Medford Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Asbestos was widely used by numerous industries in the Medford, OR, area throughout the 20th century. Thus, countless local workers and their families have been devastated by this disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the dedicated Oregon mesothelioma lawyers at Bergman Oslund Udo Little can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: November 21, 2024
Asbestos Law Firm Serving Medford and Jackson County
Bergman Oslund Udo Little has proudly represented mesohelioma patients from all over Jackson County, including Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Talent, Ashland, Eagle Point, and more. If you’re struggling with an asbestos-related illness in Jackson County, our office is a phone call away. Our local Oregon attorneys primarily focus on asbestos-exposure cases, and we want to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Bergman Oslund Udo Little for Your Medford Mesothelioma Claim?
Bergman Oslund Udo Little has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients and has represented over 850 mesothelioma patients, earning us the reputation as the Pacific Northwest’s premier mesothelioma law firm.
We’re a small firm with a narrow focus, which allows us to deliver personalized and specialized attention to all our clients. Our holistic approach to representation includes education, service, advocacy, and litigation. We aim to provide our clients with comprehensive support when dealing with a devastating mesothelioma diagnosis.
We’re also tenacious trial advocates who fight hard for our clients. Our expansive track record demonstrates our skill in negotiating favorable settlements and achieving multimillion-dollar verdicts for our clients in court. In 2022, our firm secured the largest mesothelioma verdict in Oregon history for the family of a deceased mesothelioma patient who had been exposed to asbestos while working as a sandblaster. Our zealous advocacy in the courtroom and our genuine compassion for clients make us the right firm to handle sensitive mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos Exposure in Medford and Jackson County
Asbestos was Over the last century, Jackson County residents in numerous occupations have been exposed to asbestos at area job sites. Working-class members of our community are particularly at risk for developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases from asbestos exposure on the job.
Even though asbestos use has widely been restricted and phased out, the mineral can still be found in older products and materials, posing a risk for workers today. In addition, because of mesothelioma’s long latency period, many workers are just now being diagnosed decades after their exposure to asbestos.
Occupations
Countless blue-collar workers in Jackson County have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos exposure was particularly common for factory workers, mill workers, and workers who handled construction materials.
Occupations most at risk for asbestos exposure in Medford and Jackson County include the following:
Mechanics
Because of its resistance to heat and fire, asbestos was commonly used in auto parts through most of the 20th century. Thus, mechanics were frequently exposed to asbestos until the government began regulating its use.
Asbestos was used in car parts to resist heat and friction and prevent fires. While car parts are no longer manufactured with asbestos in the United States, older cars and components, imported cars, and after-market car parts may still contain the material, continuing to put mechanics at risk.
Pulp & Paper Mill Workers
Oregon is home to many pulp factories, paper mills, and lumber plants. Pipes, gaskets, and boilers at these mills often included asbestos insulation. Many substances commonly used in paper production, such as felt and talc, often contained asbestos. In some cases, raw asbestos was used in the paper-making process. Thus, mill workers were often exposed to asbestos, and many have developed mesothelioma.
Demolition and Construction Workers
Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 1980s. While regulations have since banned many uses of the mineral, it is still found in older buildings and materials. Thus, demolition and construction workers still face a significant risk of asbestos exposure.
Roofing materials, siding, shingles, insulation, flooring, pipe coatings, cement, joint compound, wallboard, and other construction materials contained asbestos. Asbestos becomes dangerous when its microscopic fibers become airborne, where they can be inhaled or ingested. Thus, construction and demolition workers are at particular risk when asbestos-containing materials are installed, cut, moved, or otherwise disturbed.
Electricians
Electricians regularly handle a wide range of products commonly insulated with asbestos. These include cords, electrical panels, junction boxes, and capacitors. Given its fireproof properties, asbestos was once an ideal insulator for electrical components, reducing the risk of electrical fires in the home and elsewhere. However, asbestos use in electrical parts came at the cost of many electricians’ health and safety as they were frequently exposed to the toxic mineral.
Plumbers & Pipefitters
Before the health hazards became public, plumbing materials and piping components often contained asbestos. Asbestos was used in pipe repair patches, gaskets, cement products, pipe insulation, rope and packing, and protective sprays. Thus, plumbers and pipefitters were almost certainly exposed to asbestos on the job until its use was regulated and restricted.
Firefighters
For decades, asbestos was used in firefighting equipment as a fireproofing agent. It was commonly woven into the fabric of firefighting uniforms, meaning that firefighters were constantly exposed to it. Even simply moving while wearing asbestos-laced personal protective equipment could disturb the fibers, enabling firefighters to inhale them.
While firefighting equipment is no longer manufactured with asbestos, older equipment might still contain the mineral. In addition, when older buildings with asbestos-containing materials burn, they release asbestos fibers into the air, exposing firefighters to the material.
Insulators
Asbestos was often used in insulation because of its heat resistance, fireproof qualities, and durability. Thus, insulation workers have frequently handled asbestos-containing insulation on the job. Many older buildings still contain asbestos insulation, exposing insulators daily even today.
HVAC Workers
HVAC workers are exposed on the job to many of the same asbestos-containing construction materials that sickened electricians, insulators, plumbers, pipefitters, and construction workers. They commonly handle pipes, spackling, insulation, flooring, electrical components, and all the other construction materials used in HVAC systems. Those who work on older buildings and systems that contain the material are still at risk for exposure today.
Request Your Free Consultation With a Medford Mesothelioma Attorney
If you have developed an asbestos-related disease and believe you were exposed to the hazardous material at a Medford-area job site or elsewhere in Oregon, a skilled Medford mesothelioma attorney can explain your rights and legal options. You may qualify to claim compensation for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We can even file a wrongful death claim for families that have lost a loved one to mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
If you’re suffering from mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease, don’t wait to pursue justice. At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we understand the toll a difficult medical diagnosis can take on a family. We will guide you through the legal process with patience and compassion and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (503) 447-6230 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and learn about your options.
520 Pike St. #1125
Seattle, WA 98101
206-957-9510
1355 NW Everett St.
Suite 100
Portland, OR 97204
503-447-6230
