Because asbestos was in a lot of products used during the smelting of aluminum at Alcoa, workers employed there before 1981, along with spouses who washed their clothes, are entitled to benefits if they were later diagnosed with a cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, lung, and gastrointestinal (esophageal, laryngeal, pharyngeal, stomach, and colo-rectal) cancers have that link.
Asbestos is a mineral that is harmless when left undisturbed. When disturbed fibers, which cannot be seen, have no smell and have no taste, may float in the air for days. When inhaled they may stick deep in the lungs and after many years can cause cellular changes leading to cancer. Suspected exposure is worthy of mention to your physician.
Although asbestos was called the miracle mineral, health issues began to surface regarding those working with or near it as far back as the early 1900s. Extensive research, mul
Extensive research, multiple depositions and court proceedings headed by Cappolino|Dodd|Krebs LLP have revealed that corporate Alcoa, as a founding member of the Industrial Hygiene Foundation, had knowledge and information about the hazards of working with and around these products.
Yet important information to those in charge of and working at the production plants was limited.
Most of the manufacturers and distributors of asbestos laden products also limited information to users about the dangers of exposure. Most of these companies filed for bankruptcy protection because of claims caused by exposure to their asbestos products and the courts have required that large amounts of money be set aside in trust for those hurt. Claims against these trusts may be made without requiring the filing of a lawsuit in court.
Cappolino|Dodd|Krebs has been involved for years in helping those hurt by asbestos from aluminum smelter processing and they know the information required to maximize these claims. They have developed a huge body of information, evidence, and testimony about how the workers at Alcoa Rockdale were exposed to these products.
Cappolino|Dodd|Krebs has been instrumental in getting trusts to approve Alcoa aluminum smelter sites as approved work site, which is an important step for claim approval. They have also been able to get occupations deemed “presumptive” for exposure.
Because the trusts require timely, detailed and accurate claims to be filed in order to qualify, the information, evidence and testimony that Cappolino|Dodd|Krebs has on hand is essential.
Richard Dodd, senior attorney at Cappolino|-Dodd|Krebs, said, “Computer technology helps us sift through the substantial information that we have gathered over the years. Our active association with other asbestos litigators throughout the nation also provides important information. These things have proven to be a tremendous help towards maximizing recoveries for our clients. We have helped hundreds of workers, their spouses and families and we plan to continue this important work.”
It is also important to know that smoking does not disqualify a worker or his spouse and family from making a claim for payment.
Smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, but if a person smokes and also is exposed to asbestos, the added asbestos exposure to a smoking history multiplies the risk of lung cancer.
Alcoa knew that asbestos exposure together with smoking multiplied the risk of lung cancer, but chose not to warn its employees about this increased risk and allowed its workers to continue to smoke and work with and around asbestos. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is not caused in any way by smoking.
Even if there was a prior claim for asbestosis (non-cancer), cancer victims or their family members should call 800-460-0606 for a cost free discussion and evaluation.
For more information go to AsbestosLaw.com.
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