Pennsylvania Asbestos Exposure – LTV Steel (Formerly Known As J&L Steel)
Asbestos has been found at LTV Steel job sites in Pennsylvania. Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was commonly used in steel mills. Due to its unique insulating properties and resistance to extreme temperatures, asbestos was used in everything from cement to safety wear.
Asbestos exposure often leads to devastating injuries, many of which may go unnoticed for decades. If you or a loved one worked at LTV Steel, previously known as J&L Steel, you may be entitled to compensation for asbestos-related illnesses.
Our asbestos exposure lawyers at D’Amico Law Offices, LLC, have helped many former employees and their families recover damages for their suffering. If you are experiencing asbestos-related symptoms or have lost a loved one due to asbestos exposure, please get in touch with our compassionate attorneys by calling 412-906-8180.
What You Should Know About Asbestos Exposure At LTV Steel
The dangers of asbestos exposure at LTV Steel and other steel mills did not gain notoriety until the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, asbestos has become highly regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Occupational asbestos exposure can lead to significant lung damage and cause debilitating diseases. Former employees and their families who have been breathing in asbestos fibers may suffer from conditions such as the following:
- Asbestosis: Asbestos fibers can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue, causing difficulty breathing. Over a long period of time, asbestosis will result in the loss of lung function.
- Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is cancer, though it is almost exclusively the result of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma aggressively attacks the lining of the lung, abdomen or heart.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure is responsible for 4% of all lung cancer cases. Lung cancer differs from mesothelioma in that it tends to spread to other organs.
- Pleural disease: Pleural disease is non-cancerous but can be just as damaging. Asbestos exposure can cause fluid around the lungs and collagen buildup, causing the pleura – the thin membrane around the lungs – to grow thick and roll into the lungs.
If you are a former LTV Steel employee, are experiencing shortness of breath and are hearing crackling sounds while breathing, please seek immediate medical care. Asbestos-related diseases may take years to develop symptoms.
What Remedies Are Available For Asbestos-Related Diseases?
Remedies available for asbestos-related diseases are unique, usually accounting for long-term damage. At the D’Amico Law Offices, our asbestos exposure lawyers have worked with hundreds of families and understand the full medical picture.
A judge and jury cannot fathom your pain and suffering from impersonal medical records. However, a skilled attorney can convey your pain in such a way that an otherwise healthy person can understand.
Remedies in cases of asbestos exposure at a job site may include the following but are not limited to:
- Full coverage of your medical expenses related to your asbestos exposure
- Loss of future income
- Lost wages if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
Asbestos-related illnesses and injuries can forever alter your life. If you or a loved one are suffering symptoms related to inhaling asbestos fibers, you are entitled to damages.
What To Do If You Were Exposed To Asbestos At An LTV Steel Job Site
If you have been exposed to asbestos at an LTV Steel job site, seek medical attention immediately. Asbestos exposure is notorious for taking years or decades to show symptoms. Alerting the doctor of your exposure can help catch asbestos-related illness earlier.
While nothing can reverse the effects of your exposure, there are measures to take now that can diminish the severity of future asbestos-related illnesses, including:
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining yearly pneumonia and flu vaccinations
- Speaking to your doctor about regular medical examinations
Asbestos exposure claims have legal time constraints (filing deadlines). If you have been exposed to asbestos at an LTV job site, contact a knowledgeable attorney to determine the best course of action to protect your rights.
What Happened To LTV Steel?
LTV Steel (LTV Corporation) was the third-largest steel producer in the U.S. It underwent numerous name changes and was involved in several industries between 1961 and 2000.
By 1984, the conglomerate began to divide the company by industry. The steel production side of the company merged with the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company, a subsidiary of Republic Steel Corporation, and became LTV Steel.
LTV Steel filed for bankruptcy in 1986 following the severe loss of revenue because of overseas competition. Efforts to modernize the steel mill with more efficient technology failed to increase the company’s market share.
In 2000, LTV Steel filed for bankruptcy again. This time, the company faced a mountain of lawsuits over asbestos-related illnesses from workers. Asbestos-laden products were heavily used in LTV Steel mills.
After two bankruptcies, the company officially dissolved in 2001. Most assets were bought by Wilbur Ross, who eventually became the International Steel Group.
Our asbestos exposure lawyers at D’Amico Law Offices have years of experience handling asbestos and mesothelioma claims. The success of our firm stems directly from their commitment to our clients.
Can You Still Pursue A Lawsuit With LTV Steel, Despite Its Closure?
If you or a loved one has been harmed by asbestos exposure at the job site, you can still pursue a lawsuit with LTV Steel. Since the company dissolved, former employees cannot file claims directly. However, injury victims may be eligible to recover damages from a trust fund set up by the company.
As a requirement of its bankruptcy, LTV Steel established a trust fund for future asbestos exposure claims. Eligible persons include but are not limited to the following:
- Former employees exposed to asbestos by the nature of their job (e.g., machinists, pipefitters, boiler workers)
- Employees who used asbestos-containing products
- Victims of secondhand exposure (e.g., family members)
- Surviving family members of deceased victims
Asbestos exposure victims who suffer from mesothelioma may be able to file a claim with more than one trust fund. It is critical to discuss your options with your asbestos exposure attorney.
The value of your claim can vary widely. On average, asbestos exposure trust funds settle around six figures. Generally, your compensation will depend on the following factors:
- The extent of harm you have suffered
- The asbestos-related diagnosis
- How long you were exposed to asbestos
- The number of asbestos products you were exposed to within the company
- The current payment percentage set for the trust
Each trust fund is set up with specific parameters. An experienced asbestos exposure lawyer will be able to discuss the complexities of trust fund compensation.
How Can We Help With An Asbestos Exposure Case?
Our dedicated attorneys at D’Amico Law Offices can help guide you through the asbestos exposure case process. They will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.
Our talented litigation lawyers will fight aggressively for your best interests. They will:
- Evaluate your work history to determine all liable parties and possible exposure risks
- Gather critical evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Seek any and all depositions related to your claim
Why Choose D’Amico Law Offices?
Our attorneys have years of experience handling asbestos and mesothelioma claims. The success of our firm stems directly from their commitment to our clients. Benefits of choosing us include the following:
- We provide close, personal service and aggressive representation.
- Our clients have a clear line of communication and maintain the most control of their cases throughout the process.
- We provide free consultations and never charge an upfront retainer fee.
When our lawyers meet prospective clients, they understand that it may be the first time they have considered hiring an attorney. For some, choosing a lawyer can be a daunting process.
Trust is the most important aspect of a client-attorney relationship. At your initial consultation, our family-oriented legal team wants to help you make the best choice for you. We invite you to discuss the details of your situation, your goals and any concerns you may have so our team can provide the most effective legal advice for you and your family. Schedule a consultation with us today by calling 412-906-8180.
LTV Steel Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit FAQ
What is LTV Steel called now?
LTV Steel is called the International Steel Group now. After LTV filed for bankruptcy in 2000, the company dissolved. In 2002, the assets were bought by Wilbur Ross and later merged with Weirton Steel to form the International Steel Group.
What if your asbestos exposure was due to your employer’s negligence?
If your asbestos exposure was due to your employer’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the company’s asbestos trust fund. Asbestos trust funds are set up by negligent companies that have gone bankrupt. The trust fund provides monetary compensation for future asbestos claims.
How can an asbestos exposure lawyer help you with a lawsuit?
An asbestos exposure lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing a lawsuit against a bankrupt company. LTV Steel has been bankrupt for over 20 years. Our asbestos exposure attorneys can help you determine which asbestos trust funds you are eligible to submit a claim to and gather the critical evidence you need to successfully recover compensation. Contact D’Amico Law Offices today to schedule a consultation by calling 412-906-8180.