, including building materials, textiles, insulation, tiles, cement pipes, shingles, and sealants. Today, workers continue to face dangerous asbestos exposure, primarily during demolition and renovation of older buildings containing these hazardous materials.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases after workplace exposure, you may be entitled to significant compensation through workers' compensation claims and third-party lawsuits. At Schuster Law, our experienced Pennsylvania asbestos exposure attorneys understand the complex medical and legal challenges these cases present, and we fight aggressively to secure maximum compensation for workers and families affected by asbestos-related diseases.

Call (610) 892-9200 for a free consultation with experienced Pennsylvania asbestos exposure attorneys.

Asbestos-related diseases are life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention and legal protection. Our mesothelioma attorneys are available around the clock to provide guidance during this critical time and help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation.

Current Asbestos Exposure Risks

In the US, the majority of workers who come into contact with asbestos today are those who work in the demolition of existing materials because asbestos is no longer permitted in the manufacture of new products.

Despite federal regulations restricting new asbestos use, millions of American workers continue to face exposure risks through:

Construction and Demolition Work

• Renovation of buildings constructed before 1980
• Demolition of old homes, schools, and commercial buildings
• Removal of asbestos-containing insulation and materials
• Road construction involving older cement pipes
• Bridge and infrastructure maintenance projects

Industrial and Manufacturing Sites

• Shipyard work and vessel maintenance
• Power plant and refinery operations
• Steel mill and foundry work
• Chemical plant maintenance
• Railroad and transportation industry work

Maintenance and Repair Operations

• HVAC system maintenance and repair
• Plumbing work in older buildings
• Electrical work involving old insulation
• Roofing and siding replacement
• Floor tile and ceiling removal

The Devastating Effects of Asbestos

Construction workers, especially those who work on demolitions, are at the greatest risk for asbestos exposure. In most cases, asbestos dust is accidentally inhaled, although it is also possible to ingest fibers.

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs

Asbestos becomes dangerous when microscopic fibers become airborne and are inhaled or ingested. These deadly fibers can remain in the lungs and other organs for decades, eventually causing:

• Cellular damage and scarring
• Genetic mutations leading to cancer
• Progressive respiratory failure
• Immune system dysfunction

Illnesses Associated with Asbestos Exposure Include:

Mesothelioma:

• Rare cancer affecting the lining of lungs, abdomen, or heart
• Almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure
• Aggressive cancer with poor prognosis
• Symptoms often don't appear for 20-50 years after exposure

Lung Cancer:

• Leading cause of cancer death among asbestos workers
• Risk significantly increased when combined with smoking
• Often misdiagnosed in early stages
• Can develop 15-35 years after first exposure

Asbestosis:

• Progressive scarring of lung tissue
• Causes shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity
• No cure available - only symptom management
• Can progress to respiratory failure

Other Asbestos-Related Diseases:

• Gastrointestinal cancer affecting stomach, colon, and other digestive organs
• Laryngeal cancer of the voice box and throat
• Ovarian cancer in women exposed to asbestos
• Pleural plaques causing chest pain and breathing difficulties
• Pleural effusion with fluid buildup around the lungs

Mesothelioma and other cancers may not be detected until many years after the worker is exposed to asbestos. By this time, cancer may be at an advanced stage and unresponsive to treatment. If your cancer occurred years after you were exposed, you may need an attorney to help you prove that your illness was caused by the work you did.

Protecting the Rights of Workers with Serious Illnesses

If you have been exposed to asbestos at your job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation if you become ill. As an occupational disease, cancer is typically covered by workers' compensation, but you may need a lawyer's help to get all the benefits you deserve.

Workers' Compensation for Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos-related illnesses are considered occupational diseases under Pennsylvania workers' compensation law, providing benefits for:

• All medical expenses related to diagnosis and treatment
• Disability payments during treatment and recovery
• Vocational rehabilitation if unable to return to work
• Death benefits for surviving family members
• Travel expenses for specialized medical treatment

Third-Party Liability Claims

Many asbestos exposure cases involve third parties who may be liable beyond workers' compensation:

• Asbestos manufacturers who knew about health risks but failed to warn workers
• Product suppliers who distributed asbestos-containing materials
• Property owners who failed to disclose asbestos hazards
• General contractors who failed to provide proper safety protection
• Equipment manufacturers whose products contained asbestos components

Compensation Available

Asbestos exposure victims may be entitled to comprehensive compensation including:

• Medical expenses for current and future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from the disease and treatments
• Travel and lodging for specialized medical care
• Home care and assistance for daily living needs
• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

Why Fight for Workers' Compensation Coverage?

I Have Health Insurance - Why Should I Fight For Workers' Compensation Coverage?

Workers' compensation insurance was created to cover the medical bills that arise when a worker is hurt on the job. It may also cover the loss of wages should the worker be unable to return to work. Even with the best health insurance available on the market, patients face out-of-pocket expenses that can cause serious financial strain.

Limitations of Health Insurance

• High deductibles and co-payments for cancer treatment
• Limited coverage for experimental or specialized treatments
• No compensation for lost wages during treatment
• No coverage for travel to specialized cancer centers
• Lifetime benefit caps that may be exceeded
• No compensation for pain and suffering

Workers' Compensation Advantages

• 100% medical coverage with no deductibles or co-pays
• Wage replacement benefits during disability
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• No lifetime benefit limits for occupational diseases
• Coverage for travel to approved medical providers
• Death benefits for surviving dependents

Insurance Company Tactics

This coverage should be easy to obtain, but in so many instances the insurance adjusters deny claims, having been trained to do so by the company. The insurance company's hope is that the denial will not be appealed or that the worker will fail to consult with a lawyer during the appeals process and that it will be easier to win the appeal. This saves the insurance company money. It's also why so many construction workers search the internet for a "workers' comp lawyer near me".

Common denial tactics include:

• Claiming the disease isn't work-related
• Arguing the exposure occurred at previous employers
• Disputing the timing and extent of exposure
• Questioning medical diagnoses and treatment needs
• Delaying claim processing hoping victims will give up

The legal team at Schuster Law is familiar with all of the tricks that insurance companies use to try and get out of paying rightful workers' compensation claims. We assist clients with both initial claims and appeals. Our goal is client satisfaction, and we will aggressively fight to ensure you and your loved ones recover the maximum amount possible.

How to Help Your Attorney with Your Asbestos Claim

Our legal team will guide you through the process of filing for workers' compensation step by step. However, there are records that you can keep that will assist us along the way.

Essential Documentation

Records that you should keep may include:

Medical Records:

• All diagnostic tests and imaging studies
• Pathology reports and biopsy results
• Treatment records and physician notes
• Prescription medication records
• Hospital and surgical records

Work Records - Addresses, Schedules, Company Names, Pay Stubs:

• Employment history with dates and locations
• Job descriptions and daily work tasks
• Safety training records and certifications
• Union records and membership documentation
• Tax records and Social Security earnings statements

Any Paperwork Sent From The Insurance Company:

• Claim forms and correspondence
• Medical examination requests
• Benefit determination letters
• Appeal deadlines and requirements
• Insurance policy information

Contact Information - Current And Former Coworkers:

• Witnesses to asbestos exposure conditions
• Co-workers with similar health problems
• Supervisors and safety personnel
• Union representatives and officials
• Family members who may have witnessed work conditions

Comprehensive Case Investigation

Our lawyers take the information you provide, perform our own investigation, collect additional evidence, and consult with medical and industry professionals. This helps us to prove that your asbestos exposure occurred during your employment and that your illness is a direct result of that exposure.

Our investigation typically includes:

• Work site inspections and historical research
• Witness interviews and testimony collection
• Medical expert consultations and case reviews
• Industrial hygiene studies and exposure assessments
• Corporate document discovery and product identification
• Historical research into asbestos use and company knowledge

The Science of Asbestos-Related Disease

Understanding Latency Periods

Asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods, meaning symptoms often don't appear for decades after initial exposure:

• Mesothelioma: 20-50 years after first exposure
• Lung cancer: 15-35 years after exposure begins
• Asbestosis: 15-30 years for symptoms to develop
• Other cancers: 10-40 years depending on the type

Types of Asbestos Exposure

Occupational Exposure:

• Direct work with asbestos-containing materials
• Demolition and renovation of older buildings
• Manufacturing of asbestos products
• Maintenance work in contaminated environments

Secondary Exposure:

• Family members exposed to fibers on work clothes
• Community exposure from nearby industrial sites
• Environmental exposure from natural asbestos deposits
• Consumer exposure from asbestos-containing products

Medical Diagnosis Process

Diagnosing asbestos-related diseases requires specialized testing:

• Chest X-rays to detect lung abnormalities
• CT scans for detailed lung and chest imaging
• Pulmonary function tests to assess breathing capacity
• Tissue biopsies to confirm cancer diagnosis
• Biomarker testing for early disease detection

Legal Rights and Time Limits

Statute of Limitations

Pennsylvania has specific time limits for filing asbestos-related claims:

• Workers' compensation claims: Must be filed within 300 weeks of diagnosis
• Personal injury lawsuits: Generally 2 years from diagnosis date
• Wrongful death claims: 2 years from date of death
• Discovery rule: Time limits may begin when disease is discovered

Multiple Legal Actions

Asbestos victims may pursue several types of legal action simultaneously:

• Workers' compensation claims against employers
• Product liability lawsuits against manufacturers
• Premises liability claims against property owners
• Wrongful death actions by surviving family members

Cost of Asbestos Exposure Legal Representation

How Much Does It Cost To Work With An Asbestos Exposure Attorney?

The lawyers at Schuster Law work on what is known as a contingency fee. This means that our fee, which is discussed in advance, is taken out of the compensation that we obtain for you. If we are unable to recover benefits for you, then you owe us nothing.

Contingency Fee Benefits

• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• We advance all case expenses and costs
• Fee only paid from successful recovery
• No financial risk to clients or families
• Access to experienced legal representation regardless of financial situation

Case Expenses We Handle

• Medical record retrieval and review
• Expert witness fees and consultations
• Court filing fees and litigation costs
• Investigation and research expenses
• Travel costs for depositions and court appearances

Why Choose Schuster Law for Asbestos Cases

Extensive Asbestos Experience

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing workers with asbestos-related diseases, understanding both the medical complexities and legal challenges these cases present.

Medical Expert Network

We work with leading oncologists, pulmonologists, industrial hygienists, and pathologists to build compelling cases that establish the connection between workplace exposure and disease.

Comprehensive Investigation

We conduct thorough investigations of workplace exposure, often uncovering evidence of corporate knowledge and cover-ups that strengthen our clients' cases.

Maximum Compensation Focus

We pursue all available sources of compensation, including workers' compensation, product liability claims, and trust fund recoveries from bankrupt asbestos companies.

Compassionate Support

We understand the devastating impact of asbestos-related diseases on patients and families, providing not just legal representation but guidance and support throughout the process.

No Upfront Costs

Our contingency fee structure ensures that financial concerns don't prevent families from accessing experienced legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my illness is related to asbestos exposure?

Asbestos-related diseases require medical diagnosis and evaluation of exposure history. Our attorneys work with medical experts to establish the connection between workplace exposure and disease.

What if I was exposed to asbestos at multiple job sites?

Many workers have multiple sources of exposure. We investigate all potential exposure sites and pursue claims against all responsible parties.

Can family members file claims for asbestos exposure?

Yes, family members may have claims for secondary exposure or wrongful death. We represent both patients and surviving family members.

What if the company I worked for is no longer in business?

Many asbestos companies have declared bankruptcy, but trust funds have been established to compensate victims. We help clients navigate these complex trust fund claims.

How long will my asbestos case take?

Case timelines vary depending on the complexity of exposure history and number of defendants. We work efficiently while ensuring thorough investigation and maximum recovery.

What compensation is available for asbestos-related diseases?

Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death benefits. Amounts vary based on individual circumstances and exposure history.

Serving Asbestos Victims Throughout Pennsylvania

Schuster Law represents asbestos exposure victims throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, including:

Delaware County: Media, Chester, Upper Darby, Havertown, Springfield, Swarthmore, Broomall

Philadelphia County: Philadelphia and surrounding areas with high industrial asbestos exposure

Chester County: West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Kennett Square, Malvern, Paoli

Montgomery County: King of Prussia, Norristown, Plymouth Meeting, Conshohocken, Lansdale

Bucks County: Doylestown, Newtown, Levittown, Bristol, Warrington

Free Asbestos Exposure Consultation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases after workplace exposure, don't face this battle alone. Contact Schuster Law today for a free, confidential consultation with experienced Pennsylvania asbestos exposure attorneys.

Our mesothelioma legal team will:

• Evaluate your exposure history and potential claims
• Coordinate with medical experts to establish disease causation
• Investigate all potential sources of compensation
• Handle all legal procedures while you focus on treatment
• Fight aggressively for maximum compensation
• Provide compassionate support throughout the process

Remember: You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Time is critical in asbestos cases due to legal deadlines and the progressive nature of these diseases. Contact Schuster Law today and let our experienced asbestos exposure team fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.