Asbestos Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions  |  Staff  |   Asbestos Litigation Home Page

1) High Asbestos Exposure Risk Trades: Carpenters, Laborers, Painters, Plumbers, Building Superintendents, Utility Workers, Sheet Metal Workers, Janitors, Fire Fighters, Electricians, Steam Fitters, Iron Workers, Asbestos Removers, Transport Workers, Police Officers and Custodial Engineers.

2) Screening Test: The Test consists of a two-view chest x-ray to permit a specially-trained workplace/occupational radiologist, known as a "B Reader", to diagnose the medical condition of your lungs and, if test results are "Positive" (meaning: the doctor has detected an asbestosis-related condition) a follow-up Pulmonary Function Test, to measure the volume capacity of your lungs, will be scheduled.

3) Test Time: On the test date, at different geographical locations near your home, it takes approximately 45 minutes to complete the test.

4) Screening Test Information: Call our toll-free number, 1-800 2 DEARIE (1-800-233-2743), to obtain information on testing sites, dates and times of Union-sponsored asbestos Screening Tests.

5) Asbestos Exposure: Doctors indicate exposure must be over a period of between 20 and 25 years from time of initial contact with asbestos products to x-ray detection. In short, it takes that long for an asbestosis condition to manifest itself so a "B Reader" can make an accurate diagnosis. Over many years, our experience has shown that, if a Radiologist is not a "B Reader", specifically trained to detect workplace-generated medical conditions, an asbestosis disease may be overlooked.

6) Results: Each individual tested receives the medical diagnosis, whether "positive" or "negative", of his/her chest x-ray, by mail, sent to your home, or any other address you indicate, within six weeks of the testing date.

7) Changed Medical Condition: If an individual has been diagnosed with an asbestosis condition, or lung cancer, and his/her medical condition changes during the course of the lawsuit, it is extremely important that our office is notified of the changed medical condition. On the other hand, if an individual had extensive asbestos exposure, and had an asbestos screening test that was diagnosed as normal and that person's medical condition changes, particularly dealing with the lung and respiratory system, our office should similarly be advised.

8) Worker's Compensation: While our office does not practice in the Workers' Compensation field, an individual diagnosed with asbestosis is strongly encouraged to file a Worker's Compensation Claim after first consulting with a law office which practices in that specialty. Our office is happy to offer names of qualified, experienced Workers' Compensation Attorneys for client's consideration, but we stress the importance of exploring whether you have a Workers' Compensation Claim. It is important to note that a Workers' Compensation Claim must be filed within two years after an individual learns of an asbestosis condition.

9) If an individual dies during their lawsuit ...... If a person is diagnosed with an asbestosis medical condition, lung cancer, or mesothelioma and passes away prior to the conclusion of his/her legal suit, the legal action can continue as a "wrongful death" claim, brought by the spouse or family member, with the proceeds going to the Estate of the deceased. Death does not mean an end to a legal suit properly begun.