If you have an asbestos illness, a Gary mesothelioma lawyer can help. Before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented regulations, most industrial facilities in Gary used asbestos and exposed workers.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, can be lethal. They lodge deep in the lungs, irritating tissue over many years. This process, known as the latency period, can take up to 50 years to manifest noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure:
- Persistent dry cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Unexpected weight loss
- Clubbing of fingertips
These symptoms might be early indicators of serious conditions caused by asbestos exposure. Prolonged contact with asbestos can lead to diseases such as:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Lung scarring
Understanding the risks and symptoms associated with asbestos exposure is crucial. It not only affects health profoundly but also opens the door for potential legal recourse. If you suspect exposure has impacted your health, seeking medical advice and legal consultation is vital.
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Gary Asbestos Facts
- Gary and Lake County had the highest number of asbestos-related deaths in Indiana, with nearly 900 between 1999 and 2017.
- The steel industry has been an essential part of Gary’s economy but has also contributed to asbestos exposure and related deaths.
Steel and Asbestos
Steel has long been the heart of the Gary economy. The largest steel company there is the United States Steel Corporation. The company’s Gary facility, known as “Gary Steel Works,” has employed thousands of workers to help manufacture and produce steel.
U.S. Steel used asbestos for decades before the EPA regulations in the late 1970s. Many workers fell ill and developed serious asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Some of those workers have filed successful asbestos claims against the company:
- In 2003, a former U.S. Steel worker, Roby Whittington, filed a claim against the company
- He worked at the Gary plant from 1950 through 1981 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 70.
- After a lengthy trial, Whitington ultimately won his case and was awarded $250 million.
- The compensation covered $50 million for compensatory damages and an additional $200 million in punitive damages.
U.S. Steel did not appeal the Whittington verdict. Many other claims against the company followed the case. Additional steel mills in Gary associated with heavy asbestos use include:
- Bethlehem Steel
- Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation
- Illinois Steel Company
- Inland Steel
- Interlake Steel
- Midwest Steel Plant
- Republic Steel Corporation
- Union Drawn Steel (Republic Steel Division)
The Sheraton Hotel
While steel mills contributed significantly to asbestos exposure in Gary workers, they were not the only offenders. A 2013 renovation downtown uncovered huge amounts of asbestos in the Sheraton Hotel.
According to James Harless of the Soil and Material Engineers Inc. of Plymouth, Massachusetts, over 60,000 square feet of asbestos were found inside the hotel.
Not only were current residents at risk of inhaling the harmful fibers of asbestos, but the workers who helped build the Sheraton are in danger of developing life-threatening illnesses.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant plays a crucial role in the revitalization of the City Methodist Church project. This funding is essential for addressing and managing the challenges associated with asbestos remediation, which is a key step in the reclamation process.
Asbestos removal is not only complex but also costly, requiring specialized expertise to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations. The grant provides the financial resources needed to tackle these obstacles, thereby enabling the project to proceed without delay.
Without the EPA’s support through this grant, the project could face significant setbacks or even stall, compromising efforts to restore and rehabilitate the historical landmark. The grant essentially helps to bridge the gap between the project’s vision and its successful realization, ensuring that environmental safety standards are met while breathing new life into the iconic structure.
The City Methodist Church building stands empty and unused due to significant structural deterioration. The primary concern is its internal environment, which poses serious health risks. Specifically, the presence of asbestos— a hazardous material often found in older buildings—has been identified within the premises, rendering it unsafe for occupation. As a result, until proper measures are taken to mitigate these dangers, the building will remain uninhabitable. This situation not only highlights the challenges of maintaining historic structures but also underscores the importance of addressing environmental hazards promptly to ensure safety.
Other Job Sites Associated with Asbestos in Gary
- John Monohy & Son Sheet Metal
- American Bridge Company (Gary Plant)
- Berry Refining Company
- Methodist Hospital of Gary
- Dean H Mitchell Station
- Standard Oil Refinery
- Gary Sanitary District
- Taylor Forge
- General Refractories Company
- Industrial Combustion Engineering Inc.
- Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Future Plans for the City Methodist Church Building in Gary, Indiana
The City Methodist Church, an iconic structure in Gary, Indiana, is the focus of several innovative plans aimed at transforming its current state. Over the years, various proposals have been considered to breathe new life into this historic building.
Transforming Ruins into Gardens
One of the most intriguing ideas involves converting the space into a unique garden, reminiscent of the picturesque ruins found throughout Europe. This concept aims to blend the existing architectural remnants with lush greenery, creating a one-of-a-kind community space.
Significant Funding Support
To kickstart this vision, the Knight Foundation has provided substantial funding. With a grant exceeding $160,000, the project gains a financial foundation to explore these creative redevelopment options, ensuring that the church can evolve while preserving its cultural and historical significance.
Overall, these plans not only focus on preserving the church’s legacy but also aim to offer a new gathering place for both locals and visitors.
How Asbestos Enters the Environment
Asbestos, a once-common material, often lurks undetected—until it becomes disturbed. Here’s how it can be released into the environment:
- Damaged Insulation: Asbestos was frequently used as a pipe wrap. When this wrap becomes damaged, whether through wear and tear or physical disruption, it can release harmful fibers into the air.
- Industrial and Mechanical Use: Many ships and industrial machines historically employed asbestos as insulation around machinery. When maintenance or repairs necessitated the removal or cleaning of these parts, asbestos fibers could easily become airborne as a result of scraping or chipping off the insulating material.
The release of asbestos fibers poses significant health risks as these tiny particles can be inhaled or ingested, leading to serious illnesses over time. Proper handling and caution during removal or maintenance are crucial to prevent contamination.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Exposure in Your Home or Workplace in Gary
Asbestos exposure can be a serious health risk, so it’s crucial to act promptly and effectively if you suspect its presence. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
1. Confirm the Presence of Asbestos
- Professional Assessment: Hire a certified asbestos inspector to test your home or workplace. They have the expertise and equipment to safely collect samples and analyze them for asbestos.
2. Limit Exposure
- Seal the Area: If asbestos is confirmed, restrict access to the affected areas. Preventing disturbance of the material is key to minimizing exposure.
- Avoid DIY Removal: Do not attempt to remove asbestos yourself. Disturbing asbestos can release harmful fibers into the air.
3. Seek Professional Removal
- Licensed Abatement Services: Engage a licensed asbestos abatement service to safely remove or contain asbestos materials. These professionals follow strict safety protocols.
4. Health Monitoring
- Medical Check-Up: Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive check-up, especially if you’ve been exposed to asbestos frequently or over extended periods.
5. Legal Advice
- Consultation with an Attorney: Contact a qualified attorney specializing in asbestos-related cases. They can offer guidance on your legal options and rights, especially if exposure has led to health issues.
Remember, timely identification and professional handling are critical to managing asbestos-related risks effectively. Always prioritize safety and expert assistance over handling the situation on your own.
When Do I Need a Gary, Indiana Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, you need a lawyer as soon as possible. Mesothelioma is aggressive and deadly, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Top-rated lawyers in Indiana serve many clients in Gary who were exposed to asbestos in the steel industry and other locations.
What Will a Gary Mesothelioma Lawyer Do for Me?
A mesothelioma lawyer in Gary can help you take legal action against the companies responsible for exposing you to asbestos. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by negligent asbestos exposure. You can make a claim or file a claim for compensation, but you need an expert lawyer to guide you.
As part of this process, the right lawyer will do several things for you:
- Review your case for free and answer your questions
- Provide options and advise you on the best one for your situation
- File a claim on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement to get you a fair amount of compensation
- Litigate your case in court if necessary
- File a claim with an asbestos trust fund, if you qualify
Mesothelioma is an expensive illness. Seeking compensation means, you can afford treatments. A mesothelioma lawyer will give you the best chance of getting compensated and will allow you to focus on your health.
How to Find a Top Gary, Indiana Mesothelioma Lawyer
Don’t settle for any lawyer. Asbestos and mesothelioma cases are complicated. They often include multiple defendants and may need to be filed in a different state.
The right lawyer specializes in asbestos claims and is part of a large, national firm. They should have the resources necessary to investigate the companies that exposed you to asbestos.
They should also have proven experience working for and winning for similar clients. Finally, be sure the firm you choose offers contingency payment, so you pay no fees until they win.
People in this company are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They quickly answered all my questions and patiently walked me through the case and any open issues. I so appreciate their diligence and patience during this challenging time.
-Jingjing Z.
Getting Treatment for Mesothelioma in Gary
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), if you’ve developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you should seek a comprehensive cancer care physician with experience treating asbestos-related diseases.
The following are a few physicians near Gary that deal with asbestos illnesses and provide comprehensive cancer care:
- Dr. Michael J. Liptay, Rush University Cancer Center, 1725 W. Harrison Street, Suite 774, Chicago, IL 60612, (312) 738-3732
- Dr. Wickii Thambiah Vigneswaran, Center for Advanced Medicine, 5758 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, (855) 702-8222
- Dr. Philip D. Bonomi, Rush University Cancer Center, 1725 W. Harrison Street, Suite 1010, Chicago, IL 60612, (312) 942-5904
Nearby Chicago is also home to two excellent centers for cancer care. The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center is part of Northwestern University and is located in Chicago.
The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center is home to a mesothelioma specialist and department. A multidisciplinary team treats mesothelioma patients with chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and other innovative treatments.
How Much Is a Mesothelioma Claim Worth?
Compensation depends on your diagnosis, exposure history, and the type of claim. The table below shows the main paths and typical ranges.
| Claim type | What it covers | Typical range / source | Claim needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos trust funds | Claims paid from bankrupt asbestos manufacturers’ trust funds | $30B+ available across active trusts; each trust sets its own payout schedule | No — filed directly, often in months. Trust fund payouts → |
| Mesothelioma settlement | Negotiated recovery from solvent companies that caused the exposure | Averages ~$1M–$1.4M (varies widely by case) | Yes — a claim is filed; most cases settle before trial |
| Wrongful-death claim | Filed by a surviving spouse or family after the patient has passed | Medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship | Yes — must be filed within the state deadline. Wrongful death → |
| VA benefits | For veterans with an asbestos-related disease from military service | VA disability compensation plus health care (not a claim) | No — a separate VA claim. Veterans benefits → |
Legal Help in Gary
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.
