Pittsburgh Asbestos Lawyer

Asbestos cases often appear in Pittsburgh due to its history as one of the country’s biggest steel producers in the 1900s. Exposure to this mineral happens when individuals come into contact with asbestos fibers, typically by inhaling or ingesting them, leading to illnesses like mesothelioma. However, because it takes decades to show symptoms, many people are only now learning about their diagnosis, years after their asbestos exposure.

The compassionate attorneys at The Halpern Law Firm can help patients of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses recover compensation from those responsible for their exposure. Contact a Pittsburgh asbestos lawyer at our firm for support with managing the legal process for pursuing justice against the liable parties.

The Dangerous Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was popularly used as an insulator because of its low production costs and extremely durable resistance to heat. Industries like steel manufacturing and construction companies commonly used asbestos in their equipment and materials. However, when these items wore down or needed repair, workers would be put at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.

The dangers of asbestos exposure happen when you inhale the fiber particles and they become trapped in your lungs. Over time, the asbestos exposure can cause the development of serious illnesses, including:

• Mesothelioma 
• Lung cancer 
• Asbestosis 

These illnesses take decades to develop, which can make it difficult to trace the source of a person’s asbestos exposure. The legal professionals at The Halpern Law Firm in Pittsburgh have years of experience investigating cases like these for connections to companies and places that were known to have asbestos exposure.

How To Obtain Compensation

Victims of asbestos-related illnesses have two options for obtaining compensation from companies and other parties liable for their exposure.

Asbestos Trust Fund

Many companies know about their potential liability to victims of asbestos exposure and establish asbestos trust funds to preserve capital for future lawsuits during their bankruptcy proceedings. These funds are typically available to asbestos exposure victims and their families who can show a proper connection to the company.

Civil Lawsuit

If you do not have access to an asbestos trust fund, the second option is for our Pittsburgh asbestos lawyers to file a civil lawsuit against the company or companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos. These actions can provide compensation for a person’s damages that arise from their diagnosis of an asbestos-related medical condition. For example, potential damages can include medical expenses, lost earnings, recovery for pain and suffering, and other losses that may exist.

Who Can File an Asbestos Claim in Pittsburgh?

Two groups can be eligible to file a claim for damages related to illnesses from asbestos exposure. The first is the individual diagnosed with a condition, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, resulting from their firsthand or secondhand exposure to asbestos. However,  in some cases, the person harmed by asbestos exposure has passed because of their illness. Thus, the second group is the individual’s loved ones.

State law allows a deceased person’s spouse, children, or parents to file a wrongful death action on behalf of the existing beneficiaries of the person’s estate. Additionally, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may also file a claim for wrongful death if no other eligible beneficiary is available. A seasoned Pittsburgh asbestos attorney at The Halpern Law Firm can discuss filing a lawsuit and provide support through the legal process.

Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Cases

Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations, according to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5524 (2). Asbestos exposure victims and their families must file their claims within two years from the date they discover or should have reasonably discovered their potential right to a claim. Generally, this filing period begins on the date of a person’s diagnosis of a medical condition or death due to asbestos exposure.

Schedule a Meeting with a Pittsburgh Asbestos Attorney Today

Our team of lawyers and paralegals at The Halpern Law Firm can help you or a loved one determine the applicable filing deadline in your case and explore your options for recovering compensation. We have decades of experience handling mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cases, giving us the dedication and skill to represent your interests in a lawsuit or an asbestos trust fund claim process.

If you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, contact a Pittsburgh asbestos lawyer at our firm for a free consultation to discuss your case. Please fill out our online form or call 800-505-6000 today.