If you experience an asbestos exposure Pittsburgh PA scare, then you should be concerned. Asbestos comes in the form of tiny fibers, which is made of a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral. It is used as an insulation against fire and heat in buildings.
If you breathe these fibers into your lungs, then you are at risk for serious health complications. Read on to find out how to receive compensation for asbestos exposure.
Check for an Asbestos Trust Fund
Some companies exposed their workers to asbestos, but is no longer in existence. To compensate for this, these companies set up trust funds as part of their bankruptcy cases. They wanted to provide on-going support for the victims. It can take years for asbestos illnesses to develop. These funds were established to compensate future victims years after the company went into bankruptcy.
However, you need to find a lawyer that specializes in these types of cases. An experienced lawyer can help you to determine if you can get a trust fund.
Get Veteran’s Benefits
American veterans can seek compensation for asbestos exposure. Many military soldiers had to work on ships and other jobs that put them at risk. After getting out of the military, these soldiers were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
You can get these benefits through the U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration. These benefits may include health care, monthly compensation and other special compensation.
File a Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit is one of the most common ways to get compensation for exposure. You need a lawyer to help you through this process. It is preferred to get legal representation from someone with experience and has a success rate with asbestos cases.
You can attempt to settle the case out of court, but both parties have to agree on the settlement. If you cannot agree, then the case will go to trial. At a trial, a jury can make a decision about whether to award a settlement.
The amount of compensation depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the duration of exposure, severity of illness, how much of the risk hidden from employees and how much money is left in the trust fund.
