Approximately 2000 to 4000 deaths occur in the state of Oregon each year because of suffering asbestos-related diseases. Because to its extensive shipbuilding, wood, and pulp and paper processing industries, Oregon has a disproportionately high number of deaths from asbestos-related diseases such mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer compared to other states. Workers’ compensation attorneys in Oregon who specialize in mesothelioma cases advise clients who have been exposed on how to navigate the complex legal and financial issues that arise and advocate on their behalf.
How can you know if you’ve been exposed to asbestos?
Asbestos fibers, once ingested, may remain dormant in the body for years before causing symptoms to manifest. Asbestos exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, all of which manifest primarily in the respiratory system. Asbestos exposure produces a cancer called mesothelioma, which can harm the lining of your chest or stomach. Cancers of the esophagus and stomach have also been linked to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause respiratory problems, chest pain, and even cancer. Asbestosis-related diseases can cause a host of symptoms, including a persistent cough that may or may not produce blood, hoarseness, and exhaustion.
Laws regulating asbestos exposure
The purpose of the current legislation is to control asbestos disposal and reduce exposure. Asbestos management is governed by federal standards, with certain additional state restrictions established by Oregon. The Department of Environmental Quality of Oregon is in charge of administering state regulations and overseeing federal laws.
Oregon follows Environmental Protection Agency regulations for asbestos-containing building demolition and renovation standards and asbestos emission limitations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, however, is responsible for establishing guidelines for worker safety.
Preparing to file a workers’ compensation claim
It’s normal to feel stressed out by the prospect of pursuing compensation, but knowing what to expect might help. To make sure your personal injury claim meets all the necessary standards, you should consult with our experienced Oregon workers’ compensation attorneys.
The only way to prove that a patient’s asbestos-related illness was caused by that exposure is to look into their job and health histories. You should compile documents related to your health, employment, and military service. An experienced attorney can compare this data to a database of companies and brands associated with asbestos to better understand your potential legal recourse in this matter.
If you believe you have a case, an experienced Oregon workers’ compensation lawyer can help you figure out where to file it depending on where you lived, worked, or served in the military during the time you were exposed to asbestos. The next step is to have the attorney file the actual lawsuit while you focus on recovery.
Settlements are a regular outcome of mesothelioma claims. If a settlement cannot be reached, an experienced lawyer will not hesitate to take your case to court. If someone else is responsible for your hardships and losses, they should compensate you fairly.
Statute of Limitations to file workers’ compensation claim seeking damages for asbestos-related diseases
The statute of limitations in Oregon limits how long you have to file a claim against asbestos. According to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 30.907, you have 2 years from the time of diagnosis to file a claim. If you miss the deadline, you may not be able to collect any compensation. Contacting our experienced Oregon workers’ compensation attorneys at Aldrich Law, LLC can help you determine whether you have standing to launch a claim and comply with applicable statutes of limitations.
