Sometimes, medical science doesn’t recognize the danger of certain substances until there are a number of illnesses related to it. It was true of tobacco and cigarette additives, and it was also true of the popular mineral product asbestos. Asbestos was used in cement, plastics, insulation, brake shoes and ceiling or floor tiles, to name some of the most common applications. Many people who worked with older automobiles, performed house remodels and similar work or worked in locations that used asbestos to make products have developed cancers as a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos.
There is a correlation between these mineral compounds and serious, often aggressive cancers, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the chest cavity and abdomen. It is commonly associated with serious and prolonged asbestos exposure.
Those with mesothelioma may qualify for workers’ compensation
For many workers in manufacturing, home repairs and other industries, exposure to asbestos can create serious health concerns later on. If your exposure to asbestos was related to your work, you may qualify for workers’ compensation coverage for your cancer treatments and lost wages while you are undergoing medical care. While there is a strict limit on the timeframe for filing a claim when it comes to injuries, occupational diseases, such as asbestos-related mesothelioma are typically exempted from those requirements. After all, it can take years or decades for cancer to form after asbestos exposure.
Other cancers and serious lung conditions can also result from prolonged and severe exposure to asbestos. The correlation between asbestos and serious illness is well documented. Even if you have other risk factors, such as tobacco use, it is still in your best interest to speak with an attorney if you have developed a condition typically associated with asbestos exposure, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Workers’ compensation or, in some cases, a lawsuit, can help compensate you and your loved ones for the health consequences of working with asbestos.
Legal help is critical in asbestos-related workers’ compensation claims
There is a lot of paperwork and documentation that goes into proving an occupational disease. Most people will struggle to complete the paperwork on their own. Working with an attorney who understands the New Jersey workers’ compensation programs is critical to the success of your claim. You shouldn’t have to fight on your own to get benefits that you deserve.
