Flint Mesothelioma Lawyer

Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney in Flint, MI

A mesothelioma diagnosis can cause shock and worry to those who are diagnosed and their families. Because diagnosis typically happens years and even decades after exposure, it can be difficult to pinpoint when it occurred and who is responsible. A Flint mesothelioma lawyer can help you discover who is liable and advocate for compensation. 

Flint, MI, has a rich history in automotive manufacturing and heavy industry. Many local companies used asbestos-containing materials throughout much of the 20th century. Asbestos was commonly used in materials and products because of its durability and ability to withstand heat without deteriorating. Mesothelioma claims in Flint may proceed in the Genesee County Circuit Court, located at 900 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502.

About Kelley Ferraro, LLC

For almost three decades, Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has been advocating for the rights of individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure nationwide. Firm attorneys have handled close to 55,000 asbestos cases in pursuit of more than $1 billion for clients throughout the United States. However, past results are not a guarantee. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

While Kelley Ferraro, LLC, routinely handles asbestos claims across Ohio and throughout the country, we also work with co-counsel in various jurisdictions around the country, handling complex mesothelioma cases.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

The leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed after becoming airborne from asbestos-containing products. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can eventually settle into the mesothelium, which is the delicate tissue lining the chest cavity, abdomen, and around the heart. Asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and damage to the tissue that may lead to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma takes years to develop after asbestos exposure. Symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to present themselves after the initial exposure. Because of this extended period, many people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while working in factories, construction, and industrial companies throughout Flint, MI, and Southeast Michigan.

Automotive workers were at high risk for asbestos exposure while working with asbestos-containing brake parts, clutch systems, insulation, gaskets, and other automotive machinery. Asbestos was also commonly used in construction materials, so contractors, electricians, pipefitters, and HVAC mechanics may have been exposed to asbestos during the repair or renovation of old buildings.

The risk of secondhand exposure can extend to family members as well. Asbestos fibers can latch onto workers’ clothing or tools after a work shift. Family members and spouses can be exposed by coming into contact with asbestos-contaminated clothing or equipment.

There are federal regulations involving asbestos exposure in the workplace. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted federal asbestos regulations to protect the public from these causes. 

How to File a Claim

In 2022, mesothelioma was diagnosed in 2,669 out of 333,271,411 Americans. With numerous investigative legal claims, this led to an incidence rate of 0.6 per 100,000 individuals.

Mesothelioma claims can stem from various sources. The first step is always determining how exposure may have happened. Collect any information you have related to your work history and military service. Documents related to your diagnosis may be crucial, including medical records and pathology reports.

You also may want to identify asbestos-containing products you worked with or around during your career. Our Flint mesothelioma attorneys can help guide you through this process and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Some asbestos claims are filed against manufacturers of asbestos products. Many companies have established trust funds to provide compensation to victims injured by their products. Since many workers come into contact with asbestos at multiple job sites, claims can involve numerous companies.

Michigan also has statutes of limitation, which can limit the time you have to file a claim. A knowledgeable Flint mesothelioma attorney can help determine which statutes apply to your case.

Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer Today

Flint mesothelioma lawyers can assist families trying to determine potential exposure sources related to automotive plants, factories, commercial construction, and/or maintenance projects around Genesee County. Many employees worked with products from a variety of manufacturers over the course of their careers.

Asbestos exposure history can become very complicated when involving multiple companies. Mesothelioma can also involve claims against asbestos trusts and bankrupt companies. Some patients have a history of living and working in multiple states. 

While seeking justice and financial compensation is important to most families, they also want to know how the exposure occurred. Holding companies accountable for their role in creating hazardous work environments and products containing asbestos is essential when you hire a mesothelioma lawyer. 

FAQs

Does Everyone With Mesothelioma Get a Settlement?

Not all mesothelioma cases settle. Some cases are denied, some settle, and some go to trial. It depends on the evidence available, exposure history, companies involved, and whether asbestos trust funds are available. Every case is unique, and your compensation can vary based on a number of factors, depending on how you were exposed and when you were diagnosed with asbestos.

What Are the Signs That Mesothelioma Is Getting Worse?

In advanced stages of mesothelioma, symptoms may worsen. These can include increased shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal pain, fatigue, persistent coughing, fluid accumulation, difficulty eating, and extreme weight loss. Loss of mobility or an inability to do daily activities may also occur. The rate at which symptoms progress depends on the type and stage of mesothelioma as well as your overall health.

Can Asbestos Exposure Affect Future Generations?

Genetically, asbestos cannot be passed down through families. However, family members can acquire asbestos-related diseases through secondhand exposure. Someone who works with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials can carry the dust home on their clothing, shoes, or equipment. In the past, this has caused some wives and children of industrial workers to become exposed without ever having worked with asbestos.

Are Older Buildings in Michigan Still Dangerous for Asbestos Exposure?

Many homes, schools, factories, and commercial buildings in Michigan built before the 1980s may have asbestos insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, or pipe coverings. Asbestos exposure typically occurs when these materials are disturbed by renovation, demolition, or repair, causing fibers to become airborne. The handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) is now regulated by federal and state standards.

Contact Kelley Ferraro, LLC

At Kelley Ferraro, LLC, we can help you seek the compensation you need if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. We understand mesothelioma laws and can let you know how they relate to your case. Contact us today for a consultation.