Call Us :216-575-0777
Call Us :216-575-0777
Asbestos, a mineral now known to cause cancer, was widely used from 1940 to the mid-1970s in a variety of industries. Manufacturing and construction interests, in particular, valued the substance chiefly as an insulation material because asbestos does not conduct electricity, is not responsive to heat and is made up of strong yet flexible fibers. As a result, many commonly used industrial, commercial and household products of the past 60 years have included asbestos.
The use of asbestos has declined dramatically since the 1970s largely because of regulatory action and public uproar over illnesses linked to the inhalation of the fiber, including cancer. Yet, according to the American Lung Association, thousands of commonly used products may still contain asbestos.
Call US 216-575-0777
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 27 million Americans were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1980.
Indeed, the National Cancer Institute states that asbestos has been so commonly used that virtually all Americans have been exposed to the substance at some point – through the air, food, dental materials, consumer products and much more.
Below, our team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC, provides answers to some frequently asked questions about asbestos.
There are two main categories of asbestos-related diseases: cancerous and non cancerous.
The non cancer disease is asbestosis, which is a scarring of the lungs. It is progressive and painful. It can induce severe coughing and shortness of breath. In its advanced stage, this irreversible asbestos-related disease also can cause clubbing of the fingers.
The main forms of cancer are lung cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer and larynx cancer. The most serious is mesothelioma.
No. A victim of a non cancerous asbestos-related disease can live a long life depending upon the severity of the disease. Even some forms of cancer can be treated. Malignant mesothelioma, however, is always fatal.
Yes, but the vast majority of victims are individuals who were subjected to prolonged exposure to asbestos-containing products on the job in the 1940s through the 1970s.
Many of our clients were exposed to asbestos insulation that was sawed, mixed, sprayed or applied. These workers normally were not warned about the dangers.
They readily breathed in asbestos dust. In each case, the Kelley Ferraro, LLC, lawyer handling the litigation showed that the employer did not give masks or provide adequate ventilation.
Many affected workers have included the following:
Medical evidence indicates that family members can be exposed to asbestos through clothing. Asbestos is a light fiber that can dislodge easily from clothing and be carried through the air. Family members of workers who handled asbestos can be directly at risk if they inhaled these fibers. Because these fibers can be invisible to the naked eye, one may not even be aware of asbestos exposure.
The lag time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of an asbestos-related illness can be as many as 30 years or more. The National Cancer Institute has reported that some shipyard workers who were exposed to substantial amounts of asbestos for only a month have gone on to develop asbestos-related illnesses.
No. The National Cancer Institute says that some workers never experience any ill effects. A lot depends on whether one worked with breathable asbestos or with asbestos that was bonded to pipes or other materials. Breathable asbestos is a very light substance, easily carried through the air and, therefore, easily inhaled. Asbestos that bonds to strong materials generally does not pose a risk, the National Cancer Institute states, as long as the material is not disturbed or damaged.
According to the National Cancer Institute, once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they stay in the body for an indefinite period of time.
The Asbestos page on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s website provides information on who to contact regarding questions and concerns about asbestos.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Even if your asbestos exposure occurred decades ago, experienced asbestos attorneys can investigate your work history, military service, and other exposure sources to determine whether you have a claim.
Yes. Many people were exposed indirectly through contaminated workplaces, construction sites, industrial facilities, military service, household exposure from family members, or asbestos-containing products. A consultation can help determine whether your exposure qualifies.
Mesothelioma often develops 20–50 years after exposure. Attorneys routinely investigate exposure histories dating back decades using employment records, product databases, witness testimony, and industry documentation.
Yes. Veterans account for a significant percentage of mesothelioma diagnoses. You may be eligible to pursue compensation from asbestos manufacturers while also maintaining eligibility for VA benefits.
Our team at Kelley Ferraro, LLC has represented over 45 thousand cases on behalf of individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. During your consultation, we will discuss the circumstances of your case including your occupation, exposure sources, and circumstances.
There are no upfront legal fees. Mesothelioma cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Depending on your circumstances, compensation may be available for:
Every case is unique, and compensation amounts vary based on multiple factors.
You owe no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. During your consultation, your legal team can explain how litigation expenses and case costs are handled.
Yes. Many mesothelioma claims are resolved through settlements or asbestos trust fund claims without requiring a courtroom trial.
As soon as possible. Every state has filing deadlines that can affect your rights. Early action also helps preserve important evidence and witness testimony.
Timelines vary based on the type of claim, exposure history, and defendants involved. Some trust fund claims may resolve faster than traditional lawsuits. During your consultation, your attorney can discuss expected timelines based on your situation.
In most cases, no. Kelley Ferraro mesothelioma attorneys travel to clients, conduct meetings remotely, and handle the majority of legal work on the client’s behalf.
Most clients have minimal court involvement. In many cases, attorneys can handle much of the legal process while allowing clients to focus on treatment and family.
Helpful information may include:
If you don’t have all of this information, don’t worry. An attorney can help investigate and gather supporting documentation.
Yes. Many consultations are initiated by spouses, children, caregivers, or other family members.
Attorneys often work directly with family members and can arrange meetings in ways that minimize stress and disruption for the client.
Depending on applicable law, surviving family members or an estate representative will be able to continue pursuing compensation through the legal process.
Yes. If a loved one died from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, surviving family members can file a wrongful death action on behalf of the decedent.
Mesothelioma cases frequently involve exposure that occurred in different states and industries. Kelley Ferraro represents individuals in nearly every state in the country. Attorneys can evaluate where claims should be filed and discuss available legal options regardless of where you currently live.
What if my asbestos exposure happened in another state?
Many asbestos cases involve multiple locations, employers, and manufacturers. An attorney can determine the most appropriate jurisdiction and compensation avenues available.
The sooner you seek legal guidance, the sooner your legal team can begin preserving evidence, identifying responsible companies, evaluating trust fund eligibility, and protecting your right to seek compensation.
Mesothelioma litigation involves unique medical, occupational, and historical evidence. These cases often require specialized investigation into asbestos products, manufacturers, job sites, and exposure histories spanning decades.
Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your diagnosis, exposure history, legal options, and potential compensation. The conversation is confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward.
Fields Marked With an”*” are Required
"*" indicates required fields
950 Main Avenue
Suite 1300
Cleveland, OH 44113 Get Directions
© 2026 Kelley Ferraro, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy. Digital Marketing By: 
*Images are obtained under license from Canva and other third-party stock image providers, with attribution included where required.
