Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals once widely used in construction and manufacturing for their heat resistance and durability. Its fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, when inhaled. Despite being phased out of its previous applications, asbestos is still found in many buildings and industries, putting countless people at risk every day.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped injured Californians since 1981, including people who were harmed by defective products like asbestos. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects this substance can have on victims and their families, and we work hard to help them get maximum compensation. If you or a loved one were harmed by asbestos, contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Asbestos Exposure
In Sacramento and Northern California, asbestos exposure commonly occurs in older buildings, industrial sites, and during renovation or demolition projects where asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. High-risk occupations such as construction workers, shipbuilders, and manufacturing employees face increased exposure due to frequent contact with insulation, piping, roofing, and other asbestos-laden materials.
Asbestos is also often found in schools, factories, shipyards, and homes built before the 1980s, particularly in insulation, flooring, and ceiling tiles. Although California began regulating asbestos in the 1970s, widespread use continued into the 1980s, and many older structures in the region still contain hazardous asbestos materials today.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Even a single instance of asbestos exposure can be dangerous, and the more people are exposed to it, the more likely they may be to develop health problems. Common illnesses related to asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. It often goes undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease resulting from inhaling asbestos fibers, which cause scarring of lung tissue and breathing difficulties over time.
- Lung Cancer: Long-term asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially among smokers or those in high-risk occupations.
- Other Respiratory Conditions: Exposure to asbestos can also lead to pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and chronic respiratory issues, even in non-cancerous cases.
Illnesses caused by asbestos often take years to become symptomatic. Asbestos-related diseases often have long latency periods, typically developing 10 to 40 years after initial exposure, making early detection challenging.
Common symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses include:
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms and has known or possible asbestos exposure in Sacramento, it’s important to get medical attention right away.
Legal Options for Asbestos Victims
Victims of asbestos exposure may be entitled to several types of compensation, including money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. In many situations, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against manufacturers, employers, or property owners who failed to protect them from asbestos exposure. Alternatively, they may be eligible to file a trust fund claim, which are compensation funds set up by bankrupt asbestos companies specifically to pay victims without requiring a traditional lawsuit.
Understanding the difference between these options is important, as personal injury claims typically involve litigation, while trust fund claims are often handled through a claims process with specific criteria and deadlines. Thoroughly documenting a history of asbestos exposure, obtaining a clear medical diagnosis from a qualified physician, and contacting an experienced law firm like Berg Injury Lawyers are extremely important for building a strong claim and maximizing compensation.
Why Hire Our Sacramento Injury Lawyers
The dangers of asbestos have been known for decades, and we’ve been helping victims of this dangerous substances since we opened our doors in 1981. During that time, we’ve developed a deep knowledge of the industries in Sacramento that have a history of asbestos use and illnesses in the people who worked in them.
Our experience, resources, and connections mean we have what it takes to investigate, build, and win asbestos illness cases against even some of the largest companies and industries in the city and state. We don’t back down from anyone or anything, especially when we’re pursuing maximum compensation for innocent victims like you.
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
Asbestos exposure and its subsequent illnesses can be disabling and even deadly. If you or a loved one were harmed by asbestos exposure, you deserve compensation for all your illness-related damages, and we’re here to help you get it.
Let us handle every aspect of the legal process while you relax and focus on your recovery and spending time with your family. You’ve been through enough already—let us take it from here. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
