Bailey & Glasser, LLP is a mesothelioma and asbestos exposure law firm with offices located across the country. We understand how mesothelioma cases work and can connect victims to vital resources throughout the legal process. Our mesothelioma attorneys are passionate about helping victims of asbestos move forward in the pursuit of justice, accountability, closure, and compensation. Find out how we can help you during a free case consultation.
Why Mesothelioma Clients Choose Us
Our attorneys work hard to protect the legal rights of mesothelioma victims. Our law firm was founded in 1999 by Ben Bailey and Brian Glasser in Charleston, West Virginia. We now have multiple locations, thousands of satisfied clients and are trusted with the most challenging legal issues, including mesothelioma litigation.
Our attorneys have handled over 3000 cases and recovered over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for asbestos-related cases. We have secured outstanding results for past clients, including settlements of $20.8 and $22 million for workers who were exposed to asbestos and lost their lives from mesothelioma and lung cancer. We also achieved a $50 million verdict for steel mill workers who died from mesothelioma.
The Facts About Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that is connected to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a flexible, fibrous mineral that is naturally resistant to heat, corrosion, and electricity. These qualities made asbestos a highly popular ingredient and additive in numerous products, including construction and building materials.
It was confirmed in 1987 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer that all six types of asbestos minerals were carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer. Asbestos can cause cancer, cell damage, and other serious health problems, such as chronic respiratory illnesses. It does this by becoming lodged inside a victim’s body, where tiny asbestos fibers and particles can rub together and irritate the surrounding tissues enough to cause irreparable damage.
How Common Is Mesothelioma in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is relatively low on the list of states for its annual number of new mesothelioma cases, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is 42nd in the country, with 70 new cases of mesothelioma and 59 mesothelioma deaths reported from 2015 to 2019. The majority of patients were male compared to female (54 cases vs. 16, respectively). The two counties with the highest mesothelioma numbers in Rhode Island from 2015 to 2019 were Providence County and Kent County. Providence had 27 cases, while Kent had 17.
Products and Places With Asbestos Exposure Risks
Any amount of exposure to asbestos can potentially cause mesothelioma, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, those who become ill from asbestos are most likely to be around this substance on a regular basis. This includes workers in industries that deal directly or indirectly with asbestos, such as construction workers and firefighters, as well as residents in buildings that contain asbestos.
Common asbestos-containing products include:
- Construction materials
- Roofing shingles
- Drywall
- Electrical and HVAC components
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Glues and adhesives
- Attic and wall insulation
- Pipe coverings
- Cement and mortar
- Fire bricks
- Fire cloth
- Fire-resistant clothing
- Firefighting gear
- Friction products, such as brakes
- Talc products
Places and worksites in Rhode Island that may contain asbestos include:
- Historic asbestos mining sites
- Manufacturing facilities
- Distribution centers
- Homes and offices built before the 1990s
- Schools and universities
- Construction and demolition sites
- Disaster sites, such as fires
- Shipyards and military sites
- Chemical plants and power plants
- Automotive repair shops
Asbestos exposure is typically a risk if products that contain asbestos get damaged or disturbed. This can send particles of asbestos into the air to potentially be inhaled or ingested by people in the area. Although the use of asbestos has been regulated in the United States since 1989, it can and is still imported from other countries at alarming rates, in addition to existing products that already contain asbestos.
Who Is Liable for Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can often be prevented. Certain entities have a legal obligation to prevent foreseeable asbestos exposure risks that threaten others. This includes employers in high-risk industries and occupations, as well as property owners, landlords, and product manufacturers. These entities have a responsibility to know and obey asbestos laws, as well as to protect the public from asbestos exposure as much as possible.
The person or party that your family may be able to hold liable (legally and financially responsible) for your mesothelioma diagnosis will depend on the circumstances. An attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP can investigate your case to determine the sources of your asbestos exposure – the date and location where you encountered this dangerous substance. From there, your attorney can identify the correct defendant(s) and help you file the necessary paperwork to initiate a claim in Rhode Island.
Holding one or multiple parties liable for mesothelioma may involve an individual lawsuit, such as a personal injury claim, product liability claim, premises liability lawsuit or wrongful death claim. These lawsuits are typically based on negligence – a claim that the defendant fell short of the duty of care and that this caused the victim’s illness. However, some types of claims do not require proof of negligence. It may also be possible to seek compensation through a workers’ compensation claim, veterans claim, or asbestos trust fund.
Compensation Available
An attorney can conduct a thorough review of your case to help you determine the right legal route for you and your family. Assistance from an attorney maximizes your odds of securing positive mesothelioma case results.
The financial compensation that could be available includes:
- Medical bills
- Mesothelioma treatment costs
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Transportation and travel
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Death benefits
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Discuss the potential value of your mesothelioma case before accepting a fast settlement from an insurance company. While an insurer may try to take advantage of you and pay less than your case is worth, an attorney will fight for optimal case results on your behalf.
Request a Free Case Consultation at Bailey & Glasser, LLP
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP to find out how we can help. Our mesothelioma attorneys will listen to your story and review any legal options that you may have in the pursuit of justice and financial compensation. We will use our experience, knowledge and compassion to represent you to the best of our ability. Call (866) 871-7971 today for a free case consultation.
