Asbestos, a mineral fiber that was once the material of choice for insulation in the construction of buildings because of its heat-resistant properties, has been linked to a variety of health concerns, including cancer. These findings have resulted in a large number of lawsuits by patients who believe that they or their family members were sickened because of asbestos exposure. These lawsuits have led to an increased demand for professionals in the legal field.
Civil Attorneys
The number of civil cases filed against construction companies and the companies who produced and sold asbestos products has led to a rise in demand for attorneys who practice the field of civil litigation. Attorneys who are skilled in the fields of personal injury and tort law are needed to represent both sides of an asbestos case. The petitioner needs an attorney who is well-versed in civil law to ensure that their rights as victims are represented, while the defendants in asbestos- related lawsuits depend on skilled defense attorneys to ensure that they are not held accountable for issues that are beyond their control. In order to practice law in any state in the U.S., a license to practice law must be obtained by passing an extensive law exam called the bar. These exams are typically given after several years of specialized legal education obtained through an accredited law school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008, the median salary for an attorney in the US was $110,590 per year.
Paralegal
Paralegals, also commonly referred to as legal assistants, are vital parts of a legal team who assist attorneys with various aspects in regards to legal proceedings. Paralegals are skilled professionals who are educated in the field of law, but who are not licensed to provide legal advice or representation. Attorneys who represent asbestos victims or their family matters, as well as attorneys who represent defendants in asbestos cases rely heavily on paralegals to perform a number of issues related to the case including interviewing and preparing witnesses, drafting petitions and assisting in the drafting of legal arguments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May, 2008, the median salary for a paralegal was $46,120. Most attorneys require applicants who wish to apply for a position with their practice as a paralegal to hold a degree or certificate in paralegal studies
Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal Nurse Consultants are highly-skilled professionals who hold degrees in nursing and who have been educated in the legal field. Most Legal Nurse Consultants hold degrees as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. Legal Nurse Consultants provide valuable assistance to the attorneys that represent patients or family members of victims of asbestos exposure by analyzing the medical aspects of the case and rendering their professional opinions in regards to the facts. According to research published by Payscale, the median salary for Legal Nurse Consultants as of August 2010, was $85,000 per year.