A cancer diagnosis has become a far too common occurrence for many hard-working individuals of Western Pennsylvania. Many individuals who worked in steel mills, shipping yards and power stations in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are now suffering from a variety of different cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, as a result of years of asbestos exposure on the job. Much of this asbestos exposure came from products that incorporated asbestos (gloves, hot tops, pumps, valves, crane brakes, insulation, pipe-covering, etc.) that were manufactured, shipped and sold to various steel mills and other facilities. Workers would then breathe this dust on the job site on a regular basis, much of the time not knowing that it was a carcinogen and was wreaking havoc on their body.
The experienced attorneys of Robert Peirce & Associates have been seeking justice for workers in our area for more than 40 years. Bob Peirce Jr., the founder of Robert Peirce & Associates, began working in asbestos litigation early in his practice. The firm has represented over 21,000 railroad employees and more than 4,000 steel workers who suffered from asbestos-related diseases.
Mark Troyan, a partner at Robert Peirce & Associates, frequently represents individuals and their families dealing with a diagnosis of cancer from asbestos exposure. “We represent people who were working during the 60’s 70’s and the early 80’s at various industrial jobs while unknowingly breathing in the dangerous dust full of fibers from asbestos,” said Troyan. “The worst part is that most companies knew that their products contained a dangerous substance and that it caused cancer and other lung issues, but did nothing to make their products safer until it was too late,” said Troyan.
Robert Daley, a partner at Robert Peirce & Associates, who has been representing steel workers and industrial workers for over two decades, played a crucial role in the landmark case Tooey v. AK Steel. The case allowed for the first time a worker diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer to sue his former solvent employer years after his employment has ended, outside of the worker’s compensation statute.
“Because of the decades it takes to develop an asbestos related cancer, workers compensation claims were not available to victims of these diseases. The Tooey case was important to victims of asbestos cancer because it gave them a way to pursue claims against their former employer,” Daley commented.
The attorneys at Robert Peirce & Associates have helped clients who have been diagnosed with the following cancers:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung Cancer
- Other Cancers, including stomach, throat, larynx, and esophageal
The latency period from the time of asbestos exposure to the diagnosis of cancers listed above, can be anywhere from 20 years to 50 years. Family members of those that have died from mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestos related disease may not realize that their loved one had years of asbestos exposure while on the job. If that is the case, there could be a direct link to the cancer, and you only have two years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim before your right to sue disappears.
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, and the effects can result in numerous cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The legal team at Robert Peirce & Associates have experience in proving occupational exposure to asbestos is directly related to your current illness and diagnosis.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
- A persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Pain or tightening in the chest
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the neck or face
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue or anemia
“Our team of attorneys, paralegals and staff are here to work with you and your family every step of the way through the litigation process and filing bankruptcy claims,” says Mark Troyan. “When we take on your case, we understand that you and your family are entrusting our team to look out for your rights and get you and your family the best possible outcome. We are looking to make your families lives a bit easier as you go through a very difficult time,” said Troyan.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another cancer linked to asbestos, contact Robert Peirce & Associates today. Living with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and you may have to stop working to receive care. That is why compensation is so critical to help you cover the costs to get the best possible treatment and the attorneys at Robert Peirce & Associates can help.
From the firm’s inception, founder Bob Peirce Jr. began litigating on behalf of the industrial workers of Western Pennsylvania who were exposed to asbestos. The goal was always to provide supportive compassionate legal representation to those diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos-related cancers and to help their families. Today, providing that same dependable advocacy to clients remains at the forefront.
Contact Mark Troyan and the team at Robert Peirce & Associates at (844) 383-0565 for a no obligation consultation.