Asbestos Exposure

Georgia-Pacific and the Texas Two Step: Billions for Stockholders, Nothing for Asbestos Victims

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Those who claim that Georgia-Pacific, a worldwide paper and building products manufacturer, caused them to suffer from asbestos-related diseases are stuck in years-long battles with the company. This is thanks to a bankruptcy technique that may let a company making billions of dollars continue operating while avoiding financial responsibility.

The Guardian reports that Koch Industries, the company that owns Georgia-Pacific, relies on this court process to stifle legal claims while lobbying in state legislatures to limit asbestos injury lawsuits. The company bought Georgia-Pacific in 2005. It faces more than 60,000 asbestos lawsuits due to claims of exposure to asbestos-containing drywall products.

Asbestos Defendant Plays the Waiting Game

It stopped paying claims in 2017, thanks to a corporate move allowed under Texas law, the Texas Two-Step. The company split off its liabilities, which are the responsibility of a new company, Bestwall, LLC. They filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017, stopping further asbestos-related legal matters. Georgia-Pacific retained all its other assets and liabilities, and functions as if nothing had happened.

The Texas Two-Step Helps Corporations, Hurts Those Injured by Asbestos

Georgia-Pacific, which also makes Dixie cups and Brawny paper towels, is profitable. Koch Industries received $2.5 billion in dividends and $5 billion in dividends since Bestwall’s creation.

Law firms and companies using this approach to shed their legal responsibilities claim this liability diversion is the best way to pay victims fairly. Plaintiffs’ attorneys complain about extensive delays in many cases where their clients are dying. It’s also a way to escape claims the company could be liable to pay but for the fancy legal footwork.

Georgia-Pacific asbestos victims will not receive anything during pending appeals, and the bankruptcy process (if the court does not dismiss it) results in a final plan to pay claimants. Last January, a court ruled against Johnson & Johnson’s attempt to limit cancer lawsuit recoveries due to its talcum powder products using the same bankruptcy approach. The plaintiffs’ attorneys are working towards the same goal in this case.

Despite the freeze in claims, lawyers and legal consultants continue their work for Bestwall, LLC/Georgia-Pacific. In December, the bankruptcy court approved paying them more than $24 million.

Have You or A Loved One Been Injured?

Call us toll-free at 855-385-9532 today, or contact us online to set up a free consultation with a Satterley & Kelley, PLLC lawyer.

Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma

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Chemotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for mesothelioma and over 80% of all cancer patients undergo chemo at some point. It is considered a first-line mesothelioma treatment, and can reduce tumors in around 40% of mesothelioma patients.

It can be daunting for mesothelioma patients to be told that they need chemotherapy. After a mesothelioma diagnosis patients find it empowering and comforting to inform themselves about the treatment, so they can know exactly how it works and how it is helping to fight their cancer.

In this article, we will explain the important points about chemotherapy and how it is used to treat mesothelioma. You can use this knowledge to prepare yourself for your chemotherapy treatments.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy (or “chemo”) is a class of powerful cytotoxic (cancer-fighting) drugs that damage and kill rapidly multiplying cells, like the cancer cells that make up tumors. They are used to slow or stop tumor growth and the spread of cancer throughout the body (metastasis).

Since chemotherapy drugs target any quickly multiplying cells, they may damage healthy cells as well as cancer cells, often causing side effects. However, overall, chemotherapy can extend survival and improve quality of life for many cancer patients.

How is Chemotherapy Used to Treat Mesothelioma?

Chemotherapy can help mesothelioma patients in several important ways, most of which involve shrinking tumors and stopping tumor growth. This can be used therapeutically (to improve prognosis and lifespan), or as part of palliative care (to manage mesothelioma symptoms, especially pressure and pain from tumors, and improve quality of life).

Chemotherapy can be used at several different points in mesothelioma treatment. It may be used as a first-line treatment, the main treatment used to treat a mesothelioma patient, or a second-line treatment, which is used if a first-line treatment stops working. It can also be used as:

  • Neoadjuvant therapy, used before a first-line cancer treatment (e.g., using chemotherapy to shrink a tumor before surgery or radiation)
  • Intra-operative treatment, infused directly into the affected area immediately after tumor-removal surgery to kill off any remaining cells (e.g., HIPEC)
  • Adjuvant therapy, used after a first-line treatment to sustain beneficial effects (e.g., maintenance chemotherapy after surgery or radiation to prevent mesothelioma cells from growing back).

Often, chemotherapy is used as part of a multi-modal mesothelioma treatment, as one of several treatments used together. It may be used alongside treatments like radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and TTFields, among others. Using chemotherapy with other forms of treatment can make those treatments more effective, and vice versa.

Does Chemotherapy Cure Mesothelioma?

No, chemotherapy is not a cure for mesothelioma.

Chemo is typically an effective way to treat mesothelioma by:

  • Shrinking tumors
  • Slowing cancer growth
  • Relieve symptoms associated with mesothelioma

Results of chemotherapy are typically more effective when combined with other forms of treatment.

According to a study published in the British Journal of Cancer, newer combinations have shown tumor shrinkage in up to 45% of patients (compared to just 10 to 30% with older chemo drugs).

Read more about mesothelioma survival rates here.

What Types of Chemotherapy Drugs Are Used for Mesothelioma Patients?

A number of different chemotherapy drugs are used to treat mesothelioma, each of which has their own unique properties. Mesothelioma treatment often utilizes several types of chemo drugs, which can be more effective than using a single drug.

Your mesothelioma care team will decide which chemotherapy drugs are right for you based on factors like:

  • Your mesothelioma type and staging
  • Your age and overall health
  • Your allergies
  • Previous treatments you may have received, and their effectiveness
  • Potential side effects, treatment goals, and your quality of life

The most common chemotherapy drugs used for mesothelioma are cisplatin and pemetrexed (Alimta or Pemfexy). This combination is considered the first-line chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma. Due to cisplatin’s harsh side effects, some patients may receive carboplatin instead, which is a similar drug with less severe side effects.

Other types of chemo drugs used for mesothelioma treatment include:

  • Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), which is sometimes used to support other chemotherapies.
  • Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and mitomycin C, which are often used during cytoreductive HIPEC surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma
  • Gemcitabine (Gemzar), which can improve life expectancy in some late-stage mesothelioma patients.
  • Vinorelbine (Navelbine) and Paclitaxel, “antimicrotubule agents” that attack cancer cell proteins and are often used alongside cisplatin.
  • Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) and Irinotecan, which interferes with cancer cell DNA replication and can slow mesothelioma cell growth in some cases.
  • Epirubicin, which can be used in some cases as a second-line palliative care treatment.

How is chemotherapy administered?

There are several ways to administer chemotherapy, depending on a patient’s needs.

Systemic Chemotherapy

Most patients receive systemic chemotherapy, which is administered multiple times on a set schedule (referred to as a “course” of treatment). It is most commonly delivered through intravenous (IV) infusion, wherein the drug is delivered into the bloodstream, usually over several hours.

Systemic IV infusions may be delivered through:

  • Needles: Inserted into a vein in the hand or lower arm and removed the same day after the infusion session.
  • Intra-Arterial (IA) Catheters: Thin tubes inserted into an artery or large vein that is feeding the cancer, usually in the chest. Catheters generally remain in place until the multiple-session treatment cycle is completed.
  • Ports: Small discs surgically implanted under the skin that are linked to a catheter, usually in the chest. Needles may be inserted into the port to administer chemotherapy or draw blood.
  • Pumps: Machines attached to ports or catheters that disperse a controlled amount of chemotherapy drugs into the body at timed intervals.

Some chemotherapy drugs, such as certain forms of pemetrexed, can also be delivered via injection, which takes less time than infusion. Others may be administered to mesothelioma patients via capsule or pill.

Local Chemotherapy

The other major type of chemotherapy for mesothelioma is local chemotherapy, which is delivered directly to the affected area rather than going through the bloodstream. This can be more effective for certain types of mesothelioma and can have fewer side effects for some patients.

The main type of local chemotherapy used for mesothelioma is Heated Intraoperative Chemotherapy (HIOC), in which heated liquid chemotherapy is administered directly into the abdomen or chest cavity, immediately after tumor removal surgery (cytoreductive surgery, or CRS).

After surgeons remove as much of the tumor and affected tissue as possible, the area is rinsed with heated chemo drugs, often with a specialized pump, to kill any remaining cancer cells. A drain is also installed to help remove the fluid after treatment.

The most common forms of HIOC are:

  • Hypothermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), a first-line treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma.
  • Hypothermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy (HITHOC), most often used to treat pleural mesothelioma.

How Often Will I Have to Go to Chemotherapy?

Most chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles of 3 to 6 weeks, each consisting of several infusions, with rest periods in between.

On pemetrexed and cisplatin, the most common chemotherapy combination for mesothelioma patients, infusions are given every 21 days.

After around two cycles, your mesothelioma care team will evaluate how the drug is working. If it is working, they may continue your regimen; if it isn’t working, or if there are intolerable side effects, they may adjust dosages, or switch to another drug.

How to Prepare For Chemotherapy

  • Arrange caregiving assistance. During chemotherapy, you may need assistance with activities of daily living. Try to make arrangements in advance by asking friends or family members to help with specific tasks or care needs. You can always adjust your requests as your needs become clearer.
  • Get a dental checkup. Before you start chemotherapy, try to schedule an appointment with a chemotherapy-experienced dentist. They may be able to identify and address infections or other issues, reducing the risk of oral and dental side effects.
  • Take care of your body and mind. Take steps to reduce physical and mental stress in the days before and after your chemotherapy sessions. Focus on eating nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water, and getting a full night’s sleep.
  • Chemo-proof your home. Chemotherapy side effects often put mesothelioma patients at increased risk of injuring themselves. It may help to go through your house and eliminate physical risks (e.g., covering or blunting sharp corners and removing slipping hazards).
  • Plan for side effects and take advantage of palliative care: While you won’t know your side effects for sure until you experience them, it’s often helpful to plan for the most common effects in advance.
  • Prepare or arrange for meals in advance. During chemotherapy, mesothelioma patients often lack the energy to prepare meals for themselves. Many find it helpful to prepare or arrange for meal delivery in advance to make eating as easy as possible.
  • Stay away from people who are sick or may be sick. Remember that you will be very immunocompromised during chemo and should therefore avoid interaction with anyone who is sick or may be sick. You may want to cancel plans that involve large crowds, especially during COVID-19 surges and cold/flu seasons.

What are the main steps of the chemotherapy process?

Generally speaking, there are three main steps associated with the chemotherapy process for mesothelioma treatment:

Step 1 – Consultation

The chemotherapy process starts with a meeting with your mesothelioma care team to discuss your chemotherapy regimen and how it fits in with your treatment goals. This is your time to address any questions and concerns, and many patients find it helpful to make a list beforehand.

It may also be helpful to bring a trusted companion to help you advocate for yourself and record important information.

During your consultation, your care team may also conduct preliminary testing or imaging. They may also install a catheter (a tube inserted into a major artery that remains in place for the duration of your chemotherapy), or a port (a round metal or plastic disk inserted under the skin). Catheters and ports make repeated chemotherapy sessions quicker, easier, and less painful to administer.

Step 2 – Infusions

Your chemotherapy will likely consist of several infusions, in which chemotherapy drugs are delivered into your body through an IV (or through your catheter or port). Chemotherapy infusions are generally given in hospitals, cancer centers, or other outpatient treatment centers, and do not require inpatient care. Infusions range in length, but most take several hours.

You may want to bring a companion with you to your first chemotherapy session. In addition to emotional support, they can also make sure you get home safe.

When you first come for your infusion, you may have a brief wait, as chemotherapy drugs are generally prepared to order for each patient. When your infusion is ready, a nurse will help you get settled and place all necessary lines. They may give you fluids or other premedication to help with side effects.

During infusions, you will usually be seated in a comfortable chair, attached to an IV bag of medicine which will be delivered into your body over several hours. You may want to bring your computer, phone, tablet, books, or craft projects with you to pass the time, as well as pillows and blankets in case you’d like to nap.

Step 3 – Post-Infusion

Once the infusion is complete, you may be kept briefly to monitor for serious adverse reactions. After treatment, make sure to get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid people who may be sick, and eat nutritious meals if possible.

Side effects may occur immediately or in the following weeks or months. It is often helpful to write down your side effects as they occur.

Common Chemotherapy Side Effects (and What You Can Do About them)

Chemotherapy has a large range of side effects which vary from patient to patient. Chemo works against mesothelioma by targeting rapidly multiplying cells, as are found in mesothelioma tumors.

However, the process may also damage healthy cells that multiply rapidly, especially in bone marrow, hair follicles, skin, and the linings of the mouth and intestines, among other areas. This is largely what causes chemotherapy side effects.

Nausea, Vomiting, GI Issues

In addition to nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhea are also common side effects of chemotherapy.

Anti-nausea and GI medications can be administered before, during, and after treatment. You may also try complementary therapies like meditation and somatic exercises.

Mouth and Throat Sores (Mucositis)

Brush your teeth several times a day with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft toothbrush or a sponge on a stick. Gargle with baking soda rinse (½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of baking soda in a glass of water). Choose foods that are soft, lukewarm, and non-acidic.

Lack of Appetite, Taste changes, and Weight loss

It’s normal for mesothelioma patients to experience weight loss and lack of appetite. But it’s something that should be addressed, as this can make you weaker and make treatments less effective.

Focus on eating high-calorie, high-protein foods, and eat 4-6 small meals a day. Experiment to find food that’s appetizing and utilize nutrition shakes.

You can also check out our full guide on nutrition and mesothelioma.

Fatigue, Cognitive Effects, and “Chemo Brain”

Chemotherapy often causes fatigue (abnormal exhaustion not resolved with rest), as well as “chemo brain”, cognitive changes including impaired thinking, memory, and attention, mental fogginess, and difficulty speaking clearly or finding the right words.

Consult with your care team about potential medication adjustments and check for vitamin deficiencies. Get healthy sleep, socialization, and as much exercise as possible. Stick to a daily routine, utilize memory supports (i.e., writing things down or having others remind you), and do cognitive exercises (i.e., challenging games like crossword puzzles and Wordle).

Hair Loss

Some chemotherapy drugs may cause hair loss, usually starting within weeks of your first treatment, and continuing for several weeks after your last treatment. Some patients experience scalp irritation or itchiness during hair loss.

Some patients use a scalp cooling cap during infusions, which may reduce follicle damage and hair loss. Consider shaving your head early in the process to reduce itching as hair falls out.

Headaches, Muscle Aches, and Soreness

Pursue palliative care with your mesothelioma team. They may adjust your chemo regimen, address other underlying medical issues, or prescribe medication, nerve blocks, PT, or other pain-relief therapies.

Skin Issues

Dry skin, itchy skin, and redness are all common side effects of chemo. Discoloration, rashes, peeling, and photosensitivity are also common.

Use sunscreen and gentle moisturizer to protect your skin. Avoid direct exposure to the sun. Use cool washcloths or colloidal oatmeal baths in lukewarm water. Ask about corticosteroids or antibiotics in severe cases.

Rare and More Severe Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Some side effects of chemotherapy are somewhat rarer but can be much more serious and can cause longer lasting and potentially permanent issues.

You should always consult your mesothelioma care team about these symptoms, including:

Peripheral Neuropathy

Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) that may lead to hearing loss, loss of balance, and problems seeing, hearing, or walking normally, as well as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, hot-and-cold sensitivity, and weakness in the hands and feet.

For some patients, symptoms only last for a short time after treatment. For others, symptoms can last much longer and may potentially become permanent.

Symptoms can also worsen over time, and chemotherapy drugs must often be adjusted to avoid doing additional nerve damage. Always inform your mesothelioma care team if you experience any of these symptoms.

Heart Problems

Some chemotherapy medications may damage the heart, causing associated cardiac problems. Older mesothelioma patients (those aged 60+) are more vulnerable to chemo-related heart issues.

Your doctor should test your heart before, during, and after treatment to monitor your cardiac health.

Blood Disorders

Chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, which is the tissue inside bones that makes new blood cells. As such, during chemotherapy, mesothelioma patients generally don’t produce enough blood cells.

This can cause conditions requiring medical attention. These include:

  • Anemia (caused by too few red blood cells, with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath).
  • Leukopenia (increased chance of infection, caused by too few white blood cells).
  • Thrombocytopenia (caused by too few blood platelets, which can cause easy bruising or bleeding).

Your doctor will continually check your blood cell counts using tests called the complete blood count (CBC) and the platelet count. Blood cell counts usually return to normal after chemotherapy but must be addressed if they do not do so.

Your doctor and your mesothelioma care team will be available to you throughout your chemotherapy journey. If you are confused or concerned about your symptoms, the course of your treatment, and the chemotherapy process in general, reach out to your care team.

Are you or a loved one looking for more information about mesothelioma lawsuits? Call us at 855-385-9532, locally 502-589-5600, or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with a Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyer.

Commercial Truck Accidents and Tires

Commercial Truck Accidents and Tires: Where the Rubber May Not Hit the Road

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If you own a vehicle, you should know how vital decent tires are to get from one place to another safely. If your tires are worn thin, unevenly, or not correctly inflated, you may blow a tire or lose traction in poor weather. Now, imagine you’re driving a commercial truck that may be twenty times your vehicle’s weight. What kind of harm might bad tires cause?

What’s the Link Between Bad Tires and Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Commercial truck accident cases typically involve truck collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicyclists. The fact there’s a collision isn’t enough to show the truck driver or the company hiring them or owning the truck must compensate a victim for their injuries and related costs.

To successfully sue them or pursue a claim against their insurance carrier, you, the accident victim (the plaintiff), must show they’re negligent. Under Kentucky law, negligence is proven when the evidence shows it’s more likely than not that:

  • Because of the relationship between you and the defendant(s), which could include the driver, the driver’s employer, the truck’s owner, or anyone who serviced or maintained the truck, they owed you a legal obligation or duty to do or not do something given the situation. The duty requires defendants to put a reasonably safe truck on the road, to reasonably maintain it, and drive it reasonably safely (which can include checking the truck and trailer to make sure it’s safe before starting a trip). For example, allowing bald or dangerously defective tires to be on a truck on a public road or highway would breach the defendant’s duty to you and others on the road.
  • Their breach or failure of that obligation or duty is the factual and legal (or proximate) cause of your accident
  • It resulted in your physical, financial, psychological, or emotional harm
  • Under Kentucky law, the defendant(s) must pay you damages (a measurement of your harm in dollars)

A failure to safely maintain a truck can involve several critical systems beyond tires, including brakes, steering, and the engine. Whether a system is essential in a case depends on whether it played a role in your crash and injury.

How Might Defective Commercial Truck Tires Cause an Accident?

Some potential problems with commercial truck tires include:

  • Blowouts: They occur when a tire suddenly loses air pressure, leading to a rapid and often explosive failure. Causes can include overloading, underinflation, or road hazards. They may cause a loss of control, the truck may roll over or jackknife, especially at higher speeds
  • Underinflation: Insufficient air pressure can lead to increased heat buildup, uneven wear, and an increased blowout risk. This may be gradually happening due to something penetrating or cutting the tire. A driver should inspect the tires before starting a trip and find out if they’re underinflated
  • Overinflation: Overinflated tires decrease traction, cause uneven wear, and blowouts. The truck’s owner or another company hired to maintain the truck should not overinflate the tires
  • Tread depth: Tires with insufficient tread depth or too much wear will limit traction, especially in bad weather conditions. Tread depth should be regularly checked to ensure the tires are safe. A truck owner desperate to cut costs may push back tire replacement to save some money, but it makes the truck less safe
  • Tread separation: If a tire’s tread separates from its casing, it can cause a loss of control, especially at high speeds. Manufacturing defects, poor tire maintenance, or overloading can lead to tread separation
  • Sidewall damage: Damage to the sidewall from impacts, cuts, or abrasions can compromise the tire’s integrity. Such damage may cause tire failure and loss of control
  • Punctures: Tires may be punctured by nails, screws, and other road debris. Regular inspections and prompt repairs can prevent small punctures from escalating into more significant issues, which could cause a blowout at high speed
  • Overloading: Exceeding the tire’s recommended load capacity can cause heat buildup, accelerated wear, and increase the risk of a blowout
  • Mismatched tires: Tires with different tread patterns, sizes, or load capacities on the same axle can cause handling issues
  • Mounting the wrong tire: Selecting tires that are unsuitable for the truck, weather conditions, or road type can lead to performance problems and reduced safety
  • Aging and deterioration: Tires degrade over time. Sunlight, temperature changes, and the effects of aging can reduce tire performance and increase the risk of failure

Regular tire maintenance, including proper inflation, routine inspections, and repairs or replacements, is essential to prevent potential tire problems and accidents.

Bad Tires May Just Be Part of the Problem

Imperfect tires may function to an extent, but their faults may be exposed in an emergency, which could be caused by a fatigued or distracted driver:

  • The driver may be speeding, slam on the brakes, and be unable to stop in time, or the tires might blowout
  • The driver may go too fast for conditions when roads are covered in water or snow, increasing the risk of an accident when a truck’s tires don’t have enough tread to push the water or snow out of the way
  • High temperatures and speed can put extra strain on tires

Often, there are multiple truck accident causes. Bad tires may be the main or a contributing factor.

Speak To A Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you are injured in a collision with a commercial truck or another vehicle in Kentucky, Satterley & Kelley PLLC can and will help you handle legal matters with confidence. Put boots on the ground with our help.

Schedule a free initial consultation at our office in Louisville by calling 855-385-9532 or completing our contact form today.

Commercial Truck Lawsuits

Why are Commercial Trucks So Dangerous?

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Although commercial trucks are involved in a fraction of the accidents on Kentucky roads, they can do far more damage than private vehicles. For many reasons, you should be wary and alert when driving near or around a commercial truck. It may be the difference between getting to your destination safely or ending your day in a hospital.

Kentucky Commercial Truck Accidents by the Numbers

More than 80 million tons of cargo are transported on Kentucky roads annually, according to the Kentucky Trucking Association (KTA). As of 2015, the state had 28,000 commercial truck drivers, and more than 10,000 companies operated commercial trucks.

There were 130,042 reported vehicle collisions in Kentucky in 2022, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports. Fatal injuries occurred in 711 of these accidents, with nonfatal injuries in 19,572 crashes. Commercial trucks were involved in 86 fatal collisions and 1,351 accidents, causing injuries.

Nationally, about 5% of all registered vehicles are commercial trucks, according to the American Trucking Associations. If that’s true for Kentucky, they’re doing more than their fair share of harm, given their involvement in 12% of fatal accidents and almost 7% of crashes causing injuries.

What Makes Commercial Trucks Dangerous?


There are several reasons why commercial trucks are potentially more hazardous than other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.

1. Size and Weight

Commercial trucks pose a heightened risk primarily because of their size, weight, and physics. These vehicles may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, about twenty times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. The momentum generated by a commercial truck can make it more difficult for trucks to stop or maneuver swiftly compared to passenger vehicles. This increases the chances of a crash, especially in emergencies.

2. Severe and Fatal Injuries are More Likely

Because the mass of a commercial truck is far greater, the energy it sends into another vehicle is much more than if a passenger vehicle is involved in a crash. That energy is released when the vehicle collapses and bends. It also goes into occupants when they are rapidly pushed and pulled into their seatbelts or the vehicle’s interior, causing injuries.
If you’re going to be struck at a particular angle and the other vehicle travels a given speed, you’re probably better off being hit by another passenger vehicle. It’s like the difference in the injury you’ll get if you drop a one-pound weight onto your foot and drop one weighing twenty pounds.

3. Limited Visibility

Commercial truck drivers usually have limited visibility of what’s around them. Due to their size and design, truck drivers often have blind spots, areas around the vehicle where other vehicles are not easily visible. If a truck driver can’t see a vehicle in a blind spot and changes lanes into it, the truck can sideswipe it unless the other driver gets out of the way.

4. Braking Distance

Due to their weight and size, commercial trucks have much longer braking distances than smaller vehicles. When a truck driver applies the brakes, the time and distance for the vehicle to come to a complete stop is substantially longer than a passenger vehicle. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

5. Fatigue and Driver Distraction

Long hours on the road without proper rest are a hazard for anyone behind the wheel. While driving for hours may be unusual for most of us, it can be a daily occurrence for a commercial truck driver.
Fatigue impairs cognitive functions and slows reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It can also lead to driver distraction as they try to stay alert and engaged. A tired driver may also fall asleep, which can be deadly even when their eyes shut for a few seconds.

6. Cargo Shift and Improper Loading

Improper loading or a cargo shift can lead to a loss of control and potential accidents. The truck may be more difficult to steer and fall on its side. Improperly secured cargo may also fall off a trailer or truck bed and hit vehicles behind it. Other drivers may hit their brakes or try to steer around the cargo, causing collisions with others.

7. Poor Weather Conditions

Due to their weight and size, commercial trucks are particularly vulnerable to bad weather conditions. Roads covered in water, snow, or ice, and strong winds can impact the truck’s stability, making it harder for the driver to control the vehicle. A semi-truck could jackknife, slide between lanes, and take an extra-long distance and time to come to a stop.

Speak To A Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is killed or injured in a collision with a commercial truck in Kentucky, you may have a right to compensation for the harm you suffered. Satterley & Kelley PLLC can and will help you confidently handle legal matters, including insurance claims and litigation.
Get the help you deserve from our attorneys. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling our Louisville office at 855-385-9532 or completing our contact form today.

Keep Your Hands Up and Step Away From Social Media

Personal Injury Lawsuits: Keep Your Hands Up and Step Away From Social Media

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There’s a good chance you use social media. You may not post much, or you use it to constantly document your life., Perhaps you are  somewhere in between. No matter how much you use social media, you should stay off it or strictly limit your use if you’re involved in a personal injury matter. The more you post (or respond to others’ posts), the greater the risk you’ll hurt your case and recovery.

Social media has benefits, especially if you’re injured, unable to work, and isolated at home. It’s a way to see the outside world, stay in touch with friends and family, and keep your spirits up. But loose social media lips sink cases.

Nothing You Post on Social Media is Private

Your account might be public, so anyone on the platform may see your posts, whether that’s what you write or share or the photos or videos you include. Someone checking them out could be an investigator working for the insurance company considering your claim. They love social media because they can see into your world from the comfort of their office chair. Depending on your post, you may give them a lot of damaging information.

Even if you’re on a platform where you’re anonymous or in a private group, they can still see what you’re posting. During the litigation process, each side makes discovery requests to each other. That can include access to, or copies of, your social media posts.

If you think you posted something that’s not good for your case, don’t delete or change it (but let us know about it). That would be considered spoliation of evidence, which means you’ve destroyed or altered evidence. Judges take this very seriously. Doing that could result in your case’s dismissal.

Your Posts May Show You’re a Liar

Credibility is like gold in personal injury cases. You can damage it if we tell the insurance company one thing, but your posts tell them something else. Your claim and lawsuit will describe how the accident injured you and how these injuries impact you.

If you paint a very grim picture of being very limited and in pain to us, which we relay to the insurance carrier, but you discuss an active lifestyle and post photos and videos of you engaged in physical activities, you’ve essentially set your case on fire.

An investigator following a plaintiff would love to get photos or videos of someone supposedly very limited by an injury, mowing their lawn, going for walks, or actively having a good time with friends. If you post those things, you deliver damaging evidence to the insurance company. There’s no need for an investigator to leave their office.

You may hurt your case even if you don’t post about having the time of your life or you’re training for a marathon. Just posting something that can be interpreted as you being healthier than you claim can be a problem.

Admissions of Fault

Whether you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, the burden is on you to prove the other party is at fault (or liable) and you’ve suffered harm (or damages) due to the accident. Posts about your active life will harm your credibility and damages claims.

If you post anything about the accident where you directly or indirectly say you’re to blame in some way, it will not only add a nail or two to your credibility’s coffin, it will make it more difficult to show the other party’s liable, and it can impact how much damages you may recover (due to comparative negligence).

Limit, if Not Cease, Your Social Media Posts

You should stop posting to end any risks social media may pose to your case. If you can’t go cold turkey, remember that the insurance company will see everything you post. Don’t post anything that can hurt your case.

You could discuss other things. Post recipes, discuss NASCAR or your religion (if they’re not one and the same), what your kids are up to, politics,  basketball, or the weather. Just don’t go near anything that could impact your case, whether through a written post, a response to someone else’s post, a photo, or a video.

This applies not only to social media but also to any communication you have with others. Anyone you speak to about what happened or your injuries could be questioned by an insurance investigator or attorney. If they disclose something relevant, the insurance company could call them as witnesses.

You Must be Honest with Us If We Take Your Case

Social media posts can expose dishonest people involved in accidents. They may try to invent an injury, try to exaggerate its effects, or state things that are untrue about an accident’s cause. If you’re one of those people, don’t contact us because we don’t want your case. Our integrity and reputation are worth far more than what we might earn working on it.

Speak To a Satterley & Kelley, PLLC Personal Injury Attorney Today

If someone else’s negligence injures you or a loved one, Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyers can protect your interests and legal rights to compensation. Call our Louisville office at 855-385-9532 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.

How Does Kentucky Vehicle Insurance Work

How Does Kentucky Vehicle Insurance Work?

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Kentucky’s auto insurance system is designed to keep low-value vehicle accident claims out of court while allowing those more seriously injured to litigate their case. If you’re involved in an accident, you may find paying for coverage beyond the required minimums was a good investment.

What is a “Choice No-Fault” Insurance System?

Kentucky is one of twelve states with a no-fault insurance system that allows individuals to opt out of them. Under a no-fault system, drivers use their vehicle insurance policy to compensate for medical costs and other financial losses caused by an accident, no matter who is at fault, up to the coverage limit. A benefit to this approach is you may get some coverage relatively quickly, without going to court, because there’s no need for an investigation into fault and liability.

Kentucky’s no-fault insurance comes with “personal injury protection” (PIP), whose minimum coverage is $10,000 for:

  • Medical bills caused by your accident injuries
  • Lost pay due to missed time at work
  • Expenses due to the accident

This minimum coverage doesn’t include vehicle damage or compensation for pain and suffering caused by your injuries. PIP covers you, the passengers in your vehicle, and the pedestrians and bicyclists you may strike with it.

If you can afford it, you should pay a higher premium when you buy vehicle insurance  to increase PIP coverage because you could quickly surpass the $10,000 limit. You need to use PIP coverage whether or not you or the other driver is at fault. If another party caused the accident, your carrier will seek reimbursement from their insurer.

Can I Reject No-Fault Insurance?

In Kentucky, vehicle liability coverage is mandatory, but you can choose not to participate in the no-fault system. If you’re injured in an accident caused by another driver, you won’t have PIP coverage, but you can file a lawsuit against them. You can also be sued if you injure someone in a vehicle accident.

Your rejection of no-fault coverage must be written or on a specific form filed with Kentucky’s Department of Insurance.

Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?

PIP recoveries are limited and won’t be enough for more severe accidents. You can go beyond this system and file legal claims against responsible parties when the accident causes:

  • At least $1,000 in medical bills, or
  • Your permanent disfigurement; a broken weight-bearing bone; any bone fracture that’s compressed, compound, or displaced; a permanent injury or lost bodily function

If you don’t meet the injury requirements, given our healthcare system, it doesn’t take much to reach, if not exceed the $1,000 limit in medical costs. After these thresholds are met, you can seek compensation beyond the no-fault insurance coverage limits. This can cover emotional distress, pain and suffering, non-economic losses, and property damage.

PIP won’t cover you if your trip was work-related. If you own a business, you should have commercial insurance coverage for that situation. If you work for someone else and are injured, file a workers’ compensation claim. Legal action against the at-fault party may be an option.

What are Other Requirements?

You must pay for at least a minimal amount of liability coverage. This applies to claims for injuries and vehicle damage suffered by others who blame you for the accident. The minimum coverage in Kentucky is:

  • $25,000 for injuries per person, per accident
  • $50,000 for all injuries caused in an accident you caused
  • $10,000 for property damage due to an accident you caused

These figures mean that your insurance carrier will cover your liabilities up to these amounts. You’ll need to pay anything beyond them.

Like PIP, buy more liability coverage if you can afford it. If you cause an accident and there are multiple occupants in the other vehicle, the value of their injuries can easily go beyond $50,000. Depending on the car you hit, it may not be difficult to cause at least $10,000 in mechanical and or body damage.

What Coverage That’s Not Required Should I Buy?

Additional coverage for accident-related medical bills is worth considering, especially if you lack health insurance, your health insurance coverage is not very good, or you have high deductibles.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage  protects if the accident is caused by someone who lacks insurance or their coverage isn’t enough to cover your losses. It also goes into effect if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident and the other driver’s identity and insurance coverage are unknown.

Speak With An Experienced Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer

Satterley & Kelley, PLLC has represented vehicle accident victims for decades. Discuss your case with a knowledgeable Louisville attorney by contacting our law offices online or calling us at 855-385-9532.

Commercial Truck Lawsuits

Unsafe Tires and Winter Weather Make Truck Accidents More Likely

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This is not the new math. It’s as old as commercial trucks and tires, which started traveling the roads in the early 1900s. If a commercial truck strikes your vehicle (especially if the roads are slick), unsafe, worn tires may be to blame. Using overly-worn tires and not replacing them is good evidence of negligence.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a family member are injured in a Kentucky truck accident. Contact Satterley & Kelley PLLC online or by telephone at 855-385-9532 to schedule your free initial consultation.

A Perfectly Functional Truck and an Experienced Driver May Not Prevent an Accident Caused by Unsafe Tires

Commercial trucks crisscross our state’s and nation’s highways daily, transporting goods to their destinations. These massive vehicles play a crucial role in keeping our economy moving. But a potential danger lurks beneath them – worn-out tires. In adverse weather conditions such as rain, ice, or snow, they can be a ticking time bomb, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Tire treads are designed to provide traction and grip on the road surface, especially in wet or snowy conditions. Over time, tires rack up miles, and their treads wear down. Worn tires make bad driving situations worse.

Slip Sliding Away

The reduced tread depth diminishes the tire’s ability to push water and snow away, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. This occurs when a layer of water lies between the tire and the road, so the truck isn’t traveling on pavement but on water. This lost contact with the pavement and lack of traction can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially causing a catastrophic accident.

In icy conditions, worn commercial truck tires struggle to grip slippery surfaces, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely. Even with the best anti-lock braking systems and traction control, the compromised traction from worn tires increases the stopping distance. It makes it difficult for drivers to respond effectively to sudden changes on the road. They may be unable to avoid accidents and strike what’s in front of them or cause a jackknife accident.

Regular maintenance and inspections are required to reduce the risks of worn commercial truck tires. Trucking companies and drivers should adhere to recommended tire replacement schedules and monitor tread depth closely. Investing in quality tires with deep treads designed for all-weather conditions can significantly enhance safety on the road.

Truck Tires and Negligence

Unless there’s evidence of an intentional act, personal injury cases (like those involving car and truck accidents) are based on the negligence legal theory. You, the plaintiff (the injured party filing the lawsuit), have the burden of showing that the defendant(s) (the party or parties being sued) was/were negligent in causing the accident and resulting injuries.

To do that, the plaintiff must establish:

  • There was a relationship between the parties: you shared the road with the truck and driver at the time and place in question
  • The defendant(s) owed you a duty of care because of that relationship: the driver had to drive reasonably safely in a reasonably safe commercial truck provided by the trucking company
  • The defendant breached or violated that duty of care: The driver failed to do a safety inspection before driving the truck, did one but didn’t look at the tires, or looked at the tires and ignored how dangerously worn they were. The trucking company wasn’t regularly inspecting the truck, or if it did, its employee failed to look at the tires or looked at them and reported they should be replaced, but the company refused
  • That breach of duty is the factual and legal (or proximate) cause of the crash and your injuries (physical, psychological, emotional, and financial harm, known as damages, which includes what happened in the past and what’s reasonably expected to happen in the future)
  • Under Kentucky law, the defendant(s) must compensate you for your damages

Each case is based on its unique facts and evidence. One of our most critical services is investigating our clients’ accidents. We gather evidence of what happened and why and base our decisions on what we find.

Accident victims lack the knowledge, resources, and expertise to do their investigations. Without this crucial step, you may miss additional defendants who are potential compensation sources and accept a settlement offer that’s far less than what your case is worth.

Speak To A Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, helps truck accident victims handle legal matters that may provide them compensation for their injuries. Put boots on the ground with help from our attorneys. Schedule a free initial consultation at our Louisville office by calling 855-385-9532 or completing our contact form today.

Should I Settle My Car Accident Case?

Should I Settle My Car Accident Case?

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Nearly all personal injury cases settle. For both parties, the risks and costs of having a jury or judge deciding the outcome are too high to justify walking away from a reasonable proposal. But not all cases are resolved through negotiation, nor should they be depending on the circumstances.

If you are injured in a vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you suffer. Call Satterley & Kelley PLLC to speak with a skilled car accident attorney today. Call our Louisville office at 855-385-9532 or complete our online contact form to get started.

Why Should I Settle My Claim?

Settling a car accident injury claim offers several advantages, but it’s a personal decision that requires careful consideration of several issues. Here are some reasons why settling might be right for you:

  • Time: Settling a claim is usually quicker than going through a lengthy court process. This can provide you with a faster resolution and access to compensation sooner
  • Costs: Going to trial court can be expensive, with court costs and other expenses increasing. Settling out of court prevents these additional expenses. Some insurance companies may lower their offer as they spend more on litigation
  • Certainty: A settlement gives you a guaranteed amount. A trial outcome is uncertain. The parties have limited control over what’s going on and what jury members think, and your verdict may come as a surprise. Certainty can be critical if you need financial assistance for property damage, medical bills, or other expenses
  • Control: Related to certainty, the parties control the settlement outcome. We negotiate settlement terms and reach an agreement that both parties can live with.
  • Privacy: Trials and their filings are open to the public. If your case goes to trial, a total stranger can learn your medical, psychological, and financial situation and pass it on to whomever they want
  • Stress: A trial can be emotionally draining. Some parties handle it better than others. If you suffered a particularly traumatic accident, you’ll have to relive it multiple times during litigation.
  • Avoiding appeals: Although successful appeals are rare, they happen. You might complete the trial and get the verdict you want but have the outcome potentially tied up in appeals for years. A settlement prevents this from happening

Whether settlement is a wise choice depends on the specific circumstances of your case, the extent of your injuries, your goals, your risk tolerance, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate in good faith.

Why Should I Go to Trial?

The flip side of the issue is going to trial. This involves taking risks, but the risks may be manageable, and the uncertainty of a trial may be worth tolerating if the insurance company’s offer is unreasonably low or unrealistic. Depending on the harm you suffer, you don’t have much to lose if all you have is a “lowball” offer.

Here are some reasons why you might choose not to settle and go to trial with your car accident claim:

  • Disputed liability: If an insurance company doesn’t feel their insured is liable for your injuries, they’ll likely offer little to settle. A trial may be worthwhile if we believe we have a strong liability case because the facts and law are on our side. If a judge agrees with us and the insured is liable for the accident, the insurance company may increase their offer to the point it’s worth accepting, so the trial will come to an early close
  • Disputed damages: The insurance company may believe you’re not as injured as you claim, and their low offer reflects that. A severely injured plaintiff with long-term or permanent substantial disabilities may be looking at hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in past and expected future medical treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological therapy costs. An insurance company may be willing to risk a verdict in your favor if they think a jury won’t be sympathetic to your claim
  • Insurance company tactics: Some insurance companies are more willing to play “hardball” and will insist on a low settlement offer. They may see this as a “big picture” strategy because the few, high trial verdicts they pay are just the downside of saving more money when most plaintiffs accept settlements that are less than what their cases are worth. If you don’t want to play their game, you can go to trial

Before you decide which path is right for you, we will discuss with you the strengths and weaknesses of your case, how we think a jury may respond, and give you the benefit of our more than 30 years of experience handling, negotiating, and litigating personal injury cases. Though you’ll need to make this decision, you won’t do it alone because Satterley & Kelley PLLC will be there with you.

Speak With An Experienced Car Accident Injury Attorney

Satterley & Kelley, PLLC has three decades of experience representing hundreds of motor vehicle accident victims, and we can help with your claim, too. To discuss your situation with a knowledgeable Louisville lawyer, contact our law offices online or by telephone toll-free at 855-385-9532.

deadly truck accidents

Jackknife Truck Accidents in Kentucky: 80,000 Pound Out-of-Control Vehicles Can Wreak Havoc

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A jackknifed tractor-trailer is one that’s lost control, and instead of the tractor and trailer pointing in the same direction, they point in two directions. When this happens, depending on the conditions, it may be difficult or impossible for the driver to steer or stop the vehicle. It may slam into anything in its way, including your car.

What is a Jackknife Accident?

A semi-truck has two parts, the tractor and the trailer. Both are connected through joints. Jackknifing is an emergency where the semi-trailer and tractor skids. The trailer and cab are perpendicular, perhaps at a 45-degree angle. The trailer and tractor look like an open jackknife.

There are two types:

  • Tractor jackknife: The tractor tires lock, the trailer continues to push it, and the tractor moves sideways
  • Trailer jackknife: The trailer tires lock, but the tractor keeps moving. The trailer then slips sideways

In either situation, the vehicle is out of control until it stops or the driver recovers.

Why are Jackknife Accidents Dangerous?

The tractor or trailer could slide into another vehicle. It may also cause secondary accidents as other drivers brake sharply to try not to hit it or steer around it. Given their weight and the speed at which tractor-trailers travel, these accidents often cause severe, life-changing, and sometimes fatal injuries.

If negligence can be shown, you may obtain compensation for the harm you suffer in an accident caused by a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

What are Jackknife Accidents Causes?

There are many potential reasons. They include:

  1. Improper Braking

Semi-trucks have air braking systems. Drivers must have proper training and use the correct techniques for safe operation. Any brake problems can cause the vehicle to lose balance and jackknife

If the vehicle travels too fast, high-speed braking can impact the vehicle. Suddenly, applying the brakes to try to stop the vehicle can cause the wheels to lose traction. The trailer or cab can slide due to imbalance. Using the brakes or not applying them correctly while engaging in a turn can also cause a jackknife.

  • Bad Road Conditions

A pothole or another roadway hazard causing the driver to take a sharp turn can result in a jackknife. Inclined or uneven roads can cause a loss of balance or a change in the truck’s weight distribution. This may cause the trailer to slide. Confusing signage and lane shifts can be problems in construction areas because the driver may take a sudden turn that jackknifes the tractor-trailer.

  • Poor Weather

Heavy rainfall makes roads wet and slippery. Tires without traction cannot keep the vehicle’s balance. The trailer’s brakes can lock up, and it can slide sideways. Icy and snowy roads can also cause the tractor or trailer to skid at different angles with each other.

Poor weather also decreases visibility. If drivers cannot see clearly, they may not realize how close they are to another vehicle or object. They may take a sharp turn or slam on the brakes to avoid a collision, which can cause a jackknife accident.

A tractor-trailer driver traveling in bad weather is obligated to drive safely. That can mean slowing down or pulling off the road if the conditions are bad enough. Poor driving conditions aren’t a defense to a personal injury case.

  • Overloaded Trailers

Trailers are usually packed with heavy loads requiring substantial force and power to propel them forward or stop them. If it’s carrying more weight than it’s safe to do so, the trailer can lose balance if the weight’s not evenly distributed, making one part heavier than the other. Applying the brakes suddenly can cause a trailer to jackknife because the heavier trailer pushes the tractor.

  • Inexperienced drivers

Semi-trailers are difficult to drive safely. Commercial driving is a stressful job with lots of turnover, so many new drivers don’t remain on the job long enough to be experienced enough to handle dangerous situations. They can panic in an emergency. They may follow other vehicles too closely or too fast for conditions.

All this can put a driver and their tractor-trailer in situations where jackknife accidents are more likely to happen. If they do occur, the results may be more severe than one where a driver can better handle the truck.

  • Other Driver Issues

Fatigued, intoxicated, or distracted drivers may not be fully aware of what’s happening in front of the truck. If they see another vehicle, an object, or a turn in front of them too late to respond safely, their sudden braking or steering can cause a jackknife.

  • Poorly Maintained Trucks and Trailers

Semi-truck parts should be in good working order and meet all federal and state safety standards. Problems with the braking system or steering can cause loss of control and a jackknife.

How Can I Win an Accident Case Involving a Jackknifed Tractor Trailer?

Commercial truck accidents can be complex, with different parties blaming each other for the problem. After you retain Satterley & Kelley, PPLC, we will get your information and investigate the accident. The facts and evidence we gather will be the foundation of your case and claims for compensation against others.

Speak To A Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you are injured in a Kentucky accident caused by a jackknifed tractor-trailer, we can and will help you handle legal matters whose outcome can help you get on with your life. Put boots on the ground with help from Satterley & Kelley, PLLC.

To schedule a free initial consultation at our Louisville office, call 502-589-5600 (toll-free at 855-385-9532) or complete our contact form today.

CA Fire Shows the Asbestos Dangers Firefighters & Residents Face

California Fire Shows the Asbestos Dangers Firefighters and Residents Face

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Asbestos was widely used in the US from the Industrial Revolution until the early 1980s. Many structures standing today contain asbestos that was installed decades ago. It lies in wait until the asbestos is removed, the buildings collapse, are torn down, or burn. Though structures and their contents catch fire, these cancer-causing fibers do not. They are set loose and ride hot air and smoke into the surrounding area and onto any first responders at the scene.

Historic Landmark Burns and Starts to Collapse

The north hangar at Tustin’s now-defunct Marine Corps Air Station was 17 stories high before it started burning in early November. The structure is more than 1,000 feet long and almost 300 feet wide. Three football fields could easily fit inside end-to-end.

It was constructed in 1942 and housed blimps that were part of the military’s effort in World War II to find Japanese submarines or ships that may have been off the California coast. It (and its twin, hangar one) is primarily made of wood. Both hangars are on the Register of National Historic Places.

The air station closed in 1999, and most of the property was turned over to Orange County, but the north hangar remains US Navy property, reports the Los Angeles Times. The fire started on November 7, was brought under control, then flared back up again the following weekend. The structures and fire were so big water, was dropped on it from aircraft normally used to fight forest fires.

Smoke, Ash, Chemical Fumes, and Asbestos Rain Down on Area

Local schools were closed starting two days after the fire as part of Tustin’s declaration of a local state of emergency, in part because asbestos was discovered in the ash in Tustin. The county is warning residents not to touch the ash littering the area or any charred chunks of debris that have landed on roofs, lawns, and cars. 

People are advised to close their windows and to spray down patios, not sweep them. Ash on pets should be washed off, reports the Orange County Register. Tustin has hired an asbestos remediation company to start additional testing and cleaning up debris.

University of California Irvine professor Michael Kleinman researches health risks from fires. The Register quotes him as stating that, besides the asbestos danger, there’s “a very good chance” wood used in the structure was treated with arsenic and covered in lead-based paint. As the structure’s remains smolder, toxic material will continue to be released into the air.

Particles could enter nearby homes even if their windows are closed. Kleinman advises those with health conditions and children to leave the area.

Firefighters and First Responders at the Scene

During their peak use, asbestos was in thousands of products. They were used in every type of structure, in vehicles, ships, and aircraft. Without knowing it, many Americans for decades were surrounded by asbestos products while at home and where they worked. Those asbestos products are still with us. Their presence is often unknown or ignored.

For many conscientious property owners, these materials are wrapped up and encapsulated so deadly asbestos fibers won’t be released into the air. If the structure they’re in burns, that asbestos may become airborne.

While the media focuses on the impact on Tustin residents, firefighters, and first responders are far closer to the fire and more exposed to toxic substances. The fact a massive building of historic importance is destroyed gets attention, but the truth is there could be hundreds of thousands of buildings containing asbestos in the US.

Though they’re not nearly the size of the Tustin hangar, they pose the same dangers, just on a smaller scale. Firefighters come to the scene of fires, not knowing what’s inside a burning structure. They don’t respond to every fire in full hazmat suits with respirators. Asbestos is one of many life-threatening hazards firefighters face every day.

Why You Should Hire Satterley & Kelley, PLLC for Your Cancer Case

If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for what you’ve endured. This includes physical and mental pain and suffering, financial costs, medical bills, and how the disease impacts your relationships. It can be due to asbestos released during accidental fires or any other source.

You need a law firm with experience representing victims taking legal action against the asbestos industry. Satterley & Kelley, PLLC attorneys have helped asbestos victims for more than 25 years.

We have relationships with the best experts in the world to help us prove that asbestos caused your injury and the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial harm you suffered.

Call Us Today For A Free Consultation

Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, attorneys are your boots on the ground if you or a family member in Kentucky suffers from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition.

To discuss your asbestos lawsuit options, and how Satterley & Kelley, PLLC can help, call our office in Louisville at 502-589-5600, or toll-free at 855-385-9532. You may also complete our contact form for a free initial consultation.