New York Mesothelioma Lawyer Echoes Asbestos Disease Foundation’s Concerns About Rising Death Rate
The head of an Australian lobby group recently warned that the number of victims of asbestos-related diseases within that country could rise in coming years. The same problem exists in the U.S., said New York mesothelioma lawyer Joseph W. Belluck.
Belluck is a partner with the New York personal injury law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP. The firm represents victims of mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that has been directly linked to asbestos exposure.
“The reality is that asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma can take 20-40 years or longer to develop after the victim’s first exposure to this toxic mineral,” Belluck said.
“Asbestos was widely used in the U.S. and around the globe in the military, construction and manufacturing, and many current mesothelioma sufferers may have been exposed during that period,” he continued.
The head of Australia’s Asbestos Disease Foundation, Barry Robson, issued a warning against becoming “complacent” toward diseases such as mesothelioma prior to the country’s Asbestos Awareness Day, according to Sydney’s 9 News.
“Ask most Aussies and they’ll tell you that asbestos-related disease in this country must be on the decline,” Robson said. “Unfortunately, most Australians would be dead wrong.”
Because the history of asbestos use in the U.S. is similar to that of countries such as Australia, the same situation exists in this country, Belluck said.
He pointed to a 2005 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC found that more than 18,000 mesothelioma deaths had occurred in the U.S. between 1999 and 2005 – a rate of roughly 3,000 per year.
The CDC noted that “the annual number of mesothelioma deaths is still increasing, and future cases will continue to reflect the extensive past use of asbestos.”
“What’s important to know is that if you or a family member has a disease that was caused by asbestos exposure, you do have legal options available to you,” Belluck said.
Belluck said it is important for people to contact a New York mesothelioma lawyer if they believe that they or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Compensation is often available to victims of mesothelioma who file claims, he said, and there are legal remedies to help mesothelioma sufferers pay for their medical bills and treatments.
About Belluck & Fox
Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $400 million in compensation for clients and their families.
Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in the New York Area” and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $12 million.
Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in the New York Area” and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal’s Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $32 million and more than $19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America’s best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.
For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.
