Asbestos exposure is a serious health hazard that many Jackson residents have faced, often without knowing where or how they encountered these dangerous fibers. This guide covers key questions around asbestos illnesses in the region and how to take legal action if you or a loved one has been affected.
What is Asbestos and Why is Exposure a Major Concern in Jackson?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were heavily used in various construction and manufacturing industries in the 20th century. When asbestos materials age or become damaged, microscopic fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled.
The major health risks associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis – Lung scarring and damage
- Lung cancer – One of the most fatal asbestos diseases
- Mesothelioma – Rare cancer affecting the linings of the lungs and other organs
Jackson has a long history of industrial asbestos usage, including in the steel, railroads, auto manufacturing, and oil refining sectors. Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina have also accelerated the breakdown of contained asbestos over the years.
This means many residents have likely encountered airborne asbestos without realizing it through their workplaces or homes, leaving them vulnerable to insidious diseases that take decades to manifest.
Taking Action if You Have Been Exposed to Asbestos in Jackson
If you have a history of working with asbestos-containing materials or suspect you could have inhaled fibers in the past, it’s important to:
- Get regular medical checkups for lung function and screening for early signs of mesothelioma or cancer
- Contact an asbestos litigation attorney to understand your legal rights and options
- Gather details on possible exposure sources, companies responsible, and dates of contact with asbestos
An experienced Jackson asbestos lawyer can help investigate your claim and identify liable parties so you receive due compensation.
Incidence Rates of Asbestos-Related Illnesses in Jackson
Jackson and the state of Mississippi have faced considerable rates of asbestos diseases, including a mesothelioma rate nearly two times higher than the national average.
Some examples of asbestos illness statistics in the region:
- 136 new mesothelioma cases per year in Mississippi
- Jackson’s Hinds County sees one of the highest asbestosis mortality rates nationwide
- Former industrial centers like Jackson have elevated occurrences of asbestos-related lung cancers
Those who worked industrial and construction jobs are most at risk, but secondary contact can also cause disease. Officials estimate over 200,000 Mississippi residents have been exposed.
The Most Common Asbestos-Related Diseases
The three main diseases caused by asbestos that Jackson residents should know about are:
Asbestosis
- Scarring of lung tissue causing shortness of breath and coughing
- Usually occurs after heavy, prolonged asbestos exposure
- No cure available; can be a debilitating chronic condition
Lung Cancer
- Not limited to those who smoke; asbestos also causes cellular lung damage
- Symptoms include persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain
- Often diagnosed in later stages, reducing treatment success rate
Mesothelioma
- Cancer formation in the linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart
- Early signs are pain/swelling, fevers, night sweats, fatigue
- Aggressive disease with a poor prognosis if not caught extremely early
Understanding the hallmark symptoms of these diseases can lead to faster diagnosis and improved health outcomes if you have encountered asbestos before.
The Role of a Lawyer in Pursuing Your Asbestos Claim
Jackson asbestos lawyers are equipped to handle the complex legal and medical issues surrounding exposure cases. An attorney’s key responsibilities include:
- Investigating the particular products/premises that could have exposed you
- Identifying defendants like manufacturers or property owners to hold accountable
- Building a strong case through detailed exposure history and medical evidence
- Determining monetary compensation you qualify for through settlements or court awards
- Limiting legal delays through strategic negotiations or aggressive trial advocacy
Having a diligent asbestos law expert on your side levels the playing field against wealthy corporate defendants.
Jackson Asbestos Lawsuit Settlement and Verdict Examples
Jackson plaintiffs with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis have won major verdict payouts by holding asbestos companies accountable, such as:
- A Jackson County jury awarded a former refinery worker $4.35 million in damages in a case against Chevron Phillips Chemical Company for asbestos exposure and illness.
- Hundreds of Mississippi coastal residents received over $300 million in a 2006 settlement from asbestos manufacturers for illnesses related to shipbuilding asbestos exposures.
While money can never make up for the suffering asbestos causes, it helps secure medical and family support.
Mississippi’s Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Injury Claims
If filing an asbestos-related personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Mississippi, you must act quickly due to a limited 1 to 6 year window:
- Asbestosis/asbestos exposure claims: Within 3 years from date of diagnosis
- Other injury claims: Within 3 years from when symptoms started
- Latent disease claims: Within 3 years from when diagnosis reasonably should have been made
- Death claims: Within 3 years of date of death or 1 year from when cause reasonably should have been known
Consulting an attorney soon after diagnosis is key so your case can be brought on time. They help collect documentation and identify defendants.
Estimating the Value of Your Jackson Asbestos Claim
The potential settlement or court award for your asbestos case will depend on factors like:
- Type/severity of disease
- Extent of medical costs and lost wages
- Number of defendants that can be linked to exposure
- Quality of legal representation
Past asbestos verdicts and settlements in the Jackson area have ranged considerably:
Jackson Asbestos Case Compensation Examples
| Disease | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| Asbestosis | $100k – $500k |
| Lung Cancer | $400k – $2 million |
| Mesothelioma | $1 million – $10+ million |
Strong legal advocacy and medical evidence bolsters claim values. Asbestos trust funds also supplement payouts.
Using Asbestos Trust Funds for Additional Compensation
Many companies forced into bankruptcy due to asbestos liabilities have set up trusts to pay victims. With attorney help, you can pursue claims against these trusts for additional payouts.
Some major asbestos trust funds relevant to Jackson residents include:
- Babcock & Wilcox Company Asbestos Trust
- Owens Corning Fibreboard Asbestos Trust
- Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Asbestos Trust
Be sure to consult your lawyer early about trust fund eligibility and claim processes.
Securing Experienced Legal Representation for Your Asbestos Case
To receive full and fair compensation, partnering with a knowledgeable asbestos litigation firm is key. They will vigorously build your case, negotiate on your behalf, and take uncooperative companies to court if necessary.
Choose a Jackson asbestos law group with a proven track record of results. They will help you or your family pursue justice and get accountability for hazardous asbestos usage still harming people decades later. With their counsel, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal complexities.