If you have recently learned that you were exposed to asbestos at work or if you have recently started to develop breathing challenges, lung cancer or similar issues as a result of previous exposure, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney to determine your rights and responsibilities. For example, it is a good idea to know what you can expect from the entire experience in the foreseeable future. In addition, you may also want to clarify whether your contact with asbestos can be classified as direct or secondary exposure, as that information can eventually impact your legal rights due to recent changes in those laws.
What Are Your Responsibilities During This Time?
It is important to note that there have been changes to state laws in recent years and that those changes can impact the options that are available to you. For instance, California has been the home to many asbestos patients and therefore, they have implemented policies that have not been necessary in other states. Verification of that can be seen in the form of annual, updated health reports that also exist to clarify pertinent laws in California. Alternatively, you may find that some states have entire departments that have been set up to deal entirely and exclusively with asbestos-related concerns.
In addition, the increased occurrences of Mesothelioma and related asbestos concerns have made the need for timely filings of exposure obvious. Therefore, it is often easier to file for and receive the appropriate funds in California or other states where exposure to asbestos has been more common, so your lawyer will be able to walk you through the process.
How Will Your Contact With The Dangerous Substance Be Classified?
Another point to clarify with the worker's compensation lawyer is the type of contact you had with the asbestos. Specifically, you will need to establish whether you were exposed to asbestos through direct or secondary exposure. For instance, direct exposure occurs when you have direct, usually physical contact with the asbestos associated with your health problems.
Secondary contact occurs when you have developed health challenges due to close contact with someone who worked with the asbestos directly. An example can be seen when a loved one brought home asbestos on clothing or in the tools they used for work. Unfortunately, laws are now on the books in some state-specific legislation that limits the responsibilities of employers in those instances. Therefore, adequate and prompt legal representation could be even more important in those cases.
In conclusion, asbestos has been linked to serious and long-term health challenges. As a result, it is a good idea to consult with a workers compensation lawyer about the above questions if you are aware that you have been exposed to it at work or now have health issues from that exposure.
Share4 November 2016
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