Recent Blog Posts

Scottish Shipbuilders Set Precedent with High Court Ruling

Bryan Fears — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:24:00 GMT

Yesterday, shipbuilders in Scotland won a landmark court victory for asbestos victims, particularly patients who suffer from asbestos-induced pleural plaques. The British high court awarded more than 1,200 former shipbuilders - and current patients with pleural plaques - with the dollar-equivalent of $31,000,000. The court specifically declined the insurers/defendants' claim that victims suffering from pleural plaques are "symptomless."

While English law is non-binding on American courts, this precedent nevertheless sends a clear, encouraging message to asbestos victims and, specifically, asbestos victims who suffer from non-mesothelioma diseases, such as pleural plaques.

Fears | Nachawati fights for asbestos victims like you! For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. Put our expertise and experience to work for you!

University of Hawaii Research Gives Asbestos Victims Hope

Bryan Fears — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The University of Hawaii gave encouraging news to asbestos victims this week when it announced that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded the University of Hawaii Cancer Center $4.3 million for its cancer-related research. Included in that award is a five-year, $1.5 million grant earmarked for researcher Haining Yang's study of how asbestos causes malignant mesothelioma and what treatment and prevention strategies might best improve the health of mesothelioma patients.

Fears | Nachawati closely follows the advances of mesothelioma medical research for one simple reason: it's what matters to our clients. Asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma may have a long latency period, but once they begin to affect the patient, their effects are rapid and catastrophic. For this reasons, asbestos victims and their families are anxious to know the latest mesothelioma research, including the funding of University of Hawaii Cancer Center research.

Was your loved one exposed to friable asbestos during their work? They may suffer from an asbestos-related disease as a result. To find out about your legal options, talk to our experts today. For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Mesothelioma Victim's Illness Highlights Tragic Reality

Bryan Fears — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:53:00 GMT

Reg Grimshaw, a British steelworker, died last year after an unexpected - and unexpectedly short - battle with mesothelioma. Exposed to asbestos fibers housed in pipe insulation at his workplace, Britain's Tara Steelworks, Mr. Grimshaw didn't show symptoms of malignant mesothelioma until shortly after his 88^th birthday.

In just one week, Mr. Grimshaw went from being fit and carrying out his normal activities to feeling breathless. In the second week, he stopped driving. Within six weeks, Mr. Grimshaw was bedridden. Within a couple of weeks after being confined to bed, Mr. Grimshaw had passed away. The speed with which malignant mesothelioma took Mr. Grimshaw's life surprised members of his family, but it isn't unusual. In fact, most malignant mesothelioma patients' health deteriorates extremely quickly.

Fears | Nachawati understands what your family is living through. Asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma strike fast and hard, often taking loved ones before family members have a chance to say goodbye. Find out how to protect your loved ones and your rights under the Texas wrongful death statute by contacting our legal experts. For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

100 Kindergartners Evacuate after Asbestos Exposure

Bryan Fears — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:25:00 GMT

School administrators at PS 143 in Corona, Queens, New York, evacuated roughly 100 children last month after leaking water in the roof interrupted several teachers' lessons. Today, parents of evacuated children learned that the risks to their children were greater than just a few drops of water. Leaking pipes in the ceiling threatened to disturb asbestos in the building's roof beams - and expose students to the dangerous carcinogen that causes lethal, incurable diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos-ridden buildings like the PS 143 annex in Queens threaten public school children and public employees every day. If you work in an aging building, particularly a school, hospital, or courthouse, you may have been exposed to aerosolized asbestos fibers. Find out how the legal experts at Fears | Nachawati by contacting us immediately. For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Air Quality Tests Keep School Closed, Worries Parents

Bryan Fears — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

McCombs Middle School unexpectedly closed on Wednesday after workers removed asbestos-based ceiling tiles on Wednesday during their reconstruction work. For parents in Des Moines, Iowa, with children at McCombs, Wednesday's closure made sense as a smart precaution. The fact that the school remained closed yesterday for continued cleaning and testing, however, raised concerns about the extent of the problem - and the length of time that aerosolized asbestos may have been present in the air.

Fears | Nachawati is committed to providing victims of asbestos exposure with unsurpassed representation. Has your child's school closed for asbestos remediation? Did school administrators use qualified workers? Did workers take the precautions mandated by state and federal law? Worried that the answers to these questions might be "Yes"? It may be time to give our experts a call. We can help you sort through the serious issues that your family may be facing. For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Asbestos Dumping on the Rise

Bryan Fears — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:46:00 GMT

This week, a demolition manager in East St. Louis, Illinois, and a developer in Kansas City, Missouri, admitted in separate federal cases to violating provisions of the Clean Air Act related to improper asbestos disposal. During the same period, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection slammed a Natick real estate broker with a $41,235 fine in response to his improper asbestos removal in violation of state law.

Improper asbestos removal and disposal in violation of federal and state laws has become an increasing problem in recent years. The economic recession that has plagued the United States since 2008 - and its particularly harsh regional effect in urban, industrial centers where asbestos use was most common - has prompted a number of real estate professionals, including contractors, developers, and brokers to cut costs. Unfortunately for workers and the public, they've cut corners as well, exposing members of both groups to asbestos and the lethal diseases it causes: asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

If your employer has been cited by federal or state authorities for improper asbestos disposal or if you live near a building that has undergone asbestos remediation or removal, you may have been exposed to this lethal carcinogen! The time to act is now, and the first step to take is to contact the asbestos experts at Fears | Nachawati. The consultation is free, and the conversation could change your life. Call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx.

Boston Area School District Escapes Punishment for Improper Asbestos Disposal

Bryan Fears — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:37:00 GMT

In May 2009, employees of the Medford School Department improperly disposed of asbestos tiling during reconstruction efforts at the Curtis Tufts Alternative School. Cleaning crews who were operating without training in asbestos remediation dumped the tiles and other asbestos-laden materials into open trash containers behind the school. Subsequently, the container was taken to Columbus Middle School before it was finally decontaminated and returned to the Curtis School.

The Medford employees' improper asbestos disposal was a clear violation of state law. Massachusetts law requires asbestos be removed in sanitary conditions that reduce the risk of asbestos contamination. Usually, such a violation would carry with it a fine of $30,000. Medford officials, however, have gotten off with little more than a slap on the wrist. Earlier this week, the state Department of Environmental Protection revoked the cash penalty, instead putting the school on a three-year probation.

The expert attorneys at Fears | Nachawati closely follow the law governing asbestos. The unfortunate reality is that improper asbestos disposal occurs frequently in older public buildings like schools and courthouses. Untrained workers and unsuspecting students and employees have been exposed and, as a result, face potentially lethal diseases in the future, like asbestosis and mesothelioma. Are you concerned that you may have been exposed to asbestos? Contact us immediately. For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx.

Oklahoma State Agency Highlights Asbestos Risk for Public Employees

Bryan Fears — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:15:00 GMT

Citizens of Hobart, Oklahoma, are excited that their long-time Oklahoma National Guard armory will get a new lease on life as a county jail, bringing much needed jobs to the rural town. The state's Department of Environmental Quality rained on the town's parade earlier this month, however, when it declared that state investigators had found asbestos in the floor tiles and overhead piping insulation.

The Hobart armory's asbestos floor tiling and insulation isn't really a surprise. Thousands of governmental buildings across the country were built using a variety of asbestos-based construction products. Tragically, a shockingly large number of employees of state and local governments work in these outdated, unhealthy buildings. The risks of asbestos exposure are considerable and include such lethal, incurable diseases as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Do you have a loved one who works in an aging municipal, county, or state government building? You should call the asbestos experts at Fears | Nachawati. We can tell you whether you're at risk - and whether there are steps you can take to ensure your safety. Your free consultation is just a phone call away! Call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Blue Collar Worker Files Suit Against 62 Companies in Asbestos Suit

Bryan Fears — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 01:40:00 GMT

From 1953 to 1977, Robert Russell worked as an automotive mechanic, service manager, and electrician in a small West Virginia town. He trusted his employer and the people who manufactured the goods that he repaired and installed.

Unfortunately for Mr. Russell, his trust was betrayed. In product after product, his employer and manufacturer used asbestos-based materials. As a result, Mr. Russell was exposed to asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen that causes such lethal and incurable diseases as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Not surprisingly, Mr. Russell's recently diagnosed him with lung cancer. Because of his exposure to asbestos, the lives of Mr. Russell and his family will be forever changed.

The encouraging news is that Mr. Russell is fighting back. With the help of talented, competent legal representation, Mr. Russell has filed suit against more than sixty companies who may have contributed to his injury. Mr. Russell is schedule to have his day in court - and in front of jury of his peers.

Does Mr. Russell's story sound familiar? Thousands of Americans are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease every year. Adding insult to injury, many of these victims are the Americans who built our nation: shipyard workers, mechanics, construction workers, electricians, and on-the-line manufacturers.

Fears | Nachawati can help you fight back. Our experienced, talent lawyers are prepared to protect your rights and secure the financial recovery you deserve! For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Mesothelioma Cure Proves Illusive

Bryan Fears — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:38:00 GMT

Unfortunately for mesothelioma patients, researchers announced today that the results are in - and very disappointing - for the largest study ever conducted for advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma. In particular, Zolinza (vorinostat), the drug that many in the medical and mesothelioma communities had hoped would revolutionize the treatment of the leading asbestos-related disease, has proven totally ineffective against mesothelioma.

This news is particularly disappointing considering that the study was led by leading researchers, including doctors from New York City's prestigious Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The study was comprehensive, including 660 patients and according to a researcher at University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, was the biggest study of its kind to date. The worst news is that not only are upwards of 3,000 Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, but that number is expected to increase in the years ahead and peak between 2015 and 2020. Victims need a medical solution!

Fears | Nachawati closely follows the latest medical and legal developments for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. With years of experience fighting for victims' rights, we specialize in defending the legal interests of mesothelioma patients. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of asbestos exposure, you should contact us immediately. For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx.

Anti-Asbestos Ad Campaign Hurts Victims

Bryan Fears — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:13:00 GMT

Business groups in Louisiana unveiled a $70,000 ad-buy this week in which they argue for limits on civil lawsuits, particularly lawsuits associated with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. The ad campaign is no surprise: asbestos exposure and asbestos-based illnesses are particularly prominent among workers in shipyards and the oil and gas business, two of Louisiana's principal industries. Still, these ads distort the truth, suggesting that their proposed legislation is about justice for the deserving victim and a strong business climate for workers. The reality, however, is that current law already provides open courts to asbestos victims and the oil and gas industry, still strong after years of high prices at the pump, isn't significantly hurt by victims' litigation.

So what are these ad campaigns really about? Money. For years, the Louisiana shipping industry and oil and gas operators cut costs and cut corners, imposing the risk of asbestos exposure on untrained, unprotected workers. Now, they're trying to duck their just desserts. That's not fair to injured workers - or their families.

Fears | Nachawati fights for asbestos victims. We're in the trenches with workers injured by asbestos exposure and their families. Fortunately, our experience and expertise is helping these victims win their fight for justice. Have you or a loved one been injured? Talk to us today! For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help you!

How Will You Recognize Mesothelioma Awareness Day?

Bryan Fears — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Today is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. How will you recognize this important reminder that thousands of Americans die as a result of asbestos-related diseases every year?

In Alton, Illinois, runners and walkers lined up this weekend for the third annual 5k/2k run/walk. Championship college and professional runners, including competitors from California, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, competed for the $1,500 first place prize. Proceeds from the race went to support the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a charity that has donated more than $10 million to mesothelioma research.

Mesothelioma victims in Maine recognized Mesothelioma Awareness Day, too, and for good reason. Maine has a mesothelioma occurrence rate of 27.5 cases per million according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than twice the national average of 13.8 cases per million. This rate is little surprise to many health experts and Mainers, however. Asbestos, the mineral responsible for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases like asbestos and lung cancer, is commonly found in shipyards, a major industry for the northeastern coastal state.

Illinois and Maine are far from the only places that asbestos lurks. Experts estimate that contaminated vermiculite is present in 35 million attics in the United States. Chances are good, in fact, that if you live in a home built before 1980, asbestos is present in your dwelling, too!

Fears | Nachawati joins in recognizing Mesothelioma Awareness Day. We're doing our part to shed light on the victims of this painful, incurable, and unfair disease. Did you know that asbestos victims are rarely the people responsible for asbestos exposure? That's just not right! In fact, that's part of the reason we're so committed to representing the legal interests of asbestos victims. If you've been diagnosed with asbestos, you should talk to us immediately! For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Asbestos-Related Clean Air Act Violations End in Prison Sentence

Bryan Fears — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT

The New York company that exposed its workers to asbestos - the lethal carcinogen "fell like snow" on unprotected workers, according to court documents - has finally received its just, criminal desserts. Keith Gordon-Smith, the owner of Gordon-Smith Contracting, was sentenced to six years in prison for his firm's violations of the Clean Air Act and his role in exposing employees to asbestos during the demolition of a Rochester hospital. Mr. Gordon-Smith and his firm were also assessed more than $45,000 in fines.

What does this mean for Gordon-Smith Contracting workers? Unfortunately, it's mostly bad news. It's doubtful that the firm was insured against asbestos claims. And with the firm having closed its doors and it's proprietor discredited and imprisoned, former employees and contractor workers can't expect new revenues to cover old liabilities. As a result, it's unlikely they'll be able to look to the party that injured them to help cover the asbestos-related medical costs they're likely to face in the coming years.

The tortious, defunct legacy of Gordon-Smith Contracting is an important lesson for construction workers nationwide. It's one thing to have a valid asbestos claim; it's something else to have a claim against someone with deep pockets. If you've been exposed to asbestos during a demolition project, the time to act is now.

Fears | Nachawati advises asbestos victims, helping workers to understand their legal options, financial obligations, and health care needs. Asbestos injuries are complex. Talk to our experts today! For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Construction Firm Responsible for Workers Asbestos Exposure

Bryan Fears — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:40:00 GMT

Wisconsin-based construction company J. P. Cullen & Sons wrote a $25,000 check (in addition to attorney fees and court costs) for their multiple violations of state law this week. Incredibly, J. P. Cullen & Sons put their employees at serious risk of injury and death when they demolished an asbestos-based plaster ceiling before inspecting the material beforehand or notifying state officials, two steps Wisconsin law requires.

Asbestos, a commonly used construction material between the 1930s and 1970s is a component found in thousands of buildings across the country. Today, as many of those buildings undergo significant remodeling and reconstruction, careless companies and their managers, such as J. P. Cullen & Sons, are putting employees and contractor workers in harm's way by failing to take appropriate, state-mandated safety precautions.

Fears | Nachawati specializes in asbestos liability and understand the ways in which your loved one may be at risk. If he works in construction, he probably works near asbestos. Safety precautions will keep him safe, but a reckless company could put him at serious risk of contracting such fatal diseases as mesothelioma and asbestosis. You need to act now! For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!

Eyes Bigger Than Their Stomach: New Research Explains Why Asbestos Kills

Bryan Fears — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:33:00 GMT

A group of researchers at Brown University published new research this week in the science journal Nature Nanotechnology that sheds new light on why asbestos fibers cause incurable cancers such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. The researchers found that human cells mistake asbestos cells for smaller, digestible spheres rather than what they actually are: huge, indigestible nanomaterials that become toxic over time. In short, human cells are like human beings who overeat - whose eyes are bigger than their stomach - and, as a result, get sick. The lethal difference between cells and humans is that cells aren't able to expel the asbestos fibers they fail to digest.

Fears | Nachawati closely follows the medicine and law governing the future of asbestos victims. We know what it takes to protect victims in court and improve their quality of life in the hospital and at home. Our commitment is to fighting for victims like you and your loved ones! We're prepared to answer your questions and outline your options. For your free consultation, call 1.888.550.4913 or visit http://www.asbestosmesotheliomalawyer.us/Contact-Us.aspx. We can help!