In the latter half of the 20th century, asbestos was one of the products commonly used in construction. Even though asbestos is not regularly used today, its presence remains in many buildings. Asbestos continues to threaten the health and lives of construction workers, industrial workers, and homeowners. Asbestos exposure can lead to many health problems, including life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma.
If you believe that you or your family member became ill as a result of exposure to asbestos through the local steel mills or other sources, a Pittsburgh asbestos exposure lawyer might be able to help seek compensation for your family’s losses. Reach out to one of the diligent toxic exposure attorneys at Bordas & Bordas today for a free case review.
Historical Use of Asbestos in Pittsburgh and Beyond
Contractors and manufacturers valued asbestos because it can easily separate into durable threads, is heat resistant, and stands up to chemicals. Up until the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used in the following types of products:
- Insulation of homes and building
- Insulation of hot water pipes and boilers
- Roofing
- Fireproofing
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Shipbuilding materials
- Automotive brakes
- Paints
- Plastics
- Adhesives
If you suspect asbestos-containing materials may be causing you harm, a knowledgeable Pittsburgh attorney could help you determine the next steps to take.
Dangers Posed by Asbestos in Pittsburgh
Although asbestos is no longer frequently used in most construction or consumer products, it can still cause serious problems. Asbestos remains in many older homes, factories, and industrial buildings, such as the nearby steel mills in Pittsburgh. If people do not disturb the asbestos materials and keep them in good condition, they might not pose a serious threat to workers and the public. However, even asbestos that has been present in a building for several decades can jeopardize your health. When products containing asbestos degrade over time or when people disturb them during construction or renovations, this can cause tiny asbestos to be released into the air. If you breathe in air contaminated by those fibers, the fibers can stick to the linings of your organs, such as your lungs. Over time, these particles can lead to severe health problems, such as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lungs. Sadly, by the time many people receive a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma, there is often not much that doctors can do. Without early detection, you cannot take advantage of life-saving medical treatments. Less frequently, asbestos exposure can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a form of stomach cancer, or pericardial mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the heart.
Our compassionate lawyers in Pittsburgh understand how devastating asbestos-related illnesses can be. They could work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible results in your case.
Contact a Pittsburgh Asbestos Exposure Attorney Today
Cases involving asbestos-related illnesses are often highly complicated. Working with a seasoned and trusted Pittsburgh asbestos exposure lawyer is critical to your claim’s success.
An experienced local attorney understands how to research these claims. They could find out whether a building, such as a factory or steel mill, contains asbestos and how long the asbestos had been present. They could also investigate whether the asbestos was in good condition or if it had fallen into disrepair due to improper maintenance. If the building was under construction, our proactive legal professionals could uncover if contractors checked to see if there was asbestos and if they conducted safe asbestos abatement procedures to protect the health and safety of their workers and residents.
The dedicated team of attorneys at Bordas & Bordas could help you seek compensation that could make a difference in your family’s life. Call today to set up your free initial consultation.