Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The dangers of asbestos have been known for decades; yet many companies ignored the warning signs and continued to use asbestos and expose their employees to it. As a result of this negligence, workers in certain trades and industries have developed or are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
The risk of developing this disease is higher for workers in industries where asbestos exposure is common. These include:
- Asbestos mining and milling
- Shipbuilding
- Manufacture of asbestos products
- Demolition workers
- Drywall removers
- Firefighters
- Insulation work
- Automobile workers
Mesothelioma can form in three main areas of the body: the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavity. From there, the disease can spread to other organs. Furthermore, there are several types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common. It affects the tissue that lines the lungs. (This is different from lung cancer, which affects the lungs themselves.) The second most common type is peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. The rarest form of the disease is pericardial mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the heart.
Symptoms of mesothelioma resemble those of more common illness and may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, weight loss, excessive coughing, and loss of appetite. These symptoms may appear years or even decades after asbestos exposure. Because of the time gap between exposure and symptoms, the disease is most common in men who are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Mesothelioma can be treated in several ways, including radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. More experimental treatments are undergoing clinical trials.
If you work in one of the above industries and have developed mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, your state’s statute of limitations may prevent you from filing a lawsuit if too much time passes. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your options.
In this picture, an x-ray reveals malignant mesothelioma encasing the right lung.