Asbestos Defense Litigation

Asbestos cases require careful examination of the person who was injured's work background, identifying asbestos-related products, and locating potential defendants. This may involve gathering information from relatives, coworkers or abatement workers and studying documents and other materials.

Cetrulo LLP has served as the national and regional Defense Liaison Counsel in asbestos litigation dockets. We manage these dockets, and work with local counsel to develop consistent, cost-effective defense strategies.

Asbestos Product Identification

Asbestos is present in a variety of building materials, such as cement products, paints and floor tiles. It is also present in artex, adhesives doors insulation, and adhesives. It can be very difficult to determine if the material is asbestos-free based on its appearance only. A certified environmental surveyor can conduct an inspection to determine whether the material is contaminated with asbestos.

Asbestos fibres are small and light, so they can travel a long distance, even through closed doors and windows. Once they reach the lungs they could cause serious health issues. Asbestos is dangerous if it is damaged and releases deadly fibres in 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 long time between asbestos exposure and disease it can be very difficult to obtain relevant evidence in an asbestos lawsuit. Additionally there are a number of issues related to the admissibility of the plaintiffs' experts and testimony about the causal link between asbestos exposure and the onset of disease.

In these types of situations asbestos defense lawyers are often able to successfully argue for summary judgment based on the absence of a factual foundation. For instance, imagine that plaintiff Paul was in a multi-vehicle accident in New York City. He is not aware of the date, location the cars involved, or any other details that could lead to the conclusion that defendant David was responsible for his injuries.

A New York mesothelioma attorney with experience in this field is recommended. They will analyze the facts of the case, along with any expert reports or other documentation, to determine if summary judgment is an appropriate remedy. New York mesothelioma lawyers such as Weitz & Luxenberg and Simmons Hanly Conroy, Cooney & Conway, can assist their clients through this procedure. Asbestos law firms that are nationwide can also assist their clients with filing their claims in the most appropriate jurisdiction. This could include the State of New York, or a federal district court located in New York City.

Asbestos Disease Identification

Although asbestos is no longer mined or processed in the United States, it still exists in buildings and products that were made prior to 1989. These products release fibers into the air as they degrade. They can be breathed in. These fibers are known to cause various lung diseases.

Lung diseases related to asbestos exposure include the pleural diseases (pleural plaques, thickening, and effusions) as well as mesothelioma and asbestosis. The people who breathe in these fibers may experience a variety of symptoms, including chest discomfort, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These symptoms could not show up until decades after a person is exposed to asbestos.

All forms of asbestos, including chrysotile are carcinogenic for humans. Exposure to asbestos can cause cancers of larynx, Asbestos Defense Litigation lungs and ovaries. It also can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer that develops in the linings of body cavities, like those in the stomach, heart and tests. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because it has a latent period of time and shares many symptoms with other diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis.

People who are most likely to suffer asbestos-related illnesses are those who have worked directly with the substance or experienced significant environmental exposure. This includes boilermakers, construction workers and shipyard workers. Included are railroad workers and U.S. Navy vets and those who assisted in cleaning up after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Some of the symptoms of the people who suffer from these conditions include breathing difficulties coughing, chest pain and chest pain.

A doctor can determine whether the patient suffers from an asbestos-related condition by reviewing the patient's medical background, work and family history. X-rays and CT scans can confirm the presence of asbestos-related conditions. Patients with asbestosis are encouraged to have a yearly lung function test. This can help assess their health. This test can identify the progression of asbestosis and determine other health issues that can be associated with this disease. Patients suffering from this condition must also be vaccinated regularly to avoid the development of other respiratory illnesses such as psoriasis. The EPA offers a TSCA Hotline as and an asbestos Ombudsman who can provide additional information and support.

Asbestos Database Development

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals which was once widely employed in industrial and construction settings due to its long-lasting fire-resistant, fire-proof, and corrosion-resistant properties. Inhaling asbestos particles can cause a variety of medical conditions, including mesothelioma (a cancer of the lungs and other organs) as well as chronic lung diseases, as well as other neurological disorders. These conditions can manifest for over a period of 30 years or more.

specializes in asbestos litigation many asbestos cases, there are multiple defendants and complicated discovery. This can be a challenge when the asbestos-related products involved in a case cannot be identified. To determine the asbestos products involved the need for forensic experts, as well as a variety of investigative methods and tools, such as interviewing former coworkers, collecting invoices and delivery papers, and taking samples at home and work. It is also necessary to determine the kind of asbestos, if it's amosite or crysotile, or crocidolite.

We have extensive experience in defending asbestos-related companies which includes product manufacturers, distributors contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers. Our team has served as National Coordinating Counsel, Trial Counsel, and Defense Counsel for many clients in asbestos litigation. We have represented companies across the United States. We also serve as Defense Liaison Counsel for several of these asbestos dockets in the states, which we manage local and regional counsel to ensure consistent and cost-effective defense strategies and outcomes.

Our national approach to managing the asbestos defense has proved to be effective and, in a number of instances, has decreased legal costs by millions of dollars compared to the costs companies were paying when they were being represented by other firms. This unique and aggressive approach to managing asbestos cases has been acknowledged by the courts across the country.

We are also experienced in defense of mass toxic tort lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals and Petrochemicals. These lawsuits are based on the claim that exposure to these chemicals causes diseases like restrictive and obstructive lung conditions and occupational asthma, as well as cancers of various types, and other neurological conditions.

Medical Expert Witnesses

Expert medical witnesses in asbestos cases are essential in part because the signs of asbestos exposure may be confused with other illnesses such as emphysema or other forms of lung carcinoma. It is important for attorneys to have access to experts in these fields to assist in identifying the various types of diseases and explain how each illness is caused by different types of exposures.

Medical records of asbestos litigation paralegal-related victims are typically the most reliable source of this evidence. X-rays are available as are CT scans and biopsies. However, to get the most benefit from this information, it's necessary to have medical experts who are able to analyze the information and offer opinions on probabilities, causation and other issues.

Medical experts who testify in asbestos exposure litigation cases have a good reputation and have been involved in dozens, or even hundreds of cases. This reputation increases the credibility of these experts in the eyes the jury. Furthermore, the experience of the doctors who prepare for testimonies ensures that they are able to anticipate questions from the defense team and how to present information to the court.

It is crucial that both scientists and medical experts present their opinions on the various causes of asbestos-related diseases. It is not enough to show that the victim suffers from mesothelioma. It must be proven that the asbestos defendant exposed the plaintiff to the carcinogen and how smoking aggravated the risk of mesothelioma.

Expert witness fees can account for much of the overall expenses associated with asbestos litigation paralegal cases. This is why it is crucial for a lawyer who is defending the case to be able to effectively find and select the best expert witness for a particular case.

At Swartz Campbell, we counsel material manufacturers, suppliers, premises owners, distributors employers, and other defendants in asbestos cases in federal and state courts across the nation. Our team of dedicated and experienced attorneys are well-versed both offensively and defensively in asbestos litigation. Contact us today to learn what we can do to help you.