Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawsuits
While each asbestos lawsuit is different many victims or loved relatives have been awarded compensation. These claims can take many forms, including personal injury lawsuits or wrongful death and trust fund claim.
In the case of a mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related claim, the evidence must be strong including medical records and employment history. Attorneys are accountable for obtaining the information and presenting it during the litigation process.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue (mesothelium) that lines the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. This cancer is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of fibers that was utilized in the construction industry and other industries. It can take years for symptoms to appear which can lead to mesothelioma being often misdiagnosed as other illnesses. Mesothelioma can also manifest in different parts of the body, including the peritoneal cavity, pericardium (heart sac) or testicles.
Mesothelioma can be identified by a chronic cough and chest pain. Other symptoms are based on where the tumor is located within the body. Pleural mesothelioma patients typically suffer from swelling, pain and fatigue. Those affected by peritoneal mesothelioma may experience abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. Those affected by pericardial mesothelioma might experience heart palpitations and heart murmurs. Testicular mesothelioma may cause swelling in the testicles.
The symptoms can be misinterpreted by doctors as they are similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as bronchitis or irritable bowel disorder. The latency period of mesothelioma is long, and symptoms can manifest between 15 and 60 years after exposure. The asbestos-exposed could experience symptoms for decades before being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Those who have mesothelioma-like symptoms must see their GP immediately, especially when asbestos has been breathed in. Doctors can order tests to confirm mesothelioma diagnoses and help patients understand the extent of their condition.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation to cover their medical expenses and other financial losses. Asbestos victims can file a claim against companies that produced or sold asbestos that they were exposed to as well as their former or current employers. These claims can assist asbestos victims in obtaining justice for their exposure, and also prevent future cases. Mesothelioma patients should seek legal advice from an asbestos lawyer who has years of experience. These lawyers can assist them to get the best treatment possible and obtain the compensation they deserve.
Lung Cancer
A lawsuit against the asbestos companies that could have exposed an individual to cancer-causing mineral could help an injured victim and his or her family recover compensation. It could cover medical expenses, lost wages and other damages resulting from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can determine which companies are responsible and file a lawsuit on behalf of the victim or their family. Asbestos-related victims can bring a lawsuit on the grounds of negligence and strict liability, as well as breach of warranty, and each case has particular facts. A court will usually award compensation to the victim based on their injuries and how they've affected their lives.
Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to asbestos or smoking cigarettes. Radiation, pollution from the air and other industrial chemicals could also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. The condition can develop in the lung lining (pleura) of the lungs, as with mesothelioma. It may also manifest in other areas, such as the abdomen.
Asbestos-related cancers, such as laryngeal carcinoma and mesothelioma are also a possibility for asbestos victims. These conditions are not directly related to asbestos exposure, but they can be caused by repeated or prolonged exposure.
Certain tumors that start in other areas of the human body may spread to the lungs. These are not lung cancers, and are referred to as metastatic mesothelioma or cancer that has spread to the lungs.
Compensation for asbestos victims is typically awarded based on the severity of a particular illness, the impact it has had on the victim's life and the degree of pain and suffering. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma victims to receive multi-million dollar settlements. The amount of money paid is typically based on how much the victim has lost out because of the disease like wages and medical expenses. Many victims were entitled to substantial compensation funds, but these were wiped out.
Asbestos-related Illnesses
Asbestos, which is a fibrous material was extensively used in the construction of old structures and ships to act as an insulation and fire retardant. When asbestos is damaged it releases microscopic fibers into air that are inhaled. The fibers may penetrate the linings that surround the lungs and chest (the pleura) and reach the end of the airways that are small. Inhaling asbestos may cause irritation, scarring, and eventually, serious illnesses such as mesothelioma.
Not all people who are exposed to asbestos will develop a condition. The probability of developing a disease is contingent on the duration and intensity of the exposure, as well as the genetic predisposition of individuals and lifestyle factors like smoking. Generally, Laredo asbestos attorneys and more intense exposure, the greater the likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease.
The most frequently encountered problem that is caused by exposure to asbestos is a condition known as pleural disease. It is a thickening or scarring of the pleura. Dry cough are the most frequent symptoms of pleural disorders. The reason for this is that scarring makes it difficult for lungs to absorb oxygen into the body.
Another sign of asbestos-related pleural disease is a fluid buildup called the Pleural effusion. This fluid can cause chest pain if it collects between the lungs. Pleural effusions may also indicate mesothelioma's presence.
Asbestos exposure can also cause respiratory problems like asthma. Asthma is a lung condition that causes the airways to swell, narrow or fill with mucus. Asbestos-related lung disease can cause breathing problems and is often incorrectly diagnosed. This makes it difficult to get the appropriate treatment. Compensation from asbestos lawsuits can be used to purchase long-term medicines and a rescue asthma inhaler.