The Architect of the Capitol (AoC)—which is responsible for preserving, maintaining and enhancing the Capitol complex in Washington D.C.—has agreed to settle a complaint over asbestos hazards at the complex’s power plant.
After eight months of negotiations and years of complaints by workers, the AoC said it will:
Abate the asbestos and other health hazards in the Capitol Power Plant utility tunnels within five years, unless funding is cut
Create a comprehensive management plan with specific milestones for the abatement
Meet with Office of Compliance (OoC) representatives on a monthly basis to discuss progress and other relevant matters
Allow monitoring by the OoC to ensure milestones are being met
While the AoC’s agreement with the OoC is considered “precedent setting,” it still does not require complete asbestos abatement.
Sen. Patty Murray, who pushed for workers to be removed from the tunnels after signs of respiratory illnesses began to surface, referred to the agreement as a “good first step to address the [AoC’s] astounding backlog of 13,000 health and safety violations.”
(Source: http://www.occupationalhazards.com/Issue/Article/66532/Architect_of_Capitol_Agrees_to_Fix_Tunnel_Hazards.aspx)
Showing posts with label Mesothelioma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mesothelioma. Show all posts
2007/06/01
Australian University To Study Asbestos Impact on Women
New research will focus on identifying possible links between asbestos and ovarian cancer. Researchers at the University of Western Australia (UWA) will conduct the study.
According to professor Bill Musk, most data regarding asbestos-related diagnosis has been gathered from men. The new study will mark the first time researchers specifically examine the impact of asbestos on women.
The research, Musk said, will build on previous studies of workers in a region where crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is prevalent. Women in the region already exhibit higher mesothelioma and lung cancer rates, so researchers want to determine if their ovarian cancer rates are also higher.
If researchers are able to determine a link between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer, it could mean more compensation claims, said Musk.
“I’m sure if they develop a disease that can be associated with their exposure to asbestos they will be eligible for some compensation one way or another,” he said.
(Source: www.abc.net.au)
According to professor Bill Musk, most data regarding asbestos-related diagnosis has been gathered from men. The new study will mark the first time researchers specifically examine the impact of asbestos on women.
The research, Musk said, will build on previous studies of workers in a region where crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is prevalent. Women in the region already exhibit higher mesothelioma and lung cancer rates, so researchers want to determine if their ovarian cancer rates are also higher.
If researchers are able to determine a link between asbestos exposure and ovarian cancer, it could mean more compensation claims, said Musk.
“I’m sure if they develop a disease that can be associated with their exposure to asbestos they will be eligible for some compensation one way or another,” he said.
(Source: www.abc.net.au)
Woman's Estate Files Mesothelioma Lawsuit
The estate of a woman who died from mesothelioma—an asbestos related cancer—has filed an asbestos lawsuit seeking more than $700,000 in compensatory and punitive damages from 44 defendant corporations.
Barbara Clarke was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2005 and died four months later. Elsie Eberhard, Clarke’s daughter, filed the lawsuit claiming that her mother suffered both occupational and non-occupational asbestos exposure.
According to the complaint, Clarke worked from 1961-1965 as a machinist, production worker, and engineering draftsman. The lawsuit also states that Clarke was exposed to asbestos during home and automotive work projects.
The defendants, which include Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and John Crane, are accused of the following, among other things:
Including asbestos in their products despite the known harmful effects and the availability of safer alternatives
Failing to provide warnings to those working around or with asbestos
Failing to conduct asbestos testing to determine the extent of the hazard to workers
Eberhard is seeking damages in excess of $700,000 for her mother’s pain and mental anguish as well as her own loss of support and society.
(Source: http://www.madisonrecord.com/news/195403-family-of-pennsylvania-worker-files-asbestos-complaint)
Has your loved one died from mesothelioma? You may be entitled to seek damages on their behalf. Contact us today to learn more.
Barbara Clarke was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2005 and died four months later. Elsie Eberhard, Clarke’s daughter, filed the lawsuit claiming that her mother suffered both occupational and non-occupational asbestos exposure.
According to the complaint, Clarke worked from 1961-1965 as a machinist, production worker, and engineering draftsman. The lawsuit also states that Clarke was exposed to asbestos during home and automotive work projects.
The defendants, which include Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and John Crane, are accused of the following, among other things:
Including asbestos in their products despite the known harmful effects and the availability of safer alternatives
Failing to provide warnings to those working around or with asbestos
Failing to conduct asbestos testing to determine the extent of the hazard to workers
Eberhard is seeking damages in excess of $700,000 for her mother’s pain and mental anguish as well as her own loss of support and society.
(Source: http://www.madisonrecord.com/news/195403-family-of-pennsylvania-worker-files-asbestos-complaint)
Has your loved one died from mesothelioma? You may be entitled to seek damages on their behalf. Contact us today to learn more.
Lawsuit: Asbestos Exposure Caused Man?s Mesothelioma
Lawsuit: Asbestos Exposure Caused Man?s Mesothelioma
A Kansas man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March recently filed a lawsuit against 92 defendants, claiming preventable asbestos exposure caused his illness.
Hubert Johnston worked as a service station attendant and insulator for more than four decades—from 1946 to 1990. Over the course of his employment, Johnston claims he suffered exposure to asbestos. He also cites home and automotive repairs as a source of exposure.
“The plaintiff’s exposure and inhalation, ingestion or absorption of the asbestos fibers was completely foreseeable and could or should have been anticipated by the defendants,” the lawsuit states.
The defendants are accused of, among other things, failing to:
§ Provide adequate safety instructions for those working with or around asbestos
§ Advise workers of proper hygiene practices to prevent them from carrying the dangerous fibers home on their person
§ Provide alternative non-asbestos-containing products when adequate substitutes were available
Johnston claims he suffers “great physical pain and mental anguish” as a result of his condition. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $250,000 for his medical costs and the defendants’ “willful, wanton, intentional and reckless misconduct.”
(Source: The Madison Record)
Think you have an asbestos claim? Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation with an experienced asbestos attorney.
A Kansas man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March recently filed a lawsuit against 92 defendants, claiming preventable asbestos exposure caused his illness.
Hubert Johnston worked as a service station attendant and insulator for more than four decades—from 1946 to 1990. Over the course of his employment, Johnston claims he suffered exposure to asbestos. He also cites home and automotive repairs as a source of exposure.
“The plaintiff’s exposure and inhalation, ingestion or absorption of the asbestos fibers was completely foreseeable and could or should have been anticipated by the defendants,” the lawsuit states.
The defendants are accused of, among other things, failing to:
§ Provide adequate safety instructions for those working with or around asbestos
§ Advise workers of proper hygiene practices to prevent them from carrying the dangerous fibers home on their person
§ Provide alternative non-asbestos-containing products when adequate substitutes were available
Johnston claims he suffers “great physical pain and mental anguish” as a result of his condition. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $250,000 for his medical costs and the defendants’ “willful, wanton, intentional and reckless misconduct.”
(Source: The Madison Record)
Think you have an asbestos claim? Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation with an experienced asbestos attorney.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is not always diagnosed because the cancer is still unrecognizable. A mesothelioma diagnosis may often be classified as another condition because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Even today, a mesothelioma diagnosis can be classified as lung cancer, which is an entirely different disease. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the chest, lung, and abdominal cavity and has been linked to high levels of workplace and non-occupational exposure to asbestos.
A mesothelioma diagnosis most commonly begins with a complete medical history review and physical examination of a patient who suffers from mesothelioma symptoms and signs including shortness of breath, chest pains, swollen abdomen, and more. The physical exam should involve a number of imaging tests to search for suspicious cell formation. These tests may include:
X-rays Chest or abdomen x-rays can reveal fluid build-up, masses, or signs of non-cancerous pleural disease .
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan A series of detailed images of the body. CT scans can locate pleural disease, chest wall invasions, and can guide fine needle aspiration tests. However, CT scans cannot differentiate between benign or malignant mesothelioma.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI scans use a computer-linked magnet to photograph details of the inside of the body and can determine the severity of a tumor.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) PET imaging tests have become one of the most efficient ways of diagnosing mesothelioma tumors as well as determining the staging of the cancer.
Biopsy A needle biopsy is almost always necessary to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to test for cancer cells. Depending on the location of the abnormal area, a biopsy can be done in different ways including:
Thoracoscopy - If the cancer is located in the pleura, a small incision will be made through the chest wall and a thoracoscope will be inserted to obtain a tissue sample.
Peritoneoscopy If the cancer is in the abdominal cavity, a doctor will use a peritoneoscope to obtain sample tissue for further examination.
If you or a loved one experience any symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Please contact us today to learn more information about mesothelioma diagnosis or to speak with a qualified and experienced mesothelioma attorney who will protect your legal rights and interests.
Related Mesothelioma Diagnosis News
May 31, 2007 - Lawsuit: Asbestos Exposure Caused Man’s Mesothelioma
May 30, 2007 - Australian University To Study Asbestos Impact on Women
April 3, 2007 - National Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Held
A mesothelioma diagnosis most commonly begins with a complete medical history review and physical examination of a patient who suffers from mesothelioma symptoms and signs including shortness of breath, chest pains, swollen abdomen, and more. The physical exam should involve a number of imaging tests to search for suspicious cell formation. These tests may include:
X-rays Chest or abdomen x-rays can reveal fluid build-up, masses, or signs of non-cancerous pleural disease .
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan A series of detailed images of the body. CT scans can locate pleural disease, chest wall invasions, and can guide fine needle aspiration tests. However, CT scans cannot differentiate between benign or malignant mesothelioma.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI scans use a computer-linked magnet to photograph details of the inside of the body and can determine the severity of a tumor.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) PET imaging tests have become one of the most efficient ways of diagnosing mesothelioma tumors as well as determining the staging of the cancer.
Biopsy A needle biopsy is almost always necessary to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to test for cancer cells. Depending on the location of the abnormal area, a biopsy can be done in different ways including:
Thoracoscopy - If the cancer is located in the pleura, a small incision will be made through the chest wall and a thoracoscope will be inserted to obtain a tissue sample.
Peritoneoscopy If the cancer is in the abdominal cavity, a doctor will use a peritoneoscope to obtain sample tissue for further examination.
If you or a loved one experience any symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Please contact us today to learn more information about mesothelioma diagnosis or to speak with a qualified and experienced mesothelioma attorney who will protect your legal rights and interests.
Related Mesothelioma Diagnosis News
May 31, 2007 - Lawsuit: Asbestos Exposure Caused Man’s Mesothelioma
May 30, 2007 - Australian University To Study Asbestos Impact on Women
April 3, 2007 - National Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Held
Illinois Mesothelioma Deaths
In 1999 the National Center for Health Statistics reported that 128 people had died from the harmful but rare form of cancer, Mesothelioma. The data was taken from residents age 15 and over in 1999. If you know someone who is suffering or died of the fatal disease, please contact us by filling out the form to the right. For further information and help, please consult the following health resources in Illinois:
Columbia LaGrange Memorial Hospital
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
James E. Hannigan, MD
1325 Memorial Dr
LaGrange, Illinois 60525
708-579-3418
University of Chicago Cancer Research Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD
5841 S, Maryland Ave., MC 1140,
Chicago, Illinois 60637-1470
773-834-6742
Loyola University Chicago Medical Center, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Kathy Albain, MD
2160 S. 1st Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153
708-216-90007
Areas of Illinois where Asbestos exposure has been reported
Columbia LaGrange Memorial Hospital
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
James E. Hannigan, MD
1325 Memorial Dr
LaGrange, Illinois 60525
708-579-3418
University of Chicago Cancer Research Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD
5841 S, Maryland Ave., MC 1140,
Chicago, Illinois 60637-1470
773-834-6742
Loyola University Chicago Medical Center, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Kathy Albain, MD
2160 S. 1st Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153
708-216-90007
Areas of Illinois where Asbestos exposure has been reported
Asbestos Bill
Throughout the past few years, increasing controversy and debate has surrounded an asbestos bill that would reform the current asbestos litigation system. Currently those who have suffered from mesothelioma or other serious conditions resulting from asbestos exposure can file an asbestos lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses.
Under the new asbestos bill, victims would no longer be eligible to file individual lawsuits. Instead, a $140 billion private trust fund, financed by insurance companies and defendants involved in asbestos litigation, would be created to compensate those who have suffered serious illnesses and conditions from asbestos exposure. The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act could prevent you and your loved ones from exercising your legal rights.
The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2006 (The "FAIR Act")
The asbestos bill, which was introduced on the Senate floor three years ago, has been through a number of amendments to address various issues and concerns surrounding the proposed legislation. While proponents of the asbestos bill claim that the new trust fund would ensure prompt recovery for injured claimants, it could potentially deny many people the full compensation they deserve.
The FAIR Act asbestos bill, if passed, will require claimants to meet stronger medical criteria in order to receive compensation. In addition, the asbestos bill would prevent asbestos manufacturers and other defendants from being punished for their wrongdoing. For example, companies that would be ordered to pay billions of dollars in asbestos lawsuits under today's laws would only be required to pay millions for the asbestos bill trust fund, thus largely skirting liability for their reckless negligence in allowing people to be exposed to asbestos.
The FAIR Act would ultimately prove to be unfair for thousands of people who have suffered from mesothelioma or other serious illnesses due to asbestos exposure.
To learn more information about the recent asbestos bill, please contact us today to speak to a qualified and experienced attorney who will protect your legal rights and maximize your options. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or another serious asbestos-related injury, financial assistance may be available, our attorneys are available to evaluate your case to determine the best way to protect your interests.
Under the new asbestos bill, victims would no longer be eligible to file individual lawsuits. Instead, a $140 billion private trust fund, financed by insurance companies and defendants involved in asbestos litigation, would be created to compensate those who have suffered serious illnesses and conditions from asbestos exposure. The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act could prevent you and your loved ones from exercising your legal rights.
The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2006 (The "FAIR Act")
The asbestos bill, which was introduced on the Senate floor three years ago, has been through a number of amendments to address various issues and concerns surrounding the proposed legislation. While proponents of the asbestos bill claim that the new trust fund would ensure prompt recovery for injured claimants, it could potentially deny many people the full compensation they deserve.
The FAIR Act asbestos bill, if passed, will require claimants to meet stronger medical criteria in order to receive compensation. In addition, the asbestos bill would prevent asbestos manufacturers and other defendants from being punished for their wrongdoing. For example, companies that would be ordered to pay billions of dollars in asbestos lawsuits under today's laws would only be required to pay millions for the asbestos bill trust fund, thus largely skirting liability for their reckless negligence in allowing people to be exposed to asbestos.
The FAIR Act would ultimately prove to be unfair for thousands of people who have suffered from mesothelioma or other serious illnesses due to asbestos exposure.
To learn more information about the recent asbestos bill, please contact us today to speak to a qualified and experienced attorney who will protect your legal rights and maximize your options. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or another serious asbestos-related injury, financial assistance may be available, our attorneys are available to evaluate your case to determine the best way to protect your interests.
New York Mesothelioma Lawyer
New York Mesothelioma Lawyer
in 1999 the CDC reported 156 deaths attributed to mesothelioma cancer. If you or a loved one has suffered from the rare lung cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys.
For treatment information we hope the following centers and specialists can help you:
Raja M. Flores, MD
Attending Thoracic Surgeon
Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-2806
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Mary Hesdorffer, RN, BSN, Clinical Research Nurse
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, New York 10032-3713
212-305-1252
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Leonard Bruce Saltz, MD
1275 York Avenue
New York, New York 10021
212-639-2501 17
CCOP-North Shore University Hospital, Div. Hematology/ Oncology
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Daniel R. Budman, MD
9th Floor, 300 Community Dr.
Manhasset, New York 11030
516-562-8954
in 1999 the CDC reported 156 deaths attributed to mesothelioma cancer. If you or a loved one has suffered from the rare lung cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys.
For treatment information we hope the following centers and specialists can help you:
Raja M. Flores, MD
Attending Thoracic Surgeon
Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 639-2806
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Mary Hesdorffer, RN, BSN, Clinical Research Nurse
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, New York 10032-3713
212-305-1252
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Leonard Bruce Saltz, MD
1275 York Avenue
New York, New York 10021
212-639-2501 17
CCOP-North Shore University Hospital, Div. Hematology/ Oncology
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
Daniel R. Budman, MD
9th Floor, 300 Community Dr.
Manhasset, New York 11030
516-562-8954
Mesothelioma Attorneys
Because Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take up to 20 years to develop, Mesothelioma attorneys need specific training and experience when seeking compensation for clients. Mesothelioma attorneys have a specific team of medical professionals who interpret health records and testing documentation to prove the specific correlation between a patient's side-effects and the Mesothelioma diagnosis.
Once the illness has been properly identified, Mesothelima attorneys must prove that the cause of the illness is the particular exposure to the toxic chemical, at a duration and amount significant enough to cause the health-related symtoms. Often it can take up to 50 years for a person to show the type of dehabilitation necessary for Mesothelioma attorneys to obtain compensation.
Not everyone who works with or was exposed to asbestos can prove that they have suffered injuries related to asbestos contamination. With years of prosecuting the cases that have bankrupted hundreds of asbestos companies, Mesothelioma attorneys have intimate knowledge of the specific evidence necessary to prove the direct correlation between absestos and asbestos-related illnesses such as Mesothelioma and lung cancer. Most recently, WR Grace & Co and its seven executives were charged in conspiring to hide asbestos contamination at a mine in Libby, Montana, which prosecutors claim was responsible for the illnesses of 1200 people resulting in 200 deaths.
Many Mesothelioma attorneys have asbestos cases based on the contamination of vermiculite, a hydrous silicate mineral, shipped by WR Grace to about 240 plants across the country. Federal authorities in 22 states are investigating 28 plants stretching across from North Dakota to Florida and Massachusetts to California, including one plant in Hawaii.
As Mesothelioma attorneys continue to prove the correlation between clients' illnesses and asbestos contimination, legislators struggle to approve a bill that will provide enough compensation for all victims who worked at mining plants and all neighboring residents who were exposed to the toxic chemicals. Currently legislators are having trouble determining how the funding will ensure compensation for victims who will continue to develop asbestos-related illnesses for years to come. The bill has yet to be approved.
Contact a LawInfo Lead Counsel qualified mesothelioma attorney today
Once the illness has been properly identified, Mesothelima attorneys must prove that the cause of the illness is the particular exposure to the toxic chemical, at a duration and amount significant enough to cause the health-related symtoms. Often it can take up to 50 years for a person to show the type of dehabilitation necessary for Mesothelioma attorneys to obtain compensation.
Not everyone who works with or was exposed to asbestos can prove that they have suffered injuries related to asbestos contamination. With years of prosecuting the cases that have bankrupted hundreds of asbestos companies, Mesothelioma attorneys have intimate knowledge of the specific evidence necessary to prove the direct correlation between absestos and asbestos-related illnesses such as Mesothelioma and lung cancer. Most recently, WR Grace & Co and its seven executives were charged in conspiring to hide asbestos contamination at a mine in Libby, Montana, which prosecutors claim was responsible for the illnesses of 1200 people resulting in 200 deaths.
Many Mesothelioma attorneys have asbestos cases based on the contamination of vermiculite, a hydrous silicate mineral, shipped by WR Grace to about 240 plants across the country. Federal authorities in 22 states are investigating 28 plants stretching across from North Dakota to Florida and Massachusetts to California, including one plant in Hawaii.
As Mesothelioma attorneys continue to prove the correlation between clients' illnesses and asbestos contimination, legislators struggle to approve a bill that will provide enough compensation for all victims who worked at mining plants and all neighboring residents who were exposed to the toxic chemicals. Currently legislators are having trouble determining how the funding will ensure compensation for victims who will continue to develop asbestos-related illnesses for years to come. The bill has yet to be approved.
Contact a LawInfo Lead Counsel qualified mesothelioma attorney today
2007/05/31
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
A mesothelioma lawsuit is filed by a victim of mesothelioma in order to recover damages associated with their development of this asbestos related cancer. A mesothelioma case can help a victim seek reparations for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. Mesothelioma develops almost exclusively as a result of toxic exposure to asbestos. This disease can remain latent in a victim for up to forty years; therefore people who were exposed to asbestos in the environment in the 1950s may still be at risk for developing this disease.
Asbestos has been used to make more than 5000 products in the last few hundred years. Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that is used to make products such as vehicle brakes and building materials. Asbestos is added to these products because it aids in heat and corrosion resistance. The deadly effects of asbestos have been known for over sixty years, though it continues to be used in a variety of industries. People in the construction, automotive, factory, railroad, shipyard, and custodial industries may all be at risk for the serious health consequences resulting from toxic exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal cancer that is caused by this harmful exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium that surrounds and protects the internal organs of the body and can affect any organ in the body including the brain, heart and reproductive organs. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common and affects the lining surrounding the lungs. This lining can become cancerous when asbestos is inhaled at toxic levels. Many times the disease is asymptomatic, though symptoms may include a persistent cough, pain in the chest area or shortness of breath.
Mesothelioma also affects the peritoneal lining of the organs in the abdominal cavity. This type of mesothelioma can also remain latent and asymptomatic for several years. If symptoms do develop they might include pain and swelling of the belly, nausea, bowel problems, weight loss, swollen feet, and anemia.
Mesothelioma affects men three to five times more often than it affects women. It is diagnosed in patients at an average age of 50 to 70 years. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma is fatal. The average survival time after diagnosis is only one year, because the cancer is usually in its advanced stages by the time it is discovered. For people who are diagnosed earlier, about one half survive for two years and twenty percent make it to five years.
A mesothelioma lawsuit can be filed in the legal system in order to seek reparations for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering associated with the development of this disease. Employers and manufactures of asbestos containing products can be held liable for the injuries that develop as a result, especially when they were aware of the risks associated with the level of exposure they caused or permitted. Contacting a qualified lawyer is often the first step in discovering what your legal rights and options might be in a mesothelioma lawsuit. For more information on a mesothelioma lawsuit, please Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney who is familiar with other mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos has been used to make more than 5000 products in the last few hundred years. Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that is used to make products such as vehicle brakes and building materials. Asbestos is added to these products because it aids in heat and corrosion resistance. The deadly effects of asbestos have been known for over sixty years, though it continues to be used in a variety of industries. People in the construction, automotive, factory, railroad, shipyard, and custodial industries may all be at risk for the serious health consequences resulting from toxic exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal cancer that is caused by this harmful exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium that surrounds and protects the internal organs of the body and can affect any organ in the body including the brain, heart and reproductive organs. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common and affects the lining surrounding the lungs. This lining can become cancerous when asbestos is inhaled at toxic levels. Many times the disease is asymptomatic, though symptoms may include a persistent cough, pain in the chest area or shortness of breath.
Mesothelioma also affects the peritoneal lining of the organs in the abdominal cavity. This type of mesothelioma can also remain latent and asymptomatic for several years. If symptoms do develop they might include pain and swelling of the belly, nausea, bowel problems, weight loss, swollen feet, and anemia.
Mesothelioma affects men three to five times more often than it affects women. It is diagnosed in patients at an average age of 50 to 70 years. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma is fatal. The average survival time after diagnosis is only one year, because the cancer is usually in its advanced stages by the time it is discovered. For people who are diagnosed earlier, about one half survive for two years and twenty percent make it to five years.
A mesothelioma lawsuit can be filed in the legal system in order to seek reparations for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering associated with the development of this disease. Employers and manufactures of asbestos containing products can be held liable for the injuries that develop as a result, especially when they were aware of the risks associated with the level of exposure they caused or permitted. Contacting a qualified lawyer is often the first step in discovering what your legal rights and options might be in a mesothelioma lawsuit. For more information on a mesothelioma lawsuit, please Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney who is familiar with other mesothelioma cases.
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