Asbestos Lawsuit Settlement

Posted by admin on Apr 23, 2010

How an Asbestos Settlement Benefits Plaintiffs

The first asbestos lawsuits settlement case occurred in the late 1920’s, at a time when research into health problems related to asbestos inhalation was becoming more prolific. Medical researchers found that long-term exposure to asbestos, a material commonly used as insulation in businesses and schools and even as a textile for clothes in ancient Greece, caused an increased risk of lung cancer.

Asbestos Contaminated Area The cancer caused by asbestos exposure is called mesothelioma. This cancer occurs when the asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs and get stuck. Over time the area surrounding the fibers begins to swell and become irritated. Eventually, a malignant tumor can form in the mesothelium area of the lungs. Because of the long-standing research on the harm caused by inhaling asbestos, and the construction industry’s negligence at switching over to a non-toxic insulating material, many lawyers focus specifically on helping plaintiffs with mesothelioma class action lawsuits.

Recovering and Using the Settlement

The main way a settlement benefits a plaintiff is to provide financial means for paying off medical bills. Since symptoms of mesothelioma can occur for years before someone seeks medical treatment, many people find themselves in advanced stages of the disease once they seek treatment. This means the most expensive procedures and medications will be needed to try and fight the spread of the cancer. Depending on a person’s health insurance plan, he or she could be covering more than 50% of the medical bills. A plaintiff can also use the money to help pay for the cost of living, especially if the disease has left them unable to work.

Families of the victims can also benefit from asbestos lawsuits settlement monies, especially if the victim passed on before the judgment occurred. Family members, such as spouses and children, who are experiencing hardships because of asbestos exposure may be eligible to receive a settlement to help pay for medical expenses, funeral costs, and punitive damages.

People suffering from asbestos exposure should look for an attorney who specializes in asbestos lawsuits and has experience winning and managing these types of cases. Once a court determines that a defendant owes money on an asbestos lawsuit, the attorney will help the plaintiff or plaintiffs recover the money from the defendant.

Class Action Settlements

A class action lawsuit allows a large group of people to sue a company collectively. It also allows for a small group of people, or even an individual, to sue a collective group of businesses accused of the same infraction. In asbestos cases, many employees file a class action suit against their company if the company knowingly used asbestos when constructing the building. In some instances, consumers of certain home remodeling products have filed a class action suit against home improvement companies that knowingly manufactured their products with asbestos as an ingredient.

These asbestos lawsuits settlement cases don’t usually garner as much settlement money as an individual case. However, plaintiff’s engaged in the lawsuit may be awarded enough money to help pay off medical bills, stock money away for future medical bills, and help pay for punitive damages. For people who have suffered greatly from asbestos exposure, it may be possible to file both an individual lawsuit and take part in a class action lawsuit. Either way, the current asbestos laws work to compensate those affected by asbestos inhalation and exposure.

Why has Obama broken his promise about keeping lobbyists out of his Administration? He has over a dozen?

Posted by admin on Sep 3, 2010

President Obama promised during his campaign that lobbyists "won’t find a job in my White House."
•Eric Holder, attorney general nominee, was registered to lobby until 2004 on behalf of clients including Global Crossing, a bankrupt telecommunications firm [now confirmed].
•Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture nominee, was registered to lobby as recently as last year on behalf of the National Education Association.
•William Lynn, deputy defense secretary nominee, was registered to lobby as recently as last year for defense contractor Raytheon, where he was a top executive.
•William Corr, deputy health and human services secretary nominee, was registered to lobby until last year for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a non-profit that pushes to limit tobacco use.
•David Hayes, deputy interior secretary nominee, was registered to lobby until 2006 for clients, including the regional utility San Diego Gas & Electric.
•Mark Patterson, chief of staff to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, was registered to lobby as recently as last year for financial giant Goldman Sachs.
•Ron Klain, chief of staff to Vice President Joe Biden, was registered to lobby until 2005 for clients, including the Coalition for Asbestos Resolution, U.S. Airways, Airborne Express and drug-maker ImClone.
•Mona Sutphen, deputy White House chief of staff, was registered to lobby for clients, including Angliss International in 2003.
•Melody Barnes, domestic policy council director, lobbied in 2003 and 2004 for liberal advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the American Constitution Society and the Center for Reproductive Rights.
•Cecilia Munoz, White House director of intergovernmental affairs, was a lobbyist as recently as last year for the National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic advocacy group.
•Patrick Gaspard, White House political affairs director, was a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union.
•Michael Strautmanis, chief of staff to the president’s assistant for intergovernmental relations, lobbied for the American Association of Justice from 2001 until 2005.

Understatement:

Obama has more than 40 former lobbyists in senior positions, plus three Cabinet secretaries, and the CIA director.

Yet in his State of the Union address, Obama claimed, "We’ve excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs."

For instance:

William J. Wilkins, the general counsel of Obama’s IRS, a former lobbyist for the Swiss Bankers Association.

Or Monsanto’s former VP for public policy, Michael Taylor, who Obama tapped as deputy commissioner for foods at the Food and Drug Administration.

William J. Lynn became Obama’s deputy defense secretary within 10 months of being a lobbyist for Raytheon, a giant of the military-industrial complex. By the way, Raytheon’s fourth-quarter profits were up 20 percent from a year ago.

Joe Biden’s chief of staff, Ron Klain, was a K Street lobbyist who represented Fannie Mae during the housing boom, opposing regulation of the now-bailed-out mortgage giant. And Biden’s deputy chief of staff is Alan Hoffman, a K Street veteran who helped oil giant Unocal avoid U.S. sanctions against its natural-gas partnership with the military dictatorship of Burma.

Asbestos Attorney | 13 Comments

Is There A Connection Between Asbestos And (Non-Respirstory) Cancers?

Posted by admin on Sep 3, 2010

The connection between asbestos and respiratory diseases is known but is there a connection to other diseases? My dad worked in a shipyard for forty years. His company violated OSHA guidelines for decades. Daddy developed asbestosis and emphysema. Wives of shipyard workers have above average rates of cancer. Mom had cervical cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Is there a connection?

there are some cancers, i beleive mesothelioma and lung are the main ones, i doubt it caused the cervical cancer though and probably not the lymphoma.

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Asbestosis Survival Stories That Beat the Odds Living With Mesothelioma and Leaving the Statistics

Posted by admin on Sep 2, 2010

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer. Statistics on asbestos diseases show the odds for living more than a few years after diagnosis of the cancer are slim. But some people beat the odds.

Mesothelioma patients know death is imminent – with or without cancer. But statistics on the incurable nature of mesothelioma brings the fearful immanency of death too close for comfort. Early cancer diagnosis improves the chances of eradicating asbestos-instigated tumors, but most doctors will still testify that the chances of eradicating the disease after diagnosis at any stage is slim to none. The cancer cells simply grow back.

For some Asbestos Cancer patients, the statistics ring true. For a select few, the statistics on mesothelioma and asbestosis made them fight harder to live – driving an insatiable desire to learn every medical term and every treatment option, along with the details and outcomes of clinical trials and medical experiments that were constantly evolving around the world. Drive and logic mixed with faith and luck – and maybe mixed with a few good genes and excellent medical care – added unprecedented months and years onto the lives of a lucky few.

Paul Kraus, a current author on surviving asbestos-related cancer, has thus far lived ten years since recovery – he credits his research, diet and alternative treatment choices. Karen Grant, a current broadcaster on surviving cancer and one of the youngest mesothelioma patients, has had her tumor completely removed and no longer undergoes chemotherapy. Jodi Page, another young woman, has also been free for years after a lung removal. Richard Archer, a former asbestos worker, was originally told he would never see another Christmas. He got the greatest Christmas gift of all – living to see years of more Christmases without chemotherapy.

Clinical trials are responsible for many life-saving and life-changing events. Karen Marcum, 65 was saved by a virus therapy, Bunny Morrow, 72, credits gene therapy to saving her from the deadly asbestos disease. Stephen J. Gould, a well-known Popular Science magazine contributor, biologist and historian lived 20 years past his mesothelioma diagnosis. Craig Kozicki, a chemical engineer was diagnosed in 1998 at the age of 42. He is alive and well today, almost ten years later, sharing his story to give hope to patients who are shrouded in darkness with the bleak statistics of survival rates. Librarian Bonnie Anderson was diagnosed in 2001 and is alive and active today. Kendra Ferreira, an artist and mother of 3, was diagnosed around the same time. Although tired, she is caring for her family and working today. Everyone does not die from mesothelioma.

In all the survival stories, patients did not limit themselves to one prognosis, one treatment method, or one opinion. Heavy research was done, multiple doctors were questioned and multiple treatments were evaluated. The patients faced obstacles with family, health insurance and finances – yet they continued seeking original and alternative ways to finding solutions to their problems. Family support, support from strangers, fundraising and benefits contributed to many success stories. Hope contributed to all – and today these survivors continue to share their stories for the benefit of other cancer patients. What is original about these stories? Not all of these patients were exposed to asbestos. Some success stories are from women substantially younger than classical textbook cases, yet others are a prime example of a classical case of the asbestos cancer.

Mesothelioma is not always fatal – years can be added on to the months of the original prognosis. The disease is rare. It is not easily discovered. Most doctors have not experienced first-hand diagnosis or treatment of a mesothelioma patient. The patient must take their life into their own hands and direct their treatment. They must be strong in a time of searing depression and despair. There is hope and there is a chance to shun statistics and live the life that was meant to be. Just stop searching for statistics, and start searching for solutions.

Lina Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/asbestosis-survival-stories-that-beat-the-odds-living-with-mesothelioma-and-leaving-the-statistics-677842.html

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I need help interpreting a line from a Panic! at the Disco song?

Posted by admin on Aug 31, 2010

The song is "Build God, Then We’ll Talk."

Here’s the entire song:

It’s these substandard motels on the (lalalalala) corner of 4th and Fremont Street.
Appealing only because they are just that unappealing
Any practiced catholic would cross themselves upon entering.
The rooms have a hint of asbestos and maybe just a dash of formaldehyde,
And the habit of decomposing right before your very (lalalala) eyes.

Along with the people inside
What a wonderful caricature of intimacy
Inside, what a wonderful caricature of intimacy

Tonight tenants range from a lawyer and a virgin
Accessorizing with a rosary tucked inside her lingerie
She’s getting a job at the firm come Monday.
The Mrs. will stay with the cheating attorney
moonlighting aside, she really needs his money.
Oh, wonderful caricature of intimacy.

Yeah (Yeah)

And not to mention, the constable, and his proposition, for that "virgin"
Yes, the one the lawyer met with on "strictly business"
as he said to the Mrs., only hours before,
after he had left, she was fixing her face in a compact.
There was a terrible crash (There was a terrible crash)
Between her and the badge
She spilled her purse and her bag, and held a "purse" of a different kind.

Along with the people inside
What a wonderful caricature of intimacy
Inside, what a wonderful caricature of intimacy

There are no raindrops on roses and girls in white dresses.
It’s sleeping with roaches and taking best guesses
At the shade of the sheets and before all the stains
And a few more of your least favorite things.

Raindrops on roses and girls in white dresses
It’s sleeping with roaches and taking best guesses
At the shade of the sheets and before all the stains
And a few more of your least favorite things.

Inside, what a wonderful caricature of intimacy
Inside, what a wonderful caricature of intimacy

Raindrops on roses and girls in white dresses
It’s sleeping with roaches and taking best guesses
At the shade of the sheets and before all the stains
And a few more of your least favorite things.

Raindrops on roses and the girls in white dresses
And sleeping with the roaches and taking best guesses
At the shade of the sheets and before all the stains
And a few more of your least favorite things.

I’m so confused about verse 4 and have been for years lol. The part that i want to know about is when he sings "There was a terrible crash/Between her and the badge/She spilled her purse and her bag, and held a "purse" of a different kind."

What was the crash? Was the badge a police officer? What was the different kind of purse? Does he mean a purse on her lips? lol, anyone know?

She’s a whore, so her "purse" is the money she made that night

LOVE this song.

Asbestos Attorney | 3 Comments

Anybody out there with a family member with Asbestoes cancer?

Posted by admin on Aug 31, 2010

My husband was diagnosed last month with Mesothelioma (Asbestos-Related Cancer) he will be getting a port in Thursday, then starting chemo next week. Already had his right lung talcumed to chest wall lining. What should I expect to come besides the side effects of chemo.? I guess what do I do?

I’m so sorry. It’s a terrible and scary disease and just so hopeless at every turn.

I lost my dad to Mesothelioma back in 2003. His brother died from it a few years earlier, but progress is being made against the disease all the time. It claimed my uncle in only 9 months, but my dad made it almost 3 years – and was on medicines that weren’t even invented when my uncle was battling it. I imagine that’s the case now too.

We were lucky because he was able to be treated by Dr. Jablons at UCSF who is one of the big researchers in the field. My dad had chemo, followed by an experimental surgery, then radiation, more chemo and finally some compassion release chemo drugs that were part of a clinical trial.

My dad was a active and physically fit, so he was able to monitor his health quite well (he’d actually go for 5 mile walks after having his daily radiation). He could really monitor his breathing and getting his chest drained would make an short-term improvement. As he got sicker he complained a lot of the big "gorilla" that felt like it was compressing his chest all the time. He also had a lot of pain that got worse as his disease progressed – all of the pain was situated in his chest and lungs. He lost quite a bit of weight as he got sicker, and eventually was on oxygen and couldn’t walk across the room without having to sit down and catch his breath.

Some of the odd chemo side effects were that all of his black hair fell out but he kept his gray hair – so he looked older almost over night. It was weird. And everything tasted like metal to him when he was on the chemo (he had Cisplatin and I forget what the other one was)…everything that is but hot dogs.

I think some of the best advice we had was to really make each day meaningful and be close as a family.

The other thing that was a great piece of advice from Dr. Jablons that probably isn’t so obvious was to not be afraid of young doctors. I remember the second oncologist my dad had was so young we thought she had to be 17. But, young doctors are usually very willing to work really hard and research anything and everything to try and find a way to help you buy some time, while the older, more experienced oncologists tend to accept meso as a death sentence. The younger doctors tend to ask for a lot of advice from the experienced oncologists rather than relying on their knowledge, and they may have open options to participate in clinical trials where more seasoned veterans have used up all their trials. I guess the way a lot of research studies work is that each doctor is allowed 1-2 patients into the trial, so sometimes doctors have used up all their trials. It typically takes a lot of paperwork and effort to get a patient into some of the trials too, but having a doctor who has the tenacity to make sure everything gets done to ensure their patient is included is a relief.

Sorry, this is long winded but I hope some if it is helpful.

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Mesothelioma Types: Know Them All

Posted by admin on Aug 30, 2010

Exposure to a particular mineral can become the major cause of a deadly human disease. This indeed brings fear to the mind and is also a shocking blow to the entire human civilization. Though the reality cannot be denied.

Mesothelioma cancer is typically a fatal disease and the valid reason to suffer from it is nothing but asbestos. The very same material you might have used for making the ceiling of your house. So the roof that is providing you shelter can be a cause of your death. Doesn’t a sense of terror swings through your spine just at this thought?

What makes the disease more dangerous is the inability to detect it at the right hour. Mesothelioma attacks you in silence and spread its ill effects gradually. After a time span of thirty years you might come to know that you are actually suffering from Mesothelioma cancer. For all these years you might have been facing some sort of problem or the other and when it has already reached the acute stage where complete cure is not possible you get to know what is the real disease.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma is a type of Mesothelioma cancer that affects the cells that cover the lungs and the ribs portion of the body. Biologically this lining or covering is termed as pleura and hence the name of the disease is Pleural Mesothelioma.

Asbestos and its sub-groups like chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite have been detected as the main cause for this specific type of Mesothelioma cancer. More than 75% of cases suffering from Mesothelioma cancer in the United States have been referred as Pleural Mesothelioma cancer.

Pleural Mesothelioma cancer becomes prominent in the patient only after twenty to twenty – five years after the patient had actually been exposed to asbestos or its other forms. This long span of gap between the cause of the disease and its aftermath makes it hard for the researchers and the Medical practitioners to exactly formulate a solution and help the person to get cured.

Fluid accumulates around the pleura region in the body that leads to chest pains and breathing difficulties. These are the major signs to detect Pleura Mesothelioma physically.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma happens in the Mesothelium membrane and causes severe abdominal disorders, obstruction in the bowel region and problems in blood like anemia. The person is also a victim of getting exposed to asbestos and this type of cancer also takes around 15 to 20 years to be finally diagnosed. Recent statistics define Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer as the one of the biggest threats because around 1/5th of the population suffering from Mesothelioma is just due to this particular type.

John Porter
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/mesothelioma-types-know-them-all-136700.html

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Our new landlords are the landlords from hell?

Posted by admin on Aug 29, 2010

We have sone serious issues with our landlords and tonight was the final straw when one of them screamed and yelled at me calling me a "f-ing fat stupid white trash hippy piece of sh#t. They have hired contractors who have deficated in our yard, called a neighber a f@ggot; illegally disposed of asbestos by dumping it in our yard (we called the EPA for that one); put holes in our walls, floors and ceilings; let the dogs in the building out; left our bakdoor open numerous times; come in while I’m in the shower; have never givenus notice let alonw 24 hrs notice; let a gas leak go unattended for 2 wks until the fire department had to come out; cut through our pipes so that we have been without cold water, hot water or either for as much as 3 days; people have gone through our things and we don’t have any heat! I have contacted Community Housing and attorneys (as have the other 8 tenants in the building) but we always get different answers. Can someone please help us?
I have been contacting attorneys and keep getting the run around… 1 says this another says that and so on. I am keeping a log as are the other tenents. The problem is that we loved this place and inteded to stay here until we could buy a house. 1 tenant has been here for almost 18 years and 14 landlords. We have been here 2.5 and this is our 3rd. It is a small building with only 6 units and 9 of living here and we’ve all weathered together the good bad and in between, but this is unacceptable. Our place was built in 1914 and our unit is 1250 sq ft for $900/mo with 11 ft ceilings and hardwood floors, I loved it instantly. I just need someone to help us fight.

OMG! Are you documenting all of this? Take pictures, and document and keep the documents provided to you by the EPA, Fire Dept., and the Community Housing etc. Also, get a home security video camera that will record everything when you’re not home, or even when you are home. That way you will have some tangible proof of your landlords being butts. (putting it nicely). Then take their butts to Judge Judy and let her wipe the floor with their heads!
I would really consider moving if that is a possibility. They keep making your housing unlivable, and for that, you can break your lease. Seek advice on that before you do anything. What do your attorneys say to this? Also, I would go to your local Court House and ask if you can have a copy of the Landlord Laws, and Tenet Laws/Rights. That way you can read what your rights are, and where you stand from here. I hope you get those A-Holes!

Asbestos Attorney | 13 Comments

Why we need Asbestos Cancer Lawyer?

Posted by admin on Aug 29, 2010

To be honest, the only ones I ever heard of was on TV. They advertise about mesothelioma and such. You won’t have to say when you came in contact like the first post said because no one knows that for sure. These lawyers are for suing and I guess that’s what you want. I don’t know what state you live in, but check out the commercial on TV or have you tried a web site? Either way, I wish you the best.
ADD OK I looked it up. Boy, there’s a lot. I got 2 numbers for you,
1-800-934-2921- This is the one advertised on TV.
1-888-787-6376-Mark & Associates, P.C.
If you want more, just put in Mesothelioma lawyers and a huge list comes up. Most of these lawyers have branches all over the country. Luck to you.

Asbestos Cancer | 2 Comments

I need some Pronoun help!?

Posted by admin on Aug 29, 2010

Correct any problems with pronoun case. Be careful, though; some pronouns are used correctly. (You will not need to change any wording.)

1. At this college, neither the president nor the dean automatically assumes that, on every issue, the faculty is better informed than us students.

2. Between you and I, each of the dorms should have their security systems replaced.

3. The theater critic, whom slipped into her seat right before the curtain went up, gave him and the other actors favorable reviews.

4. All job applicants must call for an appointment, so that the personnel office can interview you.

5. The committee passed their resolution that each of the apartments was to be free of asbestos before occupancy.

6. The instructor reminded everyone in class to pick up their term papers before they left for the semester break.

7. Many amateur photographers like to use one-step cameras that you don’t have to focus.

8. To keep children away from dangerous chemicals, lock them in a storage closet.

9. The student sat down glumly as soon as the professor began to criticize his research paper. After a moment, though, he turned away in frustration, trying to collect his thoughts.

10. Many patients’ lawsuits against doctors end when the patient receives and out-of-court settlement.

Correct any problems with pronoun case. Be careful, though; some pronouns are used correctly. (You will not need to change any wording.)

1. "At this college, neither the president nor the dean automatically assumes that, on every issue, the faculty is better informed than us students. "

- US – objective case of ‘we’ as in – ‘Come and get us’.

2. "Between you and I [me], [ I think ] each of the dorms should have their security systems replaced."

- me is used after a conjunction
- I is used as subject immediately before verb
- needs to be clear as in between where they are standing only or he thinks all of the dorms.

3. "The theater critic, whom [who ] slipped into her seat right before the curtain went up, gave him and the other actors favorable reviews."

- Whom is the object version of ‘who’

however – occasionally used as predicate nominative with a copulative verb or as subject of a verb especially in the vicinity of a preposition or a verb of which it might mistakenly be considered the object <whom say ye that I am — Matthew 16:15 (Authorized Version)

4. "All job applicants must call for an appointment, so that the personnel office can interview you [them]."

- you second person
- all defines third person – them

5. The committee passed their resolution that each of the apartments was to be free of asbestos before occupancy.

6. The instructor reminded everyone in class to pick up their term papers before they left for the semester break.

7. "Many amateur photographers like to use one-step cameras that you [ they ] don’t have to focus."

- you second person
- many defines third person – they

8. "To keep children away from dangerous chemicals, lock [ the items ] in a storage closet."

- should be clear – lock the chemicals in the closet

9. "The student sat down glumly as soon as the professor began to criticize his research paper. After a moment, though, he [ student/professor ??? ] turned away in frustration, trying to collect his thoughts."

- should be clear – the student collected his thoughts, the professor collected his thoughts.

10. "Many patients’ lawsuits against doctors end when the patient receives and [ an ] out-of-court settlement."

- typo "and" should be ‘an’

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US Environmental Protection Agency - Asbestos
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Asbestos.com Cancer.com - Asbestos Risks
US National Library of Medicine

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