Did you know that when it comes to asbestos lawsuits, Pennsylvania ranks number two in lawsuits filed nationwide? That means our state is one of the principal hubs for mesothelioma lawsuits. And if you know how serious this sickness is, you can also see how important it is that these cases are addressed in court and the parties responsible are held accountable.
Why Are There So Many Asbestos Lawsuits in Pennsylvania?
Asbestos was at one time considered the best material to create heat barriers. This led to asbestos minerals being used in insulation, clothing, car brakes… It could be found in almost any product that needed to be resistant to heat, and that has led to a serious health crisis.
In the early part of the 20th century, it was discovered that asbestos could cause many types of serious and potentially fatal lung cancers. Among those diseases was mesothelioma, considered the most deadly out of the health conditions that asbestos can cause.
By the 1980s, asbestos trade and use was heavily restricted since it was linked to these serious health conditions. However, due to the wide spread use of these minerals, many people were exposed. Thanks to Pennsylvania’s climate and work-centric culture, many of the people who live here were exposed to asbestos particles. Now, people are holding companies responsible for their use of the material, and so our state has become a center for asbestos litigation.
A study by KCIC—a Washington D.C. consulting firm—has also exposed that Philadelphia is one of the principle sites in our state where mesothelioma lawsuits are filed. In 2015, 88 mesothelioma filings were registered, followed by 97 in 2016 and 128 in 2017. That means more people are discovering that they were exposed, and that they need help covering the medical expenses related to this deadly disease. For more information about your legal options, keep following the blog of Adam E. Grutzmacher, Attorney at Law.