Mesothelioma Lawyer for Firefighters & First Responders
If you or a loved one worked as a firefighter and has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At the Gori Law Firm, our experienced asbestos attorneys can evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. With over $4 billion recovered for clients nationwide, we have the resources and knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf.
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- Firefighters are exposed to asbestos when a fire damages construction materials containing asbestos, releasing the asbestos fibers into the air.
- Firefighters may also have been exposed to asbestos by using safety gear containing the material.
- Firefighters and other first responders to 9/11 were also exposed to high levels of asbestos.
- If you are a firefighter diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illness, you may file a mesothelioma claim against manufacturers of asbestos products or an asbestos trust fund.
Firefighters selflessly put their lives on the line to protect others, but in doing so, they often face substantial health risks. One major hazard firefighters too often face is asbestos exposure. Buildings built before the 1980s obtain continued asbestos materials. When these materials burn, they can release hazardous asbestos fibers into the air, where firefighters can inhale or ingest them. Unfortunately, the very gear meant to keep firefighters safe also contained asbestos. Thus, firefighters have developed asbestos-related diseases, especially mesothelioma, at a much higher rate than the general population.
Mesothelioma Compensation for Firefighters
Firefighters diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma have two main legal options to pursue compensation for their losses and expenses: filing personal injury lawsuits against the parties responsible for their asbestos exposure and submitting claims with asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt companies. Our attorneys can help determine the path to pursue the maximum recovery.
In a personal injury mesothelioma lawsuit, a firefighter can seek economic damages like medical bills and lost income, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages to punish egregious misconduct. If a loved one has died from an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against a party responsible for the deceased’s asbestos exposure.
If the responsible party has filed for bankruptcy protection, you may be eligible to file a claim against an asbestos trust fund and seek recovery for your losses. Bankruptcy courts required many companies to establish these trust funds to compensate asbestos-exposure victims. There is approximately $30 billion remaining in these trusts.
If you are a veteran exposed to asbestos during your service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. You can submit a VA claim for a disability rating and receive monthly compensation.
We have recovered hundreds of millions for firefighters harmed by asbestos exposure. Our team can evaluate the details of your case and identify viable sources of compensation. With extensive knowledge of asbestos exposure sites, we can pinpoint the parties responsible for your exposure. Don’t wait to get started—critical deadlines apply.
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Asbestos Exposure Risks for Firefighters
Firefighters often encounter asbestos on the job in several ways, putting them at high risk of related cancers and lung diseases. When asbestos-containing building materials burn, fire and water damage releases microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Firefighters in the area can then inhale or ingest the toxic particles. Materials like insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, roof shingles, and siding commonly contained asbestos until the 1980s.
Firefighters also face asbestos exposure in firehouses or other fire department buildings. Maintenance, repair, renovation, and ordinary wear and tear may disturb asbestos in walls, flooring, or insulation. In addition, working with or around asbestos-containing equipment, such as gaskets or vehicle brakes, also poses a risk of exposure.
In the past, firefighter protective gear often contained asbestos. The toxic mineral was woven into gloves, boots, helmets, hoods, jackets, and other equipment to make them heat and fire-resistant. While modern gear no longer uses asbestos, past exposure can still cause health issues today.
Which Jobs Have the Highest Risk of Exposure?
The following firefighters and first responders have an elevated risk of asbestos exposure:
- EMTs: Asbestos fibers can attach to clothing and equipment while providing emergency medical care at an incident site.
- Fire inspectors: Inspecting older buildings for code compliance can disturb asbestos materials.
- First responders: Firefighters, police officers, and other first responders arriving early to an emergency may encounter asbestos.
- Paramedics: Administering medical care at fires puts paramedics at risk of asbestos exposure.
- Family members: Secondary exposure may occur when fibers attach to a firefighter’s clothing and contaminate the home.
Asbestos Exposure & 9/11 First Responders
Asbestos exposure affected so many of the heroic first responders who arrived at the World Trade Center following the 9/11 attacks. These heroes were exposed to extremely high levels of asbestos and other toxins released into the air. Experts estimate the North Tower alone contained 300 to 400 tons of asbestos fireproofing materials.
Inhaling the toxic dust and debris has tragically caused thousands of 9/11 first responders to develop cancers, including mesothelioma. The latency period for asbestos diseases is 10 to 50 years, meaning we are only now beginning to see the true impact of this exposure.
If you responded to Ground Zero and have developed an asbestos-related disease, our attorneys can pursue a claim for you. Contact our New York office for a free case review.
Why Choose The Gori Law Firm for Your Mesothelioma Claim?
If you or a loved one has received an asbestos-related diagnosis, our firm has the experience, resources, and commitment needed to pursue justice for you. Here are some of the reasons we stand apart from other firms who represent asbestos victims:
- We’ve recovered over $4 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts nationwide.
- We have litigated mesothelioma claims for over 20 years.
- Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience.
- Our entire legal team works together to provide each client with personal support throughout their cases.
- We have nationwide offices to provide services tailored to your needs.
- If you let us review your case, we will make a donation to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation on your behalf.
Our team works closely together to give each client compassionate, individualized support. You’ll always have someone to answer your questions and address your concerns. We handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on your health and family.
If You’ve Developed an Asbestos-Related Disease from Working as a Firefighter, You Might Be Entitled to Compensation
If you have received an asbestos-related diagnosis and served as a firefighter or other first responder, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Don’t wait to contact the dedicated attorneys at the Gori Law Firm for immediate help. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews. Our entire team will work on your behalf to pinpoint the sources of asbestos exposure, identify all viable compensation options, and fight aggressively for the recovery you deserve.
Critical deadlines apply, so call our office at 618-659-9833 or fill out the form for your free consultation. We’re here to help you and your family during this difficult time.
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Firefighter Asbestos Exposure FAQs
The following are answers to some common questions we have received about firefighters’ occupational asbestos exposure:
How Can I Prove My Asbestos Exposure Happened on the Job as a Firefighter?
Documenting the details of your asbestos exposure is crucial to building a strong case. Our attorneys can use our extensive proprietary database, containing decades of asbestos product and occupational history, to determine where and how your exposure occurred. We can also subpoena your employment records and interview co-workers to establish exposure. Just bring us what you’ve got—we know what to look for and will handle the rest.
How Long Do I Have to File a Firefighter Asbestos Exposure Claim?
Each state has a statute of limitations imposing the deadline for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit over asbestos exposure. This timeframe ranges from one to three years from the date of diagnosis or death, depending on the state. Act quickly to avoid missing your state’s filing deadline.
Are Family Members of Firefighters Also at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
Unfortunately, firefighters’ family members also face an increased risk of asbestos exposure through secondhand contact with the mineral’s fibers. This often occurs when fibers attach to a firefighter’s hair, skin, or clothing and spread through the home. This secondary exposure puts family members at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Firefighter Asbestos Exposure Case?
The timeline for resolving an asbestos-exposure case can vary substantially depending on the case’s details and complexity. Some claims filed with asbestos trust funds may be resolved in a matter of months, while lawsuits often take years. Our legal team works to resolve cases as quickly as possible without sacrificing your fair compensation.
