Until the 1970s, asbestos was widely used to produce a large variety of consumer products. While this fiber had multiple benefits, it also had a devastating downside. It was discovered that asbestos caused mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer with no known cure. While the use of asbestos has been drastically reduced, the effects are still showing up in exposed workers to this day.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and suffered from mesothelioma, or other related injuries, speaking with an experienced Rhode Island mesothelioma lawyer is important. Especially if you’ve been exposed to asbestos while on the job, a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the often-complicated legal system and help you seek the compensation you need for medical treatment. Similarly, if you’ve been exposed to asbestos while on someone else’s property or while visiting a business, one of our Rhode Island asbestos lawyers can also help you.
What is Mesothelioma?
Many people have heard the name “mesothelioma” before but are unaware that it is an aggressive type of cancer. This cancer most often occurs in the mesothelium, or the layer of tissue covering the majority of our internal organs. While there are treatments for mesothelioma, this cancer is particularly aggressive and for many, remission or a cure is not possible.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Painful coughing
- Chest pain, specifically under the rib cage
- Lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest or in the abdominal area
- Abdominal pain and/or swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
Exposure to asbestos has been identified as a primary risk factor for mesothelioma, and because asbestos was used so extensively in many different products, from housing insulation to car brakes, people who work around these products often become exposed to dangerous asbestos dust.
Longshore workers who work for or previously worked for the company Electric Boat have been coming forward with asbestos injury claims in recent years. Our firm has particular experience with this niche of asbestos injury and can provide you with the knowledgeable assistance you need.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
The attorneys of Audette, Audette & Violette provide skilled representation and compassionate service to asbestos victims throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is a high probability that someone in your family was exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives.
Our firm helps clients who have been exposed to asbestos from a wide range of sources, including:
- Boilers
- Furnaces
- Piping
- Drywall
- Car parts
- Secondhand exposure
Asbestos-related health issues can occur years, even decades after your initial exposure. If you hire our firm, we will investigate your previous employers and other sources that may have exposed you to this deadly material. Our lawyers are skilled investigators and dig deep to find the necessary evidence. We are always available to clients and we have multilingual services available if English is not your primary language. Call us today.
How a Rhode Island Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis is emotionally and financially challenging. Our attorneys at Audette, Audette & Violette understand the complexities of asbestos-related cases and are committed to supporting victims and their families. When you hire us, we will:
- Evaluate Your Case: Determine the strength of your claim and identify liable parties, whether it’s an employer, manufacturer, or property owner.
- Handle Legal Procedures: Take care of filing lawsuits, preparing evidence, and negotiating settlements, allowing you to focus on your health and family.
- Secure Compensation: Pursue financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Advocate for Justice: Hold negligent parties accountable for exposing you to asbestos.
Why Choose Audette, Audette & Violette?
- Proven Track Record: Decades of experience successfully handling asbestos exposure cases.
- Compassionate Representation: We treat clients like family, offering empathetic and personalized support throughout the legal process.
- Extensive Resources: Access to top medical experts, workplace records, and industrial hygienists to build a strong case.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a rich industrial history, with industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction heavily utilizing asbestos-containing materials. Unfortunately, many workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos, including:
- Shipyard Workers: Rhode Island’s shipbuilding industry, particularly at Electric Boat, used asbestos extensively in vessels and facilities.
- Construction Workers: Builders and contractors frequently handled asbestos-laden materials like insulation, drywall, and cement.
- Industrial Workers: Factories and manufacturing plants often relied on asbestos for heat resistance in machinery and equipment.
Understanding Mesothelioma Compensation Options
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are several paths to compensation:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: File a claim against the company responsible for your asbestos exposure.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one passed away due to mesothelioma, family members may be entitled to compensation.
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies have established trust funds to compensate asbestos victims.
- Veterans’ Benefits: Veterans exposed to asbestos during military service may qualify for VA benefits.
Our attorneys will guide you through the best legal options based on your unique circumstances.