What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos at Work in North Carolina? 2024

Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen capable of causing mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer that most commonly affects the lungs but can also damage internal abdominal organs. Many people face the risk of asbestos exposure on the job, and it is vital to know what to do if you’ve been exposed to asbestos at work in North Carolina. Depending on the details of your situation, you could have important avenues of legal recourse available to you.

What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos at Work

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and this disease takes a very long time to develop and start causing noticeable symptoms. However, by the time the disease has caused symptoms, it has usually reached a critical stage, and this form of cancer is incurable. This means that if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have been exposed to asbestos many years in the past, and a single exposure is enough to cause you to develop mesothelioma.

If you think you have been exposed to asbestos at work, it is very important to tell your doctor right away. While it won’t be possible to detect mesothelioma immediately, creating a note about possible exposure in your medical records could be a valuable reference point to which you can refer later should you develop mesothelioma. One of the most challenging aspects of these cases is determining exactly when and where a victim was exposed.

Recovering Compensation for Asbestos Exposure

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos at work, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. This insurance exists to provide financial relief to workers who suffer injuries and develop illnesses at work, and almost every employer in the state is required by state law to have this insurance. If you were exposed to asbestos at work and developed adverse medical issues, you can likely file a claim.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in the state will be easier with an attorney’s help. You will need to prove your illness is work-related in order to qualify for benefits, and a good attorney can help you accomplish this and assist you in recovering as much as possible in workers’ compensation benefits. Alternatively, you could have grounds for a civil suit against your employer.

Workers’ compensation insurance typically protects employers from civil lawsuits from injured employees, but there are some exceptions to this rule. If your employer failed or neglected to follow applicable asbestos safety regulations in the state, or if they knowingly exposed you to asbestos without taking safety precautions, it could form the basis for a personal injury suit. The employer is also likely to face heavy fines and other penalties from the state.

If you are eligible to file a personal injury case, you can claim compensation for medical expenses related to your condition, repayment of lost income if you are unable to work, and compensation for your pain and suffering. The team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., can help you assess your most viable recovery options and pursue compensation for your mesothelioma diagnosis from asbestos exposure at work.

Asbestos Exposed FAQs

Q: What Can I Do if My Workplace Exposed Me to Asbestos?

A: If your workplace has exposed you to asbestos, it can form grounds for legal recourse. You may be able to claim workers’ compensation benefits through your employer as long as you can prove you have a work-related illness, but you could also have grounds for a personal injury suit if your employer failed to follow asbestos regulations or knew about an asbestos risk in your workplace that they failed to address.

Q: What Are the Signs of Mesothelioma From Asbestos Exposure?

A: The signs of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure are commonly mistaken for other, less serious illnesses. Asbestos in the lungs may show symptoms including respiratory distress, chest pains, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, and more. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and loss of appetite. Once mesothelioma causes noticeable symptoms, it has reached an advanced stage.

Q: Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Asbestos Exposure?

A: Yes, it is possible to claim workers’ compensation benefits for asbestos exposure if the exposure has resulted in an illness that negatively impacts your ability to work. In North Carolina, virtually every employer in every industry must have workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance can apply to any work-related illness or injury. If you believe you have grounds for a claim, you should consult an attorney right away.

Q: How Long Does Asbestos Exposure Take to Cause Mesothelioma?

A: Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma with just a single exposure, but it takes a long time for the disease to begin causing noticeable symptoms. The incubation period for mesothelioma can extend for years or even decades, but some factors, like repeated exposure, can speed up the development of the disease. An attorney can help you pinpoint the most likely time and place you were exposed based on the progression of your mesothelioma.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: You should hire a North Carolina mesothelioma lawyer because these cases are challenging in several ways, and you are far more likely to reach a positive conclusion to your case if you have legal counsel you trust advising you. The right attorney can help you maximize your compensation by determining the optimal type of claim to file, and this includes filing a workers’ compensation claim or a civil suit against an employer who exposed you to asbestos.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has successfully represented many mesothelioma cases in the state. If you are wondering what to do if you’ve been exposed to asbestos at work, it is vital to consult an attorney you trust as quickly as possible. The right attorney can help you determine your most viable legal options in this situation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can assist you with your case.