Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer caused by asbestos. Asbestos is the only scientifically proven cause of this disease, but there are other risk factors that can increase the chances of developing it. The disease is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers become embedded in the linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This causes harmful inflammation and eventually leads to the formation of tumors. Additionally, asbestos may also travel through the lymph nodes to various parts of the body.
Many workers were exposed to asbestos in many different settings. Mesothelioma tends to develop 10 to 40 years after the initial exposure. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to bring a lawsuit or participate in a settlement so that your family will receive fair compensation and hold the asbestos industry responsible for the harm caused. We find that many mesothelioma victims did not even know they were at risk from exposure in their jobs around asbestos- containing products or equipment. There is ample evidence, however, that many of these companies that sold and made these products knew as early as 1930s of the very significant health concerns.
Over the years, many, many products were made with asbestos. These include brake linings, roofing products, gaskets, flooring, ceiling tiles, caulk, certain types of joint compounds, packaging, commercial insulation, boilers, etc. Workers who may have been exposed to asbestos include plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, insulators, railroad workers, construction workers, shipbuilders, auto part manufacturers, and United States military personnel.
We have handled many mesothelioma and lung cancer cases over the years. And because of the significant gap between exposure and diagnosis of the disease, many of our clients are retired individuals who only recently have the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma or lung cancer and receive a diagnosis. It’s never too late to call! There are several statue of limitation extending provisions in the law and even mesothelioma trust funds established by the industry to compensate individuals for harm caused many years before diagnosis. We understand that the time of diagnosis is a very difficult time to reach out to an attorney, but we encourage you to do so. Often, we can bring these cases swiftly to attempt to achieve some type of reasonable settlement before death, but even if you or a loved one passes while the case is proceeding, your family may continue the suit on your behalf in an effort to compensate them for your loss. We encourage you to call if you think you or a loved one may have a case.