Many workers across various industries have been exposed to toxic asbestos-containing materials. One such field where hazardous materials were widely used was in shipyard work. Shipyard workers constructed a wide range of ships made for both military and civilian use.
The use of asbestos-containing products was especially prevalent until the 1970s. Until that point, the U.S. military had allowed for more than 300 asbestos-containing products to be used during ship construction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, an estimated 27 million workers were exposed to aerosolized asbestos fibers between 1940 and 1979. Additionally, a 2008 study found that shipyard workers carried a mortality rate 16 times greater than the average of other occupations.
Despite their dedication to our country, military shipyard workers have some of the highest numbers of asbestos exposure and those who were in the Navy have been most affected.
If you or a loved one had previously worked in a shipyard and is currently dealing with an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injury. Contact Hotze Runkle PLLC today at (512) 476-7771 for help from experienced and qualified asbestos litigation lawyers.
Where and how did asbestos exposure occur?
As previously mentioned, the U.S. military had authorized the use of more than 300 asbestos-containing products until the 1970s. Many components and general areas of ships contained high levels of asbestos including:
- Boiler rooms
- Engine rooms
- Hallways
- Sleep quarters
- Insulation
- Paint
- Gaskets
- Sealants
- Valves
- Adhesives
- Furnaces
Because of the heavy use of asbestos in shipyard work, the vast majority of individuals working in the shipbuilding industry were likely exposed to this deadly carcinogen. Any worker that helped in the construction of the ship, performed maintenance and repairs, overhauls, or even decommissions likely faced exposure. Shipyard workers who may have been exposed include:
- Welders
- Plumbers
- Steamfitters
- Janitorial and cleanup crew members
- Ship lifters
- Pipefitters
- Machinists
- Painters
- Electricians
- Boilermakers
- Servicemen aboard vessels
Ships used asbestos for insulation because of its ‘safety features’ such as being fire retardant and resisting corrosion. It was a way to preserve the vessel, therefore, it was used in such staggering quantities.
Not only was asbestos used in military ships, but also civilian luxury liners such as cruise ships. The lack of ventilation aboard vessels caused exposure to the toxic material, even when workers were not in direct contact with it.
Anyone in contact with a vessel that was heavily lined with asbestos could be at risk for damages.
How is asbestos in shipyards still impacting people today?
There are 106,000 shipyard workers employed nationally today, all who face a moderate rate of exposure to the hazardous material. Due to previously placed asbestos insulation in the vessels, lingering amounts of asbestos can present harm to current shipyard workers.
The highest levels of asbestos-related illness and exposure are in California. With its long coast darted with countless shipyards, and even its large prevalence of natural asbestos deposits, this state is number one in deaths by mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused illness.
Call the national asbestos litigation lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC if you or a loved one suspects that you have been exposed to asbestos while on the job in a shipyard.
Our knowledgeable asbestos lawyers know which companies in the shipyard industry are responsible for the asbestos-related illnesses suffered by workers.
We are prepared to fight and help get you the compensation necessary to help treat or deal with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Call us right now at (512) 476-7771 for a free consultation with our national asbestos lawyers.
Asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, can result in life-altering physical and emotional damages, as well as financial issues for victims. Negligent companies and employers who have hurt clients and workers are responsible for the pain and suffering they have caused.
It is only fair that victims of asbestos-related illnesses be compensated appropriately by liable parties to help victims and their families recover from damages suffered. However, filing a claim to recover damages can be difficult in the face of big companies, complex legal issues, and insurance adjusters.
Your knowledgeable asbestos trial lawyers here at Hotze Runkle PLLC know you may have quite a few questions when it comes to choosing the right asbestos attorney for your claim. You want to make sure you choose the best option for your needs.
Please consider the following information regarding how to choose a quality asbestos attorney to secure you the recovery that you and your family deserve.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer
The truth is that there are many mesothelioma lawyers out there who are eager to take your case. Unfortunately, many may not have what it takes to secure financial relief for you, while other attorneys may not be experienced enough to take your case to trial – which can be a highly likely scenario in claims regarding asbestos.
It can be difficult for you to make the right decision when choosing a lawyer. Keep the following tips in mind when choosing an asbestos attorney should you decide to file a claim:
1. Seek Assistance from a National Litigation Firm
Local asbestos attorneys may not be equipped with the same aptitude of knowledge to help you recover full compensation for your asbestos-related injuries. However, national firms are able to work across multiple states and will take your case wherever the value of compensation may be higher. National litigation firms also have no problem traveling to accommodate to the needs of national clients in order to win a case. Local firms may be more limited and not as flexible.
2. Experience and Success Matters
Your potential legal team should have experience in asbestos-related cases, as well as the numbers to back up their success claims. Make sure your attorney has a proven record in asbestos-related cases before deciding to choose them.
It’s also important that they have a high number of cases won in court. Securing a trial attorney can make all the difference in the world as inexperienced attorneys may tell you to accept less than what your case is actually worth just so they don’t have to take your case to court.
3. Payment Based on Contingency
If you don’t get compensated, your lawyer should not get paid. This deal will ensure your legal team is working hard to get you the recovery you deserve. If your asbestos attorney does not work under this contingency agreement, then reconsider the relationship.
4. Legal Team Handles the Trouble
As a client, your responsibility should essentially come down to recalling the events that led to your injury and helping to secure a few documents such as medical bills linked to your asbestos-related illness. All other legal work should be conducted by your attorney.
Mesothelioma victims are already under enough stress, so a quality team of attorneys should alleviate legal concerns including paperwork, investigation, and litigation.
5. Place Communication and Timeliness as Priorities
Mesothelioma cases should be handled in a timely manner. The right team will work hard to uncover the details regarding your claim to start the process of securing compensation right away.
Solid and open communication, as well as frequent updates about your case, will help you feel at ease, knowing that your situation is in trusted hands. You don’t want to wait around impatiently for a team that drags your case along.
Choose Hotze Runkle PLLC For Quality Legal Help
If you or a loved one has become ill in the face of asbestos exposure, contact the asbestos trial lawyers of Hotze Runkle PLLC now. We work hard to earn your trust and to help you obtain the compensation needed to recover.
Seek help from the trustworthy team of asbestos attorneys with a track record of success in similar cases. Call (877) 919-0830 to speak with one of our dedicated national asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC today.
Railroads have played an essential role in growing the U.S. economy, travel, and the development of this great nation. However, the hardworking individuals who have dedicated their blood and sweat to the industry have been impacted in a very negative way.
During the 20th century, railroad cars and other railroad equipment were manufactured with asbestos, a mineral fiber which serves as a great insulator but which is terribly toxic to humans when inhaled.
Due to working conditions, chances are that many railroad workers were exposed to this mineral and could be suffering from a number of respiratory ailments, or even mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
If you or someone you love worked as a railroad worker and are now suffering from asbestos-related illnesses, look to the national asbestos lawyers a Hotze Runkle PLLC to defend your rights and help you find the closure you and your family deserve.
Risks of Exposure
Unfortunately, despite how toxic asbestos is, the product was still used for decades in various industries including the railway system. Many products and equipment used in railroads contained these toxic fibers, including, but not limited to:
- Insulation: Asbestos was used to insulate parts of steam and diesel locomotives. Some of these parts included the boiler, outside of the engine, boxcars, ceilings of cabooses, under the metal body of the train, driving cabins, carriages, and pipe coverings.
Asbestos could also be found in roadhouses and railroad shops. - Railroad Equipment: Asbestos was used in the creation of plaster, wallboards, cement ties, gaskets and sealing cement.
- Locomotive Parts: Asbestos fibers could be found in brake linings, brake pads, clutches, floor tiles, and in the ceilings of passenger cars.
Due to the variety of duties a railroad worker could have, chances are that they were exposed to asbestos fibers throughout their workday. However, there are some tasks which could have potentially exposed a railroad worker to dangerous levels of the mineral including:
- Brake inspection and replacement
- Coupling and separating cars
- Locomotive inspections
- Repairing signals on tracks or yards
It’s worth noting that the risks of asbestos exposure did not only occur for those working directly in the railroads but for their families as well since asbestos fibers can linger in clothing and be transported in that way.
Additionally, employees at or around roadhouses and/or railroad shops were also possibly exposed to asbestos by the fibers carried by the railroad workers who visited these locations.
What You Can Do
Unfortunately, railroad workers in the U.S. are not protected under the worker’s compensation program.
But there is hope.
An injured railroad worker can file a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to get the compensation they deserve from their employers.
A FELA lawsuit is categorized as a civil lawsuit in which the railroad worker must prove their employer’s negligence and how it contributed to the injuries suffered. These types of lawsuits can be brought to a federal or state court.
However, in order to be able to file a claim against an employer under FELA, the railroad company which the injured party worked for must available in several states. If not, the worker can sue the individual manufacturers who used asbestos for the railroad equipment.
It is best to hire an experienced attorney who specializes in asbestos claims to handle the nuances and details of these complicated cases.
Contact the experienced Texas asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC today at (512) 476-7771.
The disastrous effects of asbestos in the lives of many hardworking Americans is no secret. Many Americans were exposed to this dangerous substance well into the early 80s, even though its dangerous side effects had been detected years before.
But not everyone who had substantial contact with asbestos developed the same health problems.
The national asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC want you to obtain the justice you deserve if you have suffered an illness caused by asbestos exposure. We wholly believe that the more you understand about this dangerous substance, the better a decision you can make when it comes to filing a claim against the party responsible for your illness.
Please consider the following information about how asbestos can affect your health.
What are the chances I am suffering from asbestos exposure?
Between 1940 and 1978, 11 million American were exposed to asbestos in one form or another. In the decades that followed, the true damages of asbestos were to be felt.
Between 1999 and 2015, there were 54,418 documented cases of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Additionally, there were 45,009 deaths from mesothelioma reported during that same time frame.
Perhaps most alarmingly is that 20 million people in the United States are estimated to be at risk for developing mesothelioma at some point in their lives.
The risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, depends on a number of factors, including:
- The amount of asbestos that was in the environment you were exposed in.
- How often and for how long the exposure occurred.
- How long the exposure lasted.
- Previous lung conditions.
- Whether or not you smoked.
Asbestos-Related Diseases
If you were exposed to asbestos fibers over a long period of time, there are several illnesses you could potentially develop. These include but are not limited to:
-
- Asbestosis
Asbestosis is lung scarring due to asbestos fibers. Because of the scar tissue in the lungs, oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot pass as easily through the system, making it much hard for a sufferer to breathe.
This generally occurs in people with very high exposure and can take years to develop detectable symptoms.
-
- Pleural Effects
Asbestos fibers in the lungs can also cause a variety of abnormalities in the lining of the chest cavity, known as pleura:
-
-
- Pleural plaques: abnormal collagen deposits
- Pleural effusion: fluid in the lining
- Fibrosis of the pleura
- Folded lung: an area of pleural fibrosis folds into itself creating an airless space in the lung
-
These pleural abnormalities can be found in 10-60% of the workers exposed to asbestos.
They are also common in their family members, possibly due to asbestos fibers being carried in the workers’ clothes.
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- Laryngeal Effects
In uncommon cases, individuals who have been exposed to asbestos have been shown to have an increased risk of suffering from laryngitis.
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- Immune System Issues
The immune system is often weakened in individuals with asbestosis. It is still not clear if this decrease is the cause or a result of asbestosis. In individuals exposed to asbestos but who do not suffer from asbestosis, mild to no decrease of the immune system has been detected.
-
- Lung Cancer
These malignant tumors can take over and obstructs air passages in the lungs. Smoking tobacco, combined with asbestos exposure, dramatically increases the chance of developing lung cancer.
It normally takes about 20 to 30 years after the exposure (latency period) before developing lung cancer. While lung cancer is commonly associated with long periods of asbestos exposures, there have been cases where individuals with one to 12 months of exposure exhibit a greatly increased risk of developing the illness.
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- Mesothelioma
A rare form of cancer which affects the membrane covering the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or other membranes surrounding other major organs.
It can take up to 30 to 40 years after an individual has been exposed to asbestos before mesothelioma symptoms become evident.
-
- Other Forms of Cancer
Asbestos exposure is mainly known to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. However, asbestos exposure can also cause larynx or ovary cancer.
If You Believe You Were Exposed to Asbestos
If you are concerned about possibly having been exposed to asbestos, visit your doctor or medical provider as soon as possible. Depending on your medical history and the details of your experiences, your doctor may conduct testing.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are suffering from an asbestos-related illness, contact the experienced Texas asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC today at (512) 476-7771.
The national litigation team at Hotze Runkle PLLC firmly believes that keeping our clients informed is essential to developing a strong relationship. By providing as much information as possible to those we serve, we hope to deliver a better experience.
Because of this, we would like to share with you information regarding mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. Statistics regarding mesothelioma can help individuals living with the condition better understand the disease as well help them to make a more informed decision on how to go about treating it.
If you believe that you are suffering from mesothelioma or some other illness as a result of asbestos exposure, do not hesitate to contact the experienced asbestos exposure lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC immediately.
Mesothelioma-Related Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the National Health Institute, provide statistics about mesothelioma in the United States according to mortality, age, gender, and even location.
Asbestos in the U.S. Throughout the Years
- 1973: Peak of asbestos importation into the U.S. with over 803,000 tons of asbestos imported.
- 2002: Last U.S. asbestos mines shut down.
- Between 1999 and 2015 there were 54,418 documented cases of mesothelioma.
- From 1999 to 2015, 45,009 mesothelioma deaths were recorded.
- Between 1940 to 1978, 11 million Americans were exposed to asbestos.
- Mesothelioma symptoms typically appear 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
Age-Related Statistics
- Mesothelioma occurs more commonly in older age groups.
- Recent research reveals that 91 percent of all mesothelioma cases occur in individuals 55 years and older.
- 74 years old is the average age individuals are diagnosed in the United States.
- Between 1999 and 2015, the age group with the most reported cases -10,188 – occurred in ages 75-79.
- Between 1999 and 2015, the age group with the least reported cases – 40 in total – occurred in ages 15-19.
Gender-Related Statistics
- Men are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma in comparison to women, with males accounting for 75 percent of all mesothelioma deaths from 1999 to 2016.
- Men are 4.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- From 1999 to 2015, 35,850 men and 9,159 women died in the United States from mesothelioma
- From 1999 to 2015, 42,808 men were diagnosed while only 12,338 women were diagnosed.
Location-Related Statistics
The state in which you live can also have a significant impact on your risk of asbestos exposure. The following are mesothelioma diagnoses from 1999-2016 by the top five states with the highest population:
- California
- Diagnoses: 5,570
- Deaths: 4,539
- Texas
- Diagnoses: 3,060
- Deaths: 2,347
- Florida
- Diagnoses: 3,960
- Deaths: 2,969
- New York
- Diagnoses: 3,469
- Deaths: 2,476
- Pennsylvania
- Diagnoses: 3,500
- Deaths: 2,930
Occupations with the Greatest Risk of Asbestos Exposure
- Construction
- Firefighting
- Manufacturing
- Chemical refining
- Power generation
- Shipbuilding
- Military service
Survival Rate Statistics
- Mesothelioma patients survive an average of 12 to 21 months.
- For individuals with stage 1 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 41-46% with a five-year survival rate at approximately 13-16%.
- For individuals with stage 2 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 38% with a five-year survival rate of around 10%.
- For individuals with stage 3 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 26-30% with a five-year survival rate of around 5-8%.
- For individuals with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 17% with a five-year survival rate of less than 1%.
Additional Mesothelioma Statistics
- There are 2,400 to 2,800 new mesothelioma cases reported in the U.S. each year as per the CDC.
- 20 million people could possibly develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
- About 1 million people around the world are exposed to asbestos each year.
- There are approximately 2,500 mesothelioma related deaths each year, similar to the number of cases discovered each year.
- Mesothelioma is more common in whites and Hispanics/Latinos than in African Americas or Asian Americans.
In order to recover damages for your suffering caused by an asbestos-related disease, seek consultation from your national asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC by contacting us today at (512) 476-7771.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer which can affect the lining of the lungs, heart, and/or abdomen and is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Companies that knowingly expose employees and consumers to this cancer-causing agent are legally liable for damages.
If you are suffering from mesothelioma or believe asbestos has affected your health, it is paramount that you seek legal guidance from the national asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC. We work hard to earn your trust and to deliver the results you deserve.
We know that there are many challenges that come with being diagnosed with mesothelioma and that much of your energy is spent just taking care of your health. However, it is important that you fight for your rights and the justice you deserve.
The dedicated legal team at Hotze Runkle PLLC have compiled a list of nine myths regarding mesothelioma claims to help guide you through these difficult times. We believe that the more you know, the stronger your claim can be.
Please consider the following information.
9 Myths About Asbestos Claims You Need to Know About
Myth 1: Large compensations will be paid by asbestos bankruptcy trusts to everyone diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Fact: In order to receive any compensation, a person diagnosed with mesothelioma must provide evidence of:
- Exposure to a product or tool containing asbestos produced by the liable company.
- Working at an “approved work site” acknowledged by the specific bankruptcy trust.
How detailed or how much evidence you will be needed depends on the trust’s guidelines. This is why it is essential you seek the legal guidance of a qualified asbestos lawyer who can help recover all the damages your situation warrants.
Myth 2: Every company which sold or manufactured asbestos-containing products are bankrupt and brought to justice.
Fact: Many of companies which manufactured or sold asbestos-containing products are in fact not bankrupt. Thousands of companies produced such products, many are big profitable corporations in the U.S.
Some have not yet even been brought to justice and are detected as people develop mesothelioma and file their claims.
Myth 3: Asbestos and mesothelioma claims must be filed as “class action” lawsuits.
Fact: A class-action lawsuit is a group of people affected by the same situation filing a claim and represented by a “class representative.” It is NOT necessary for you to file your claim in this manner. It can be filed as an individual lawsuit.
On the other hand, in some jurisdictions, several people who have made mesothelioma claims may be brought together by the court for a single trial due to the cases having a common issue.
Myth 4: Every mesothelioma claim is compensated with a similar amount of money.
Fact: The worth of a mesothelioma claim varies per case and is dependent on the strength of the evidence. Plaintiffs with detailed proof of being exposed to asbestos can potentially obtain large amounts of money. On the other hand, with little to no proof, the value of a case drops.
Myth 5: Asbestos and mesothelioma claims cannot be won by smokers.
Fact: These situations are actually the complete opposite. Smokers have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, lung diseases or lung cancer if exposed to asbestos, which helps them to develop a stronger case.
Myth 6: Even if a person suffers from mesothelioma, they don’t have a case if they aren’t aware of how they were exposed to asbestos.
Fact: Many individuals who develop mesothelioma do not know where or how they were exposed since asbestos-containing products were not labeled as such. This is why it is important to get experienced legal help which can help you investigate and discover the faulty product which caused you to suffer.
Specialized law firms like Hotze Runkle PLLC have a thorough understanding of the nuances of these types of cases and can help you to obtain full compensation.
Myth 7: If a military veteran suffers from mesothelioma, they can only file their claim through the U.S. Veterans Affairs.
Fact: Veterans who have developed mesothelioma due to being exposed to asbestos while serving may receive benefits through the VA services by filing a “VA claim.” However, this doesn’t mean it is impossible to file a claim with bankruptcy trust to receive full compensation. It is completely viable to file a civil lawsuit along with their VA claim.
Myth 8: The money I recover from my asbestos or mesothelioma claim will be taxed.
Fact: Any money you receive because of your claim and due to your mesothelioma will not be taxed.
Myth 9: If a family member passed away from mesothelioma any claims they had were lost with their death.
Fact: Surviving family members may still have the right to be compensated even if the victim has passed. It’s important to be aware, however, that these types of claims are time sensitive and family members must file a claim immediately to have a chance at receiving compensation for their loss. Most states in the country only allow asbestos and mesothelioma claims within a certain amount of time after the diagnosis with the average being two to three years.
If you believe to have been exposed to asbestos or are suffering from mesothelioma, our experienced national asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC are ready to fight for you.
Call the Texas asbestos lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC today at (512) 476-7771 for a consultation.