Asbestos exposure remains a hidden danger across Fresno, particularly in older homes, public buildings, and industrial sites. When toxic asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lead to serious illnesses that often appear decades after initial contact.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you deserve compassionate legal representation from attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve been standing up for injured people in Northern California since 1981. We understand the challenges facing asbestos victims and their families, and we’re committed to helping Fresno residents seek justice and fair compensation for these life-altering illnesses.
Understanding Asbestos-Related Diseases
Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health conditions, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer primarily affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen, directly linked to asbestos exposure
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung scarring and breathing difficulties
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly for smokers
- Pleural Thickening: The thickening and stiffening of the lining around the lungs, often resulting in breathing issues
- Pleural Plaques: Hardened areas on the lung lining indicating past asbestos exposure, which can be a precursor to more serious diseases
Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure in Fresno
Even today, asbestos hazards exist across Fresno in a variety of environments. Construction sites and demolition projects pose significant risks, as older buildings being remodeled or torn down often release asbestos fibers into the air. Workers at manufacturing facilities may have been exposed through insulation, machinery parts, and protective equipment used throughout their careers.
Older public buildings such as schools, courthouses, and other government facilities built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos in their structures. Similarly, residential properties constructed before 1980 often contain asbestos in roofing materials, floor tiles, and various types of insulation.
Secondary exposure presents another serious concern. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos on the job can develop asbestos-related diseases through contact with contaminated clothing, shoes, and tools brought home from work sites.
Industries in Fresno With Historical Asbestos Use
Several industries in the Fresno area have historically used asbestos, putting workers at risk, including:
- Construction: Use of asbestos was common in insulation, drywall, flooring, and roofing materials.
- Manufacturing: Machinery parts, gaskets, and heat-resistant products often contained asbestos.
- Railroad Operations: Train brakes, insulation, and engine components exposed workers to asbestos.
- Agricultural Equipment: Some older farming machinery contained asbestos in brake pads and insulation.
- Shipbuilding and Repair Facilities: Asbestos was heavily used in ship insulation, boilers, and piping systems.
Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure Victims
If you or a family member suffered an asbestos-related illness, you may have multiple legal paths for pursuing compensation:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: Direct claims against responsible companies for asbestos exposure
- Wrongful Death Claims: For surviving family members after the loss of a loved one due to asbestos-related illness
- Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: Seeking compensation from company-established trust funds after the companies filed for bankruptcy
- Veterans’ Benefits: Veterans exposed during military service
Proving Liability in Asbestos Cases
Asbestos litigation requires detailed investigation and documentation to build a compelling case for compensation. Our team begins by establishing your exposure history, carefully determining when, where, and how asbestos contact occurred throughout your life and work history. This process often involves extensive research into employment records, building materials, and historical workplace conditions.
We then work hard to link your exposure to specific products or workplaces, identifying the manufacturers or employers who should be held responsible for your illness. This step requires knowledge of which companies produced asbestos-containing products during specific time periods and where these products were used in Fresno and surrounding areas.
Gathering medical documentation is equally important, as we must connect your illness directly to asbestos exposure. Our attorneys collaborate with medical specialists who understand the unique characteristics of asbestos-related diseases and can testify to their cause.
Since asbestos-related diseases can take decades to appear after initial exposure, addressing timeline challenges becomes an essential part of your case. Our team conducts a thorough review of your complete work and life history to establish the connection between past exposure and current illness, even when that exposure occurred 30 to 50 years ago.
Compensation Available for Asbestos Victims
Victims of asbestos exposure may be eligible for significant compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and medications
- Lost Wages: Recovery of income lost due to illness or caregiving responsibilities
- Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation for the future income you can no longer earn
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional trauma endured
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for mental anguish caused by the diagnosis and treatment
- Household Assistance Costs: Help with everyday tasks you may no longer be able to manage
How Berg Injury Lawyers Handles Asbestos Cases
Our Fresno legal team has decades of experience handling complex asbestos claims. Our approach includes:
- Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned when documenting your exposure and identifying responsible parties.
- Extensive Resources: Our team collaborates with medical experts, industrial hygienists, and other experts to build strong cases.
- Comprehensive Case Preparation: From initial filings to trial, we prepare each case as if it will go to court.
- Dedication to Maximum Recovery: We fight aggressively to secure every dollar our clients deserve.
No Fee Guarantee®
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact Berg Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness in Fresno, don’t wait to get help. Our experienced legal team is ready to listen, investigate, and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.
