Asbestos-Related Injuries Suffered by New York Construction Workers

Asbestos is a building material that was popular because it absorbs sound and is resistant to fire. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that the accidental inhalation of asbestos material could have serious side effects. Asbestos is still found in a number of older New York buildings, and construction workers whose job it is to tear down or remodel these buildings are constantly put in harm’s way. Workers who suffer serious injuries because of asbestos exposure would be well advised to seek legal guidance regarding their rights and options.
Asbestos that is left untouched is typically not harmful. When asbestos is moved or broken, however, small particles become airborne and are easily inhaled. The inhalation of asbestos fibers has been linked to a number of debilitating or even fatal illnesses. Construction workers exposed to asbestos may suffer from mesothelioma, or lung cancer, or a form of lung disease called asbestosis.
Mesothelioma is a rare condition that can be brought on by a prolonged exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma develops from the protective lining of the pleura (lungs) pericardium (sac that surrounds the heart) or the tunica vaginalis (testis). Victims may suffer shortness of breath, chest wall pain, weight loss, fatigue, wheezing, blood clots, jaundice and severe ascites, which is basically excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs.
There are a number of steps that contractors and construction companies must take to ensure the safety of their workers who may be exposed to asbestos. Workers should be properly trained on how to handle these materials, and it is imperative that workers are provided adequate safety devices to protect themselves from inhaling the dangerous particles.
If you are a construction worker who is suffering from asbestos-related illnesses or injuries, please contact the experienced New York personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm. Call us at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com