For those suffering from mesothelioma, the experience can be lonely and overwhelming. You owe it to yourself to have a legal advocate on your side. With the help of an experienced mesothelioma attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
At Hecht, Kleeger, & Damashek, P.C., our NYC mesothelioma lawyers will help you determine the liable party in your mesothelioma case, the value of your damages, and how to pursue the maximum compensation to cover your treatment costs and other losses. Call 212-289-8351 to schedule a free consultation.
Work Injuries
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral of tiny fibers commonly found in construction sites and factories throughout the United States. “Asbestos” refers to six different fibrous minerals comprising magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, or other trace elements. There are two forms of asbestos: serpentine and amphiboles.
Asbestos is present in more than 5,000 products, including:
- Interior and exterior roofing materials
- Flooring tiles
- Vehicle clutch and brake pads
- Ceiling crawl spaces
- Roofing felt and shingles
- Insulation
- Decorative or acoustic plasters
- Asphalt and vinyl tiles
- Cement siding
- Pipes
- Wall-boards
- Texture coatings and paints
- Caulking
- Spackling
- Construction glues
- Fireproofing materials
- Heating and electrical ducts
What is Mesothelioma & How is it Related to Asbestos?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the chest and abdominal cavity. Up to 80% of mesothelioma cases are directly caused by asbestos, making asbestos exposure the primary risk factor for mesothelioma.
However, not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. And for those who do develop mesothelioma, the cancer will not typically appear until decades after asbestos exposure. Many victims won’t connect their asbestos exposure to their mesothelioma, potentially missing out on the opportunity for compensation.
NYC Workers Are at Risk for Mesothelioma
Although anyone exposed to asbestos can develop cancer, some occupations that are most at-risk for mesothelioma include:
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- S. Navy personnel
- Firefighters
- Auto mechanics
- Power plant workers
Construction workers are at high risk for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 1.3 million construction workers come into contact with asbestos annually. Employers in the construction industry should take precautions in the workplace to ensure their workers are safe from serious harm.
Different kinds of asbestos cause different illnesses and can affect the body differently. Most often, construction workers are exposed to serpentine asbestos. This type of asbestos is made of tiny fibers that can be inhaled during work. Once inhaled, serpentine asbestos fibers can affect the lungs and abdomen, eventually leading to mesothelioma.
If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos on a construction site and it led to mesothelioma, talk to a representative at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. today for help seeking compensation.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma From Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma can be a harrowing and dangerous illness. Those who are diagnosed with this type of cancer can experience symptoms such as:
- Chest pain on the left or right side
- Chronic, dry cough
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- High blood pressure
- Neck or facial swelling
Mesothelioma is commonly misdiagnosed because it has symptoms similar to many other cancer forms. Unfortunately, a delayed or missed diagnosis can have drastic consequences, reducing the odds of remission and survival. If you were wrongfully diagnosed by a negligent medical professional, contact our medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible.
Types of Mesothelioma
If mesothelioma occurs in the chest cavity, it is called pleural mesothelioma. With pleural mesothelioma, the lung’s membrane will thicken, making breathing difficult. This specific type of cancer can eventually cause death if left untreated.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is where the cancer manifests in the abdomen. In this form, the membrane around the gut thickens, causing fluids to accumulate in the abdomen.
How to Recover Compensation for Mesothelioma
Researchers predict that New York City will become a mesothelioma hotspot in the coming years. People living in lower Manhattan immediately after the 9/11 tragedy have a risk of developing mesothelioma. The heroic police officers, firefighters, paramedics, rescue workers, and cleanup crews who worked on “the Pile” had direct asbestos exposure.
Given mesothelioma’s exceptional latency period of 20-40 years, it is virtually assured that mesothelioma diagnoses and lawsuits in New York City will increase as time goes on. Victims of this type of cancer deserve to recover compensation to afford treatment costs and the immense impact on their quality and way of life.
Seek Help From an NYC Mesothelioma Attorney
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a heartbreaking experience. No one deserves to have their lives ruined due to the negligence of another, even if the exposure was years in the past. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we understand that nothing can undo the loss you are experiencing. We do feel strongly about helping you to get through this with as much help as possible.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we will do all we can to help you be well cared for as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact a New York City injury lawyer from our office today.
Gather Evidence to Prove Causation
You will need to prove your asbestos exposure directly caused your mesothelioma and that the party is liable for your damages. We will work with medical professionals and other experts to gather vital information about your future costs and suffering. Doing so will ensure we present a strong case regarding the damage caused and the compensation required for you to continue receiving treatment.
Establish Liability
Mesothelioma lawsuits commonly fall under product liability cases. Proving which products are ultimately responsible for paying your mesothelioma-related damages can be challenging. However, an attorney can help you trace your disease and damages to a manufacturer, company, employer, or any negligent parties.
There may be multiple entities liable for your asbestos-related mesothelioma case. A seasoned attorney can evaluate your individual case to determine every potential angle to attack from. We can help secure the maximum settlement you need after products in the workplace exposed you to asbestos.
Calculate Your Damages
An NYC mesothelioma attorney at Hecht, Kleeger, & Damashek, P.C. can help evaluate your case to determine the extent of your damages and ensure you fight for full compensation.
Damages involved in a mesothelioma case can include:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and future income opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
File a Lawsuit
In order to recover compensation for your mesothelioma-related damages, you can pursue a lawsuit against the liable party. Our mesothelioma trial attorneys will represent you in court so you can focus on your health and avoid the stress of a trial. A dedicated lawyer can present compelling evidence of your damages and causation to help you secure a substantial settlement.
You can recover financially and emotionally after a mesothelioma diagnosis with a successful lawsuit. Bring justice to the negligent party and fight for stricter asbestos regulations in the United States, so others do not have to suffer after you.
If you have lost a loved one to mesothelioma due to workplace exposure to asbestos, you may be entitled to recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation. Call Our Mesothelioma Lawyers Today.
When you work with a personal injury attorney from Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., you will receive personal attention as well as stellar legal representation. We are available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we can meet with you at your home or hospital if needed.
If you or a loved one is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, we want to help. Our 75 years of combined experience will be used to fight for your rights and financial needs while you concentrate on the rest of your life and your recovery. Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today for your free consultation.
Contact us today at 212-289-8351 to get started on your case.
CLIENT REVIEWS
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT