Do You Have Mesothelioma or Other Asbestos Disease?

Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos over the years in their work environments. At Ward Black Law, our goal is to help educate and assist them with pursuing compensation for their injuries. 

Asbestos is a silent killer. Most individuals who are exposed won’t discover the devastating effects until years, or even decades, down the road. While some medical treatments may help, nothing can fully take away the physical and emotional suffering these honest workers have to endure.

Ward Black Law partners with you, and your family, to minimize the burden.

1

Asbestos Disease Overview

More than mesothelioma

The dangers of asbestos are not a recent discovery.

Doctors first linked working with asbestos to health problems by the early 1900s. By the 1920s, word was out; however, manufacturers relied so heavily on the material that they continued to use it for decades without proper safety precautions. This information was often hidden from workers and consumers.  Finally, in the 1970s, the government began limiting the use of asbestos, but not until 2002 did the last U.S. asbestos mine close. 

Cancers and other diseases related to asbestos exposure tend to have long latency periods. That means it can take 10 or more years before the first symptoms show up. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is related to your exposure to asbestos in years past, and the companies that knowingly exposed you should be held accountable.

2

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

It develops in the lining (mesothelium) of the lungs, stomach, or heart.

This is likely the asbestos-related disease you hear most about on television, in newspaper ads, or online. However, there are several different diseases and health problems linked to asbestos exposure. These include:

• Asbestos – Asbestosis is a scarring of delicate lung tissue. This chronic scarring can spread through the lungs and cause breathing problems and may later cause cancer.

• Pleural Effusions or Plaques – Pleural effusions (fluid on the lungs) or pleural plaques (scarring on the lining of the lungs) can make breathing difficult and cause chest pain.

• Cancers in Addition to Mesothelioma – Asbestos exposure can cause cancer in many different areas of the body. Lung, colon, esophageal, and laryngeal cancers are common.

3

Who’s Responsible for Your Disease?

Identifying the sources of asbestos exposure.

Nailing down where you were exposed to asbestos is one of the most important steps in your case.

Sadly, a lot of companies across the country have poisoned innocent workers by not taking the proper steps to protect them from asbestos. If you worked in a high-risk industry, your former employer, or multiple entities, may be at fault.

High-risk industries include:

• Mining
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Power plant work
• Shipbuilding
• Automotive
• Railroad
• Oil refining

4

What Compensation is Available?

Discover all possible avenues and opportunities for compensation.

At Ward Black Law, we investigate all possible forms of compensation to which you may be entitled.

Victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases are able to get funds from a number of sources. These include:

• Applying for money from trust funds set up by asbestos companies
• Bringing claims against manufacturers and distributors in court
• Filing for workers’ compensation benefits

Workers’ Compensation Details

In addition to mandating benefits for workers who are involved in on-the-job accidents, the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act also covers occupational diseases, such as diseases caused by continuous exposure to asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products.

When a worker is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, benefits available to him/her will depend on his/her current medical status. If the worker is currently disabled from his/her lung condition, payment of weekly compensation may be available. Workers who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may be eligible to receive up to $20,000 per lung for permanent damage to an important internal organ.

Sometimes exposure to asbestos can cause the development of life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. In the unfortunate event that an asbestos-related disease causes the death of a worker, then disability, death benefits, and funeral expenses may be available to the spouse and/or his dependents or next of kin.

Payment of disability benefits or death benefits is generally based on 66.66% of the average weekly wage the worker earned at the time of the last injurious exposure to asbestos.

Our priority is making sure you get maximum compensation to relieve your financial burdens as fully as possible.

More than Medical Costs

Treating asbestos-related cancer can be financially devastating for a family. The majority of patients require highly advanced medical treatments, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and other procedures that quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ward Black Law not only considers your medical expenses; we aim to recover as many of your costs as possible. In addition to medical expenses, you may be entitled to money to cover:

• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Travel expenses
• Helpful therapies not covered by insurance

5

Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

Knowing how to find a suitable partner for your family.

If you feel overwhelmed by the burden of treating mesothelioma or worried about the financial implications for your family, you need an experienced asbestos attorney on your side.

Ward Black Law has a dedicated team of asbestos attorneys who have successfully represented more than 1,000 people in North Carolina with mesothelioma and other conditions.

Our compassionate attorneys are in this field because they care. With over 25 years of experience in representing North Carolinians with asbestos diseases, we go to work on behalf of your family — researching, investigating, and litigating to ensure you receive every benefit to which you are entitled.

When you hire Ward Black Law, you will never have to write a check for attorney fees or costs.

We don’t get paid until we get compensation for you. If you don’t receive a settlement, you won’t owe us anything.

We encourage you to avoid delay in having your case reviewed. Time to file a claim is limited, typically only 1-3 years from your diagnosis. Contact us for more details on these limitations.  We will help you understand your rights and answer your questions free of charge.

Talk to a Lawyer at No Charge

Are you ready to talk with an experienced mesothelioma attorney at no charge? You can schedule an initial appointment to talk to one of our experienced attorneys at no charge. If we proceed with your case, you do not pay any money up front. Call us or text us at (800) 531-9191. You may also reach Ward Black Law by email at info@wardblacklaw.com or use or online inquiry.