Mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of cancer and one of the deadliest. Asbestos exposure is almost always the cause. The aggressive cancer attacks the lining of the lungs and other organs. In the case of the lungs, it is known as pleural mesothelioma. This is the most common and deadly form of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is one of the worst types of cancer you can get; its five year survivability for the pleural variety is less than 10%. Mesothelioma also can involve the abdomen, heart, and testicles. There are about 3,000 new people diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Most of them were exposed to asbestos on the job decades ago. It is tough to treat and usually fatal, and very painful, as in the late stages it is very painful to breathe. Palliative treatments to reduce pain are often the only option.
New Jersey and Mesothelioma Exposure
It is estimated by the CDC from 1999 to 2015, 1,739 people from New Jersey died from mesothelioma. New Jersey has a yearly death rate from mesothelioma that is 11.8 per million, far above the national average. There are 38 asbestos mines and natural deposits of the substance in the state, which has led in part to the higher than average rate of mesothelioma in New Jersey. In particular, Somerset County and Gloucester and Salem counties have the highest death rates from mesothelioma in New Jersey.
If you were employed in construction, heavy industry, mining and other blue-collar trades for decades in New Jersey and were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is recommended to talk to an experienced mesothelioma attorney today. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and expenses from working with asbestos in New Jersey. Many New Jersey employers knew for years they were exposing their workers to dangerous asbestos and did it anyway, so you should consider legal action if you have an asbestos-related illness.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer affecting the organ linings that is due to exposure to asbestos, usually in various forms of blue-collar employment. It also is possible for asbestos fibers to be brought home on workers’ clothing and expose family members to the toxic substance.
When asbestos is used in products, materials, insulation, mined or disturbed, tiny shards of invisible fibers enter the air. They can be easily breathed in or sucked into the digestive tract. There they can lodge for decades. While the body will work to rid itself of the toxic material, it usually fails. In some workers, genetic mutations can cause mesothelioma to develop decades later. It is possible some workers will not develop mesothelioma for up to 50 years after exposure. (Cancer.org). This is why it is important to have an experienced mesothelioma attorney working in your corner if you have been diagnosed. It takes intense legal research to determine which entity was responsible for exposing you to asbestos.
New Jersey Sites of Asbestos Exposure
New Jersey has been a heavily industrial state for decades and is especially known for its plastics and chemical trades. There also are several shipyards in the state.
Chemicals
The New Jersey economy is heavily reliant on chemical companies, with big corporations such as DuPont chemical keeping large laboratories and production facilities here. Because asbestos has long been used for its strong resistance to chemical reactions, as well as strong heat and electrical resistance, it was used in the production of many chemicals. In fact, one of the most deadly types of asbestos – brown amosite and blue crocidolite – were heavily used in chemical plants for their resistance corrosive and caustic substances. In addition to the DuPont company, many other chemical companies were known to knowingly expose workers to asbestos, such as Toms River Chemical Corporation, the Tennaco Chemical Company in Belleville and the Heyden Chemical Corporation, as well as the Mutual Chemical Company.
Plastics
Many popular plastic brands such as Bootonware and Bakelite were produced in New Jersey beginning in the 1930s. This was the time when plastics became much more popular to produce consumer products. Asbestos often was used in some plastic products to reinforce the resin and make it more heat resistant. But it exposed both workers and consumers to the deadly material. Plastic companies that used asbestos in the state were Celanese Plastics, Union Plastics Corporation, CM Plastics Moulding Company and Wheaton Plastics Company.
Shipbuilding
One of the events that led to more asbestos being used in vessels here was when a cruise ship started off the coast of New Jersey. After that, shipyards around the nation began to use asbestos in the construction and repair of vessels intended for the sea. Shipyards in New Jersey that used asbestos included New York Shipbuilding and Todd Shipyard. Both exposed thousands of workers and dock workers to asbestos over many decades.
Power Plants
To meet the high electricity needs of New Jersey, there are many power plants and power stations here. These sites used large quantities of asbestos for decades, as it is a good insulator against heat and electricity. Power plants that were known to have exposed workers to asbestos were New Jersey Power and Light Company, Jersey Central Power and Light Company, Perth Amboy Powerhouse and Powerhouse Essex Station.
New Jersey Asbestos Exposure Laws
In New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste governs the use and disposal of asbestos in the state. This department regulates the management, transportation and disposal of materials containing asbestos. In partnerships with New Jersey county health departments, this department investigates any reports of illegal disposal or unregistered transportation of asbestos.
Also, the Department of Community Affairs performs certification of asbestos safety technicians and authorizes asbestos safety control monitoring. It also provides information on forms of asbestos mediation for various projects such as public buildings, educational facilities and day care centers and nurseries. (NJ.gov).
New Jersey Mesothelioma Attorneys
Were you diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition recently? Talk to one of the New Jersey mesothelioma attorneys we recommend below to determine your legal options.
Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
360 Lexington Ave. 20th Floor
New York NY 10017
(212) 986-2233
www.elslaw.com
This mesothelioma law firm based in New York handles many mesothelioma and asbestos cases in New Jersey. It possesses a highly qualified team of experienced mesothelioma lawyers with knowledge and practical involvement in many New Jersey mesothelioma cases. They offer free consultations, so please contact them to get more information today.
Lynch Law Firm
440 Route 17 North
Hasbrouck Heights NJ 07604
(800) 518-0508
www.lynchlawyers.com
These accomplished mesothelioma attorneys are skilled in identifying the location and timing of mesothelioma clients’ exposure. This is absolutely vital to getting you the maximum amount of compensation for your medical costs and injuries. They have a strong track record of mesothelioma lawsuit settlements and verdicts, so you know you are hiring the right firm for your case.
Wilentz Attorneys At Law
90 Woodbridge Center Drive Suite 900
(732) 636-8000
www.wilentz.com
The attorneys at Wilentz Attorneys at Law have handled asbestos cases in New Jersey and New York for four decades. This firm was among the first in these states to take on the asbestos industry and obtain justice for victims of mesothelioma. This law firm handles cases across the country, but it also has deep roots in the New York and New Jersey community, with unmatched databases that catalog local sources of exposure to asbestos.
Get New Jersey Mesothelioma Legal Help
With over $30 billion available for victims through the Asbestos Trust Funds, you could be entitled to financial compensations without ever filing a lawsuit. Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer victims qualify immediately. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871.
References
- What Causes Mesothelioma? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html
- Asbestos Regulations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/rrtp/asbestos.htm
- Best Mesothelioma Lawyers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mesolawsuitafterdeath.com/legal/best-mesothelioma-law-firms-navy-veterans/
