If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in Hawaii, you may be experiencing significant health effects now. One of those health effects could be a mesothelioma diagnosis. While this diagnosis is difficult to receive, you can take legal action to get the justice you deserve. As you’re seeking legal options, your lawyers will know the Hawaii asbestos laws that apply to your case.
The lawyers at Frost Law Firm, PC have fought for the rights of those across the country, including Hawaii citizens. When we represent you, we understand how uncertain this time can be for you. We’re here to support you in every way possible. As we look into your case, you can have peace of mind that our lawyers are well-versed in Hawaii asbestos laws and will make sure to take care of all the necessary items for your claim.
What Asbestos Laws Does Hawaii Have?
Hawaii has asbestos laws that apply to filing a claim and limiting the amount of asbestos exposure throughout the state. Let’s take a look at the laws that could apply to your claim.
When you’re filing a claim, it’s important that you do so within the state’s statute of limitations. In Hawaii, you have two years from the mesothelioma diagnosis to bring your claim forward. It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible for a couple of reasons. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. Depending on when you get diagnosed, you may not want to wait to file your claim because of how your health may be affected in the coming months. You also want to get started on your claim because if you miss the given time of two years, your case may be dismissed without review, rendering you ineligible for compensation.
Your case will also need to show that the asbestos exposure has resulted in functional impairment. Medical records showing your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment can show the extent of how the asbestos has affected you. Our lawyers will also compile evidence to show the consequences this diagnosis is having on your life.
In addition to laws regarding personal injury claims, there are also laws in place to improve public safety. Laws that help limit the amount of asbestos include the Adoption of Chapter 11-501 Hawaii Administrative Rules, called “Asbestos Requirements.” The minimum requirements of processing, handling, and disposing of asbestos-containing material are defined so they can be done properly. The chapter also has the purpose of protecting the general public from asbestos exposure by minimizing the amount of fibers released when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed from renovation or demolition.
While these laws are in place to protect the public, those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma now were probably exposed decades before. It can take a long time from the initial exposure to develop to mesothelioma. Our lawyers are familiar with the possible ways this exposure could have occurred.
Asbestos Exposure in Hawaii
While you’re more familiar with Hawaii asbestos laws, you may still be wondering how you were exposed in the first place. There are many ways that asbestos exposure can occur in this state. Let’s go over possible ways you could have been exposed to asbestos.
U.S. Armed Forces veterans could have been exposed to asbestos. In Hawaii, the Navy may be the first branch to come to mind. Asbestos was used in their ships and bases because of its unique qualities. As Navy members were in these areas for a prolonged amount of time, they could have easily breathed in asbestos that led to their eventual mesothelioma diagnosis.
Navy members aren’t the only branch that could have been exposed. Those in the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard during the 20th century were around aircraft, buildings, and other structures that used asbestos-containing materials. As these materials were disturbed, renovated, or broke down over time, the asbestos particles could have been released into the air.
There are other ways for asbestos exposure to occur as well. Other structures like schools or office buildings may have been built with asbestos-containing materials, endangering the residents of Hawaii during that time. While there are measures now to increase safety and reduce the amount of asbestos exposure, those who were exposed likely came in contact with asbestos before 1980. New construction projects during this time in Hawaii often used asbestos-based materials, especially larger, warehouse-type buildings such as those belonging to large manufacturing or refining companies. Our list of many of the larger companies based in Hawaii that were known to have used asbestos in their buildings or products may help you determine if you or a family member was at risk.
It’s also possible for secondary asbestos exposure to occur and cause health problems. When asbestos settles on clothes or hair, it can shake off when someone moves. So, if someone was exposed at work and they went home and changed or ran their hand through their hair, they could have released asbestos particles in their house and exposed family members—which resulted in a mesothelioma diagnosis years later.
Frost Law Firm, PC Is Here For You
When you’re focusing on a mesothelioma diagnosis, you’re thinking about what kind of treatment you’ll need, what the treatment can do for you, and how you’re going to afford it. Between appointments with doctors and medication, treatment can get expensive. Seeking compensation for your asbestos exposure can be how you get the financial security you need for medical care. The experienced Hawaii mesothelioma lawyers from Frost Law Firm, PC will do everything possible to help you get justice.
We’ll hold the party responsible for your asbestos exposure accountable for their actions. Our lawyers will diligently investigate your case to prove your asbestos exposure happened because of the defendant and the exposure resulted in significant harm and damages.
Whether we’re fighting for veterans or civilians, the lawyers at Frost Law Firm, PC understand the importance of getting fair compensation for your diagnosis. You deserve to be able to afford the care you need without worrying about how you’re going to support your family.
To get started on your case, contact our law office today. When we meet for a free evaluation of your case, we’ll go over what happened to you and can take this time to figure out your best options. Our attorneys will answer your questions and explain the legal process to you so you can make a fully informed decision on how you wish to proceed. Together, we can find a path that will benefit your best interests.
