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Areas of Practice
Mesothelioma and
Asbestos Related Lung Cancer
Asbestos is a mineral used in a variety of construction materials used in Louisiana plants, and has many other uses because of its fireproofing and insulating properties. The danger lies in the microscopic fibers that can be inhaled, which damage the lungs and causes cancers, including Mesothelioma. These fibers can also attach themselves to clothing, which means you can be at risk for Mesothelioma even if you are not working directly with asbestos.
If you are exposed to asbestos in your home or at work, you may not develop an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma or lung cancer for many years. This underscores why it is so important to obtain a physical exam if you’ve been exposed, and speak with an experienced Asbestos Attorney immediately if you’ve been diagnosed with this dangerous disease.
Exposure to Asbestos can lead to fibers lodging in your lungs or other parts of the body. Symptoms of illness, which can lead to Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer, can include:
Chronic Dry Cough
Trouble Breathing
Chest Pain
Unexplained Weight Loss
High Blood Pressure
Facial or Neck Swelling
Once you sign on to work with Asbestos Attorney Philip C. Hoffman, he will immediately begin his investigation to determine who is legally responsible and take all necessary action to recover financial compensation.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos. It typically takes 10-50 years after exposure for Mesothelioma to form, meaning most confirmed diagnoses are linked to exposure that took place decades ago.
There are four types of Mesothelioma: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma and Testicular Mesothelioma. The most common form is Pleural Mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura). When the fiber-like particles of Asbestos are inhaled, they adhere to the lungs and eventually make their way into the pleural lining, causing inflammation, irritation, and eventually the growth of cancerous cells which can quickly move from one layer to the other. Masses can grow in the lung along with an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity.
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing
Coughing or chest pain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
The average life expectancy upon diagnosis is six to 18 months. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of Mesothelioma. If you have received a confirmed Mesothelioma diagnosis, you should immediately seek out representation with a Mesothelioma Attorney. Philip C. Hoffman has extensive experience with Mesothelioma claims and can secure financial compensation for the victim and his/her surviving family.
Benzene
Benzene is a dangerous substance used to make rubber, dyes, gasoline and other common goods. Exposure most commonly comes through long-term, low-grade inhalation and has been shown to cause leukemia and other types of cancer. According to the CDC, benzene ranks in the top 20 chemicals for production volume and exposure.
Individuals can be exposed to Benzene via tobacco smoke, gas station fumes, car exhaust and industrial emissions. Air at hazardous waste sites can contain relatively higher concentrations than other areas. Benzene has also recently been linked to dozens of mass produced sunscreens.
Benzene can lead to various types of cancers including Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma. While these types of cancers aren’t always fatal, they are life-changing and will require extensive medical treatment.
Benzene exposure means that a negligent party is at fault, and you will need a Benzene Attorney on your side. Contact Philip C. Hoffman to help you recover financial damages associated with Benzene exposure.
Personal Injury
When injuries occur, so do multiple challenges that you do not have to face alone. Whether you suffered a car accident, slip and fall or other type of accident or injury, you have rights and can pursue whoever is at fault for your suffering.
Any accident can cause serious and potential life-long impact that can bring enormous physical and mental harm. Injuries are expensive and you should not have to take on the financial burden alone.
Contact Philip C. Hoffman to help you secure the compensation you deserve for someone else’s negligence.
Hurricane Claims
& Property Claims
If your home or business was damaged during a hurricane or other type of disaster, you are probably working through the complex process of an insurance claim. Before you proceed any further, you should contact a local Attorney.
Insurance companies have a duty to pay claims for hurricane, flood or fire damage. Often times, insurance companies are more responsive to collecting your premium vs. reimbursing you for your property damage and loss. Additionally, insurance companies often undervalue the damage to your property.
Rather than accepting the insurance company’s value on your loss, hiring an experienced Attorney can take you out of the complex negotiation, leaving it to your Attorney to negotiate a more robust payout. Ensuring that you get what you deserve is not their priority, but it is ours. If necessary, we will bring in our own adjusters, engineers and contractors and show the insurance company what the real value of the damages were and negotiate until you are awarded the compensation you deserve. Discuss your claim with Philip C. Hoffman today.
Premise Liability
Business establishments, stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, hotels and short term rentals all have a duty to protect people on their premises. Ways to protect people are through adequate security, adequate lighting, proper safety railings, proper colored painting and many other options. Businesses must take reasonable steps to ensure all are safe on their premise. The business has a duty to keep people safe from construction defects as well as keep people safe from criminal activity. Unfortunately, many businesses do not take the necessary care they should and that negligence puts everyone at risk of serious injury or even death. When a business’ negligence causes an injury to a person on their premise, that person has a right to recover for their damages. If you have suffered an injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, Philip C. Hoffman can help you secure the financial compensation you deserve.
Birth Defects
Toxic chemical exposures can cause birth defects, developmental delays and pediatric cancers. Medical issues can occur after exposure to harmful chemicals on a job site, residential proximity to a dangerous job site or via harmful pharmaceuticals.
Toxic chemicals are used in a variety of industries and both men and women who are exposed can cause reproductive harm to an unborn child. Additionally, toxic pesticides and herbicides are highly prevalent in the farming industry - impacting men and women who work in or live near fields where they are used. Finally, may drugs - even those considered “safe” - are mislabeled or misused, causing a wide range of defects.
Defects are wide-ranging and depend on type of exposure. Birth defects linked to the areas mentioned include but are not limited to:
• BlindnessCancerCranial or heart defects
• Development delays or cognitive impairment
• Facial abnormalities Low birth weight / size
• Missing or deformed organs Premature death
• Shortened or missing limbs
When Companies, Employers, Drug Manufacturers or Physicians are negligent and you have a reason to believe that your exposure was preventable, call Philip C. Hoffman to secure the care you and your family deserve.
AFFF Chemical Contamination & Exposure
The firefighting suppressant, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), works by coating fuel sources with a thick layer of foam, blocking oxygen supply so that firefighters can better extinguish fires. Exposure to AFFF can harm the firefighters exposed, as well as damage the environment into which it is discharged. Firefighting foams commonly contain polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), or perflourinated chemicals, which are alleged to be toxic.
Military bases, manufacturing facilities, wastewater treatment plants, fuel-spill sites and other locations have been identified as sources of PFAS contamination throughout the country. Communities near these locations that have suffered damages to property, natural resources and health are entitled to pursue compensation and accountability from wrongdoers.
If you are exposed to AFFF, contact Philip C. Hoffman to investigate your claim.