Our Westchester County Asbestos damage lawyers have seen mold damage and asbestos cause a serious problem for property owners. This is because they can cause serious health problems and greatly reduce the value of a property. Furthermore, to address these issues successfully will require costly repair work. If you have detected a mold or asbestos presence on your property it is important to take swift action to remediate the problem.
This type of problem could be covered by your insurance provider, but bringing them to terms with these issues can be a complex process. Furthermore, if there are illnesses and health problems in the claim, the complexity intensifies. If you have found yourself in just such a predicament, the thing you need is a learned and experienced guide to help you navigate the legalities and technicalities of NY property damage claims.
At Rosenbaum & Taylor, our attorneys have assisted countless clients in making their claims to insurance companies and collecting millions of dollars’ worth of compensations in settlements and verdicts. These cases are especially dicey because asbestos is a slow killer and may take years for the first signs of health problems to reveal themselves. But, you can count on our legal professional to have the knowledge and experience to complete these cases as promptly as legally possible and ensure that your claim is given the respect and compensation it is due.
So, if you have been injured or suffered property damages caused by asbestos, call in the experts. Call Rosenbaum & Taylor Law firm at (914) 326-2660 and schedule a free consultation with our experienced NY property damage lawyers.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the commercial name given to a set of naturally occurring fibrous materials that were used heavily in industry and construction throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Because of its especially fire-resistant properties this material made very effective insulation. It was therefore used extensively in insulating buildings, as well as the fabrication of flooring and roofing materials as well as pipes for indoor plumbing. Today it can still be found in a wide variety of locations, for example, cars, boats, homes and domestic heating systems can contain asbestos content.
Some other materials that may contain asbestos include:
- Electrical ducts
- Putties
- Insulation
- Coatings
- Cement pipes.
- Textured paints
- Heating ducts
- Caulking
- Roofing shingles
- Fireproofing materials
- Vinyl flooring
Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos has the potential to become airborne and cause serious lung conditions if inhaled. Asbestos that occurs in a structure or material that is in good condition is generally not harmful. The problems occur when the material becomes damaged and the asbestos is released into the air. Damage that could initiate such a problem can come in a variety of forms such as natural disasters, or negligence in maintaining the home or performing renovations project safely.
The only safe way to handle such a problem will be to call in a professional asbestos abatement company. This is not a project that is typically covered in a property insurance policy. This means that the homeowners themselves will be held responsible for the damages caused by the presence of asbestos in the home.
What Diseases Does Asbestos Exposure Cause?
Asbestos has been associated with several diseases, including:
Mesothelioma
This is the most common health condition that can result from asbestos exposure. It is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the membranes of the abdomen and lungs. It takes a while to develop and can occur within 15 to 60 years of the initial exposure. As yet, there is no cure for mesothelioma although treatments like radiation therapy, surgery or chemotherapy may be moderately successful in controlling the condition.
Asbestosis
When asbestos particles are inhaled they become deeply embedded in the lungs and can result in the formation of scar tissue that reduces the elasticity and capacity of the lungs to pass oxygen to the blood. The effects of this terrible condition can often take 15 to 60 years to become apparent.
Other Forms of Cancer
Exposure to asbestos can also result in a variety of forms of cancer such as stomach or throat cancer.
Which Occupations Are Commonly Associated with Asbestos Exposure?
Some of the occupations that are most exposed to asbestos dangers include:
- Welders
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Navy yard workers
- Plasterers
- Machinists
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Pipefitters and coverers
- Cement finishers
- Papermill workers
- Engineers
- Millwrights
- Mechanics
- Electricians
- Foundry workers
- Firefighters
- Carpenters
- Crane operators
- Bricklayers
I Am Not Sure Where I Became Exposed to Asbestos – Do I Still Have a Case?
If you have discovered that you are suffering from an asbestos-related condition, but are not sure where the condition may have originated, you still have a case and a right to compensation. At Rosenbaum & Taylor, we have the skills and experience to conduct a full investigation of your employment history. We can research the companies where you worked and find out if you may have been exposed during your tenure at any one of them. It could be that several companies have a share in your condition and all will be named in the lawsuit.
How Much Time Do I Have for Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit?
There is a time limit, called the statute of limitations, in which you will have to submit your lawsuit. In Westchester County, this time limit is 3 years. There are some exceptions, however, for example, if someone dies from the exposure to asbestos, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Of course, it would be best to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can tell you more about the specifics of your case.
What Hazards Are Associated With Mold?
Mold spores exist everywhere and only require a small amount of moisture to begin spreading through a building. Molds can result in a wide variety of health problems including respiratory conditions as well as headaches, sores that do not heal and other problems.
Mold remediation may not be damage that is covered by your property insurance. It will be important to discuss the details of your case with a qualified NY property damage lawyer who will be able to shed light on the case.
Do I Need to Speak with Westchester County Asbestos Damage Lawyers?
Whether you have suffered property damage or suffered illness from asbestos and mold conditions, you will need an experienced NY business attorney to provide their perspective on details and their skills in investigating who the liable parties are that must pay the compensation. For more information on the details of your case, call Rosenbaum & Taylor law firm at (914) 326-2660 and schedule your free initial consultation today.
