It could, if you were harmed by that exposure. The health effects of asbestos exposure take many years to manifest. If you worked in one of the occupations that exposed you to asbestos fibers, you probably breathed fibers in and they lodged in your lungs. Even family members of such workers, who never spent time on the work site, frequently develop mesothelioma many years later. It’s thought that they breathed in the fibers from being near their family member’s clothing, since the fibers are microscopically tiny and can become invisibly stuck in cloth.
Some occupations which involved asbestos exposure
- Asbestos mine worker
- Crane operator
- Pipe fitter
- Painter
- Plumber
- Drywall mechanic
- Floor coverer
- Welder
- Aircraft mechanic
- Telephone lineman
- Tinsmith
- Bulldozer operator
- Demolition crew member
- Tile setter
- Shipyard worker
- Brake mechanic
There are many more such occupations, and many general environments where the risks were present, such as hospitals, glass factories, oil refineries, the Navy, and shipyards.
If you ever worked one of these occupations or did some other kind of work that exposed you to asbestos, you may now be at risk for a mesothelioma diagnosis. But just the exposure to asbestos does not in itself qualify you for monetary compensation.
On the other hand, companies which made asbestos products have known since about 1930 that it causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, and did not speak up about it. That may give you a legal right to compensation from an asbestos company. Some of those companies are:
- General Electric
- General Motors
- Westinghouse
- Ford
- Armstrong World Industries
- Chrysler
- Owens Illinois
- Dow Corning
- U.S. Gypsum
Once you are diagnosed
If you are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms, it would be wise to visit your doctor and have some tests done. Make sure your doctor knows that you were exposed to asbestos. Once you have a diagnosis, you should contact us here at Brown | Kiely, LLP, and set up a free consultation. We work a great deal with mesothelioma patients and can assess your situation, and inform you of your legal rights and options.
