Asbestos or Mesothelioma
“ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT”
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, you may be at risk for developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. This article is designed to be a resource for anyone concerned about asbestos exposure. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Health Risks: Asbestos fibers can lodge in your body’s tissues for decades, potentially leading to mesothelioma.
- Who’s Most at Risk: Construction workers, veterans, and people who lived or worked in older buildings before the 1980s (when asbestos use became more regulated) are at higher risk.
- Seeking Compensation: If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have legal options to seek financial compensation.
Exposure to asbestos is a serious health risk that can cause mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Here, we want to help you understand how asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma, identify symptoms to watch for, and explore legal options if you’ve been affected.
Some of the most affected by asbestos in the United States include people in construction trades, such as construction workers, building and equipment maintenance workers, and people who work with asbestos-containing products. Other at-risk occupations include auto mechanics, insulators, plumbers, boilermakers, electricians, and even teachers.
This information is crucial whether you’re a construction worker, military veteran, or someone who lived or worked in buildings with asbestos, especially before the 1980s.
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What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals known for their durability and resistance to heat and corrosion. These properties made asbestos popular in construction, insulation, and various industrial applications throughout the 20th century. However, asbestos fibers pose a danger when inhaled or ingested because they can become lodged in the body’s tissues, causing severe health problems over time.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Lead to Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma mainly affects the lungs (pleura), but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), heart (pericardium), or testicles (tunica vaginalis). The disease occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, leading to chronic inflammation and scarring.
Over time, this damage can cause genetic mutations in the “mesothelial cells”, which line these cavities, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to Asbestos or developed Mesothelioma, contact us for a free consultation.
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
For Mesothelioma, symptoms may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure. Early detection is challenging, but recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
Pleural Mesothelioma:
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits
- Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
Testicular Mesothelioma:
- Testicular lumps or swelling
If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience one or more of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Are Workers Still Exposed to Asbestos Today?
Although asbestos use in the U.S. has dramatically decreased from 803,000 metric tons in 1973 to 360 metric tons in 2015, it hasn’t been completely banned. Some products still use asbestos when no suitable substitute is available. Many older buildings still contain asbestos, posing risks to workers during renovations or demolitions.
In 2023, U.S. lawmakers proposed a total ban on asbestos use and importation, but it has yet to be enacted. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tried banning asbestos in 1989, but a federal appeals court overturned the ban in 1991. As a result, workers can still be exposed to asbestos today.
It was only on March 18, 2024 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule prohibiting the uses of the last known form of asbestos currently used in the United States, known as “chrysotile asbestos”.
Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure Victims
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos, you may have the right to seek compensation through various legal avenues.
Asbestos Trust Funds: Established by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate victims.
Lawsuits: Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits against manufacturers, employers, or property owners responsible for asbestos exposure.
Workers’ Compensation: Benefits for those exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
VA Benefits: Veterans who encountered asbestos during military service may qualify for disability benefits and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Find the Right Lawyer
Navigating the legal landscape of asbestos exposure claims can be complex. Hiring an experienced mesothelioma lawyer helps ensures your case is handled effectively.
Here are some tips for finding the right lawyer:
Experience: Look for a lawyer or law firm with a proven track record in asbestos and mesothelioma cases.
Resources: Choose a firm with the resources to thoroughly investigate your exposure history and build a strong case.
Compassion: Select a lawyer who demonstrates empathy and understanding of your situation.
No Upfront Fees: Many mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation.
The connection between asbestos and mesothelioma is well-established. If you suspect asbestos exposure or experience symptoms of mesothelioma, seek medical advice immediately and explore your legal options with Advocates of America to seek the compensation you deserve.
Additional Resources
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: curemeso.org
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization: asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
- National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov
People Also Ask:
Can I sue for asbestos exposure?
Yes. If asbestos exposure caused you harm, you can sue and seek compensation. Advocates of America can advise you on the specifics of your case.
What is the average settlement for an asbestos exposure claim?
The settlement amount varies depending on the severity of your condition and other factors. However, mesothelioma victims can receive significant compensation. Some of the factors include:
- Type of Disease: For example, compensation for lung cancer can range from $100,000 to $700,000, while compensation for gastrointestinal cancer can range from $50,000 to $100,000
- Years of exposure
- Type of work
- Severity of diagnosis
- Number of companies named in the lawsuit
- Percentage the asbestos trust fund is using
How much asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma?
Even minimal exposure can increase your risk.