Johnstown Asbestos Lawyer

Asbestos is an incredibly dangerous substance: although it has qualities that make it useful in certain materials, exposure can lead to serious health consequences.

If you or a loved one have come into contact with asbestos, you know firsthand the effects that exposure and the resulting medical scenarios can have on your life. You also know that nothing can fully compensate you for the stress, pain, and heartache you have had to go through. However, in some situations, compensation may be available to help offset the expenses and other difficulties the exposure caused you.

A Johnstown asbestos lawyer at The Halpern Law Firm will determine if a claim related to your exposure is possible and what compensation may be available. Call now to set up a free consultation and discuss your case with one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys.

Asbestos Basics

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is unusually strong and resistant to heat. Because of these characteristics, asbestos was commonly used in car parts, such as transmissions or brakes, and building materials—such as insulation, flooring, or roofing. Although asbestos usage is much lower than in the past, many of the items that incorporated the material are still in use.

Materials manufactured with asbestos are generally not dangerous in and of themselves. The danger occurs when these materials are damaged in some way, releasing fibers or particles containing asbestos into the air. Inhaling these particles creates problems related to asbestos.

These problems, however, may not show up right away. The negative consequences of asbestos exposure may show up until multiple decades after the initial exposure to the substance. But these consequences may be severe when they do arise. They can include:

• Lung cancer—a type of cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos
• Asbestosis—another rare, although non-cancerous, lung disease
• Mesothelioma—a type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure

Because of the amount of time that can pass between exposure and the symptoms, it can be difficult to prove that the symptoms are related to asbestos. However, an experienced asbestos attorney in Johnstown, such as Dave Halpern and his team, may be able to help a patient investigate their claim and establish the necessary proof to be eligible for compensation.

Asbestos Risk Factors

Although anyone can become exposed to asbestos, several categories of people’s work could make exposure more likely. Anyone who has worked in any of these industries in the Johnstown area and developed health issues, particularly to their lungs, should consider reaching out to a lawyer with experience handling asbestos cases. Even if a lawsuit is ultimately not necessary or would not be beneficial in a certain scenario, The Halpern Law Firm offers free consultations.

The careers where the likelihood of exposure is increased include, among others:

• Miners
• Firefighters
• Factory workers
• Auto industry workers
• Military or armed forces personnel
• Construction or demolition workers

In addition, the friends and family members of people in these professions and trades may also develop health issues that stem from asbestos due to secondhand exposure.

Contact a Johnstown Asbestos Attorney Today

Long-term diseases are difficult and complicated. They can have a lasting effect on your emotional, mental, and financial health in addition to your physical circumstances. If your health problem stems from exposure to asbestos, then your company or workplace may be responsible for compensating you for your losses.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a Johnstown asbestos lawyer to learn more. The Halpern Law Firm works with mesothelioma victims across the state and will listen to your story to see whether legal action is possible.