Asbestos on Ships

The Presence of Asbestos on Ships

It is not common, but it happens and when it does, it is devastating. Asbestos on ships causes fatal diseases to those workers who are exposed to it. Most of the time, the worker is completely unaware of this disastrous working condition, and consequently, exposure to the asbestos is prolonged. The longer you are exposed to asbestos on ships, the worse the ramification is to your health.

When you were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may have already been in an advanced stage of the disease. Symptoms of an asbestos-related disease are similar to other types of more common health issues. Since a doctor was unable to determine a proper diagnosis, years may have passed before a doctor realizes there is a more threatening disease present. The only means of getting an asbestos-related disease is direct exposure to asbestos. When a seaman enters a doctor's office with a bad cough or chest pain, a doctor may not think of asbestos on ships.

This improper diagnosis or late diagnosis can be absolutely shocking. Everyone involved was unaware of your exposure so you did not have a CT scan, chest x-ray or an MRI that may have detected the disease earlier. Symptoms may not develop until years after the last time you were exposed to the asbestos. The prognosis is bleak. There is treatment that will improve quality of life, but it will not rid you of the disease.

This is the time you need to contact an attorney.

Maritime Attorneys

You have a pile of medical bills, some of which may be close to going to collections, you do not feel well, your family is worried, and you simply do not know what you should do. At this point, and hopefully before this point ever comes, you should contact a maritime or admiralty attorney. Attorneys in this area of law, that is admiralty law and maritime law, understand the laws that pertain to your situation. They have a familiarity with the Jones Act and other sets of rules and regulations that define the employee's legal rights.

Do not wait to contact Williams Kherkher. The maritime attorneys at Williams Kherkher are available for a free consultation. They are able to advise you on what your best next step would be. From the consultation they can determine how to best handle your medical benefits and/or wage loss.

Because of the nature of asbestos-related diseases, your time to file a claim is limited. By law, you also have a statute of limitations to file your claim. This is generally based on the state you live in, but can be anywhere from one year to three years. Speaking to an admiralty attorney should bring clarity on this subject. Contact us today.