Illnesses linked to asbestos fibers can manifest anywhere between 10 and 60 years after the initial exposure. This medically unique latency period can lead claimants suffering from asbestos-related illnesses to wonder if and when they were exposed to asbestos.
To determine if you were exposed to asbestos in Williamsport, a team of medical experts and legal professionals is generally required to trace your work history and symptoms to known exposure hazards. We not only provide these services at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, but our dedicated Williamsport workers’ compensation lawyers might also help you recover substantial compensation for devastating asbestos-related illnesses.
Early Warning Signs of Asbestos-Related Illnesses
Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers primarily results in chronic pulmonary (lung) disorders presenting with shortness of breath, chest tightness, dry cough, and clubbed fingertips and toes. The first stage of determining whether you’ve been exposed to asbestos is generally obtaining a medical diagnosis consistent with this exposure.
Diseases and serious medical conditions commonly associated with asbestos exposure in Williamsport include the following:
- COPD
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Lung, ovarian, and stomach cancers
- Pleural effusion
- Collapsed lungs
Because most of these diseases only develop after prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, medical professionals may recommend you speak with an experienced asbestos injury attorney about your options for recovering workers’ compensation.
Materials Linked to Asbestos Fiber Exposure
Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials before it was banned in the 1970s. While it’s possible to develop asbestos-related disorders if you lived or worked in an older building with asbestos-containing floors, insulation, ceilings, and pipes – only long-term exposure to asbestos fibers in the air generally causes the above conditions. These fibers are typically released during the installation, renovation, and demolition process, meaning most claimants exposed to asbestos worked in the construction industry.
Professionals at High Risk of Developing Asbestos-Related Disorders
After being diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you should discuss your claims with an experienced Williamsport workers’ compensation lawyer. He will then determine if your condition is related to one of the following high-risk industries:
- Construction workers
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Shipyard workers
- Miners
- Auto mechanics
- Railroad workers
- Industrial workers
- Teachers (older schools)
- Machine operators
- Textile workers
- HVAC technicians
- Bricklayers
If you worked in any of these industries for a prolonged period before the 1970s and developed one of the above medical conditions, you may have a claim for asbestos exposure under Pennsylvania law. Dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers may take your case without charging you any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs, only getting paid if they recover needed compensation for you or your family.
Obtain Compensation for Asbestos-Related Exposure in Williamsport
Special statutory laws apply to asbestos-related illnesses in Pennsylvania due to its latency period. The experienced Williamsport asbestos exposure attorneys at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP might still help you recover needed compensation for your medical needs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Discuss potential workers’ compensation claims with our dedicated asbestos litigators today by calling 717-728-3200 or contacting us online.