Currently, Maryland law only allows workers or families 20 years to file a claim of illness or death from asbestos exposure. However, the Maryland Court of Appeals is reviewing a case that could extend this statute of limitation.
Asbestos Exposure
Companies during the 20th century did not know about mesothelioma. They couldn’t figure out why workers were getting sick. It took decades of investigation before researchers figured out the cause was from asbestos. The microscopic fibers can lead to the development of mesothelioma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reconfirmed asbestos exposure as the leading cause of mesothelioma. The agency also explained that it doesn’t matter the fiber length of asbestos, it is still cancerous to humans.
Maryland Asbestos Statute of Limitation
Presently, the Maryland Court of Appeals is hearing a case involving James Piper, a former steamfitter. His work at a Maryland power plant in the 1970s exposed him to asbestos. Recently, Piper died from mesothelioma caused by his exposure.
His estate is pushing the case. If they win, it could change the precedent in the state and allow more individuals to file claims even after the 20-year limitation. Unions and trade associations estimated that the number of such claims could be in the tens of thousands.
Mesothelioma Development
Meanwhile, a number of studies have explored how asbestos causes mesothelioma and the length of time it takes to develop. In 2012, mesothelioma expert Dr. Michele Carbone co-wrote a scientific article detailing multiple ways asbestos may damage the body, including the creation of inflammatory chemicals that cause direct genetic damage.
Generally, it usually takes heavy, long-term exposures to asbestos for related cancer to develop, but even minor exposures can be harmful. Activities that disturb asbestos-containing products release toxic fibers into the air.
Mesothelioma has a dose-response relationship to asbestos, which means higher doses of asbestos exposure lead to a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. When it comes to asbestos, high concentrations of fibers and long durations of exposure amount to a greater risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
Once inhaled, the body has an especially hard time getting rid of the sharp, sometimes jagged fibers. Then, they build up in the lungs or abdomen over time. Many years after the first exposure, these fibers may cause cancerous changes.
Get Help with a Specialized Complex Litigation Attorney
A Complex Litigation attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is critical when seeking help to cover your asbestos-related expenses. Identifying when and where you were exposed to asbestos is crucial to your lawsuit. Experienced lawyers are familiar with companies that used asbestos and know which job sites had a significant amount of asbestos use. Also, they know which products contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral.
Also, consultations are completely free, confidential and have no obligation. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Our team of attorneys has been recognized as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Our award-winning staff is also sought after for our knowledge on complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation you are due. Because of this, we have also received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. We have been included on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. In fact, we will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.