Plant workers diagnosed with cancer secure cash benefits from trusts
Feb. 18—ALBANY — Plant workers employed before 1981 who have been diagnosed with various cancers are entitled to special benefits, according to an announcement from Birmingham-based Norris Injury Lawyers.
Lung cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, pharyngeal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and mesothelioma are frequently caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos-laced products were used for decades at both Firestone and Merck plants. Neither employees nor management was aware of the asbestos risk.
Asbestos is a mineral that in its natural state is harmless. It becomes harmful when it is pulled apart or ground up into flexible fibers. Then, when inhaled or swallowed, microscopic asbestos fibers may be permanently affixed to body tissue. Over many years, these fibers may cause genetic changes that can lead to cancer.
"It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for asbestos-related cancers to appear," according to the National Cancer Institute.
To compensate cancer victims and the families of deceased cancer victims, Federal Bankruptcy Courts have required asbestos manufacturers to set aside hundreds of millions of dollars in private trusts. Through these trusts, cancer victims can receive money damages by the filing of timely, detailed and accurate claims.
Norris Injury Lawyers has announced a specific initiative to assist Firestone and Merck employees in recovering money set aside for them in these asbestos trusts. Cancer victims or the families of deceased victims who worked at either plant before 1981 may call (800) 478-9578 for a free evaluation of their claim. Additional information is available at getnorris.com/asb.
