Lake County Asbestos Lawyer
For decades, asbestos was used in construction, manufacturing, and countless products across the United States. In Northern Indiana, where steel mills, refineries, industrial plants, and older public buildings once heavily relied on asbestos, many residents are still facing the consequences. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other life-threatening illnesses that often develop years after the initial exposure. Our Lake County asbestos lawyers can help you seek compensation for these health issues.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we have been standing up for injured individuals and families in Lake County and Northwest Indiana since 1988. Our Lake County asbestos lawyer team understands the devastating impact of these diseases and fight tirelessly to hold negligent companies accountable. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Why Asbestos Is So Dangerous
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. For decades, these qualities made asbestos a popular choice for building materials, insulation, automotive parts, and industrial equipment. Unfortunately, inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can cause severe and permanent damage to the lungs and other organs.
Diseases caused by asbestos exposure often take decades to appear. This long latency period means many Lake County workers and residents who were exposed years ago are only now being diagnosed.
Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is one of the most devastating diseases caused by asbestos exposure. It is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin lining that surrounds the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Unlike many other cancers, mesothelioma is almost always linked directly to asbestos fibers.
Workers in Lake County’s steel mills, refineries, and industrial plants often inhaled asbestos dust for years, only to be diagnosed decades later with this deadly illness.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may include chest pain, persistent cough, fluid buildup around the lungs, or abdominal swelling. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its later stages, making treatment difficult. However, with legal action, victims and their families may recover compensation for medical care, clinical trials, and the significant financial burden this disease creates.
Lung Cancer from Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is also a significant risk factor for lung cancer, particularly when combined with smoking. Studies have shown that people who both smoked and worked around asbestos have a dramatically increased chance of developing lung cancer compared to smokers with no asbestos exposure.
In Lake County, where generations of workers labored in environments filled with asbestos dust, this risk has left a long-lasting impact on families.
Lung cancer symptoms may include chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. Treatments may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, all of which can be extremely costly. Filing a legal claim with the help of an asbestos attorney from our firm can help secure the resources necessary to access advanced treatment and hold negligent companies responsible.
Asbestosis from Asbestos Exposure
Asbestosis is a chronic, non-cancerous lung disease caused by the buildup of scar tissue from inhaled asbestos fibers. Over time, this scarring stiffens the lungs, reducing their ability to expand and contract normally.
People with asbestosis often experience shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, and chest tightness. In severe cases, asbestosis can lead to respiratory failure and make sufferers more susceptible to lung infections or heart problems.
Many retired steelworkers and construction employees in Hammond, Gary, and East Chicago developed asbestosis after years of exposure. Although there is no cure, treatments such as oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and medications can help manage symptoms. Compensation from an asbestos claim can provide the financial support necessary to cover ongoing medical care, lost wages, and a reduced quality of life.
Pleural Diseases from Asbestos Exposure
In addition to cancer and asbestosis, asbestos exposure can cause a range of non-cancerous pleural diseases. These include pleural plaques (areas of thickened tissue in the lining of the lungs) and pleural effusions (fluid buildup around the lungs).
While not always life-threatening, these conditions can impair breathing, cause chest pain, and increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses later in life. Pleural disease is often a warning sign of significant asbestos exposure and can be used as evidence in legal claims, even if cancer has not developed.
Many Lake County residents who lived or worked in older buildings containing asbestos insulation or ceiling tiles have been diagnosed with pleural disease after undergoing chest X-rays or CT scans for unrelated reasons. Though these illnesses may not always progress to cancer, they still impact daily living and justify pursuing compensation.
Where Asbestos May Be Found in Lake County, Indiana
Lake County’s industrial history has left a legacy of asbestos exposure. Workers in steel mills, oil refineries, power plants, and construction trades were frequently exposed to asbestos materials. Additionally, many older homes, schools, and government buildings still contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, or ceiling materials.
Industrial Facilities
Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting have long been home to steel production and heavy manufacturing. Workers in these industries were often exposed to asbestos in machinery, protective gear, and construction materials used throughout the facilities.
Public Buildings and Schools
Many public schools and municipal buildings built before the 1980s were constructed with materials containing asbestos. Even today, renovations or maintenance projects in Crown Point, Highland, or Munster can disturb asbestos and release fibers into the air.
Residential Exposure
Homes built before asbestos bans may contain materials such as insulation, siding, and floor tiles that were manufactured with asbestos. Residents performing renovations in Merrillville or Schererville may unknowingly disturb asbestos, exposing themselves or their families to health risks.
Who Is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
While anyone can be exposed to asbestos, certain groups are at particularly high risk in Lake County:
- Steelworkers and Industrial Laborers: Employed in Gary and East Chicago facilities where asbestos was used in insulation, machinery, and protective clothing.
- Construction and Demolition Workers: Handling asbestos-containing products during building projects or renovations.
- Shipyard and Refinery Workers: In contact with asbestos insulation and equipment in power plants and oil refineries.
- Teachers and School Staff: Working in older schools with deteriorating asbestos materials.
- Family Members of Workers: Through “secondary exposure” when workers unknowingly carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing.
The Legal Basis for Asbestos Claims
Asbestos litigation is one of the most well-established areas of personal injury law. Courts recognize that companies often knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn or protect workers and the public.
Negligence
Companies that used asbestos or manufactured asbestos products may be held liable for failing to provide safe working conditions, adequate warnings, or protective equipment.
Strict Liability
Manufacturers and sellers of defective products containing asbestos can be held responsible under product liability law, even without proof of negligence.
Wrongful Death
If an asbestos-related illness leads to death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim for compensation.
Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Asbestos Claims
Timing is critical in asbestos cases. In Indiana, most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the incident. However, because asbestos illnesses often appear decades after exposure, the statute of limitations typically begins when the illness is diagnosed or reasonably should have been discovered.
If you miss this two-year deadline, you may lose your right to compensation. Acting quickly ensures that your asbestos lawyer can gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and meet all legal requirements. It’s best to speak with the Lake County asbestos lawyers at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. as soon as possible.
Compensation for Asbestos Victims
Compensation in asbestos cases is meant to cover the wide-ranging losses that victims and families face. This may include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for diagnosis, treatment, surgeries, chemotherapy, or palliative care.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Income lost due to illness and the inability to continue working.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages for spouses and family members affected by the illness.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: In wrongful death cases, when an asbestos-related medical condition causes a death.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly reckless conduct by companies that concealed the dangers of asbestos.
How Asbestos Cases Are Handled
Asbestos litigation is complex and often involves multiple defendants, extensive medical evidence, and expert testimony. Here is how our asbestos lawyers at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. approach these cases:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We begin by reviewing medical records, employment history, and product exposure. In Lake County, this often involves tracing work histories at steel mills, refineries, or construction sites.
Identifying Responsible Parties
Many asbestos manufacturers and employers are no longer in business, but claims may still be brought against their insurers or through established asbestos trust funds.
Filing Claims and Lawsuits
Depending on the circumstances, we may file claims directly in court, pursue compensation through trust funds, or both.
Working with Experts
We collaborate with medical professionals, industrial hygienists, and occupational experts to demonstrate the link between exposure and illness.
Negotiation and Trial
Many cases result in settlements, but if necessary, we are fully prepared to present your case in front of a jury.
The Role of a Lake County Asbestos Attorney
Choosing the right asbestos lawyer is critical. An experienced Lake County asbestos attorney will:
- Evaluate Your Case: Determine whether your illness is linked to asbestos exposure and identify potential claims.
- Handle Complex Filings: Navigate Indiana’s legal requirements and trust fund claims.
- Maximize Recovery: Ensure that all damages—medical, financial, and emotional—are fully addressed.
- Provide Compassionate Guidance: Support you and your family during a difficult time with clear communication and dedicated advocacy.
Why Choose Theodoros & Rooth, P.C.?
Since 1988, Theodoros & Rooth has been “Your Guardians of Justice” in Lake County and throughout Indiana. Our knowledgeable asbestos attorneys bring decades of experience, proven results, and deep compassion for clients and families facing devastating illnesses.
We are recognized by Best Lawyers, Indiana Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for our dedication to excellence and outstanding results. With over 75 years of combined legal experience, we have the resources, knowledge, and determination to stand up to powerful corporations and secure justice for asbestos victims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Claims
What is mesothelioma, and how is it linked to asbestos?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Because symptoms may not appear for decades, many people in Lake County are only now being diagnosed after exposure years ago.
How do I know if I was exposed to asbestos?
If you worked in steel mills, construction, refineries, or shipyards in Lake County prior to the 1980s, there is a strong chance you were exposed. Even family members of workers may have been exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on clothing.
Can I file an asbestos claim if the company I worked for is no longer in business?
Yes. Many companies that manufactured or used asbestos have established trust funds to compensate victims. Our asbestos lawyers can determine whether trust fund compensation is available in your case and present you with your available options.
What if my loved one passed away from asbestos-related illness?
Surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Contact our asbestos attorneys as soon as possible to learn more and preserve your rights.
Contact Our Lake County Asbestos Lawyer Law Firm
Sadly, asbestos exposure has left a painful legacy in Lake County. From industrial worksites in Gary and Hammond to older schools in Crown Point and homes in Merrillville, countless residents have been put at risk. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, you deserve answers and justice.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our skilled Lake County asbestos lawyer law firm is here to fight for you. For a free consultation with our Lake County asbestos lawyers, contact our law firm online.