Asbestos Exposure

Asbestosis and Mesothelioma are diseases that may occur years after exposure to Asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that has high heat and fire resistance. As a result of its fire resistant properties, Asbestos was historically used in insulation on boilers, heating systems, naval ships, cement, floor tiles and acoustic panels. In spite of the dangers, it is still used in some products today.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Symptoms of asbestosis may not show up until 10 to 40 years after exposure. Asbestos fibers become lodged within the lungs and cause scaring of the lungs which makes lung tissues less able to expand and contract, making it difficult to breath. The symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, chest pain or tightness.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma occurs in the thin layers of tissue that covers your internal organs. Most commonly, it forms in the thin layer of protective tissue surrounding the lungs, but can also form in the lining of the abdomen, heart and other organs. Mesothelioma may develop 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. When Mesothelioma develops in the lungs it may cause symptoms of chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, unusual limps of tissue under the skin on the chest and unexplained weight loss.

Our mesothelioma clients come to us because at some point they have worked or lived in an environment that exposed them to airborne asbestos fibers. They need our help to hold manufacturer and employers accountable. We make it our job to diligently pursue justice for our clients and seek to maximize the proceeds and benefits they might recover under the law.

With more than 30 years of experiences advising clients, Richard J. Fernandez understands the complexities involved in applying general laws to one specific person’s situation. A single fact can change the entire outlook of a case.

Richard Fernandez and his staff hold the legal knowledge and experience that clients seek out when the retain a firm for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cases. Our firm draws on this experience daily in providing our clients with well-thought out and carefully considered legal guidance.