Mesothelioma Due to Asbestos Exposure
At one point, asbestos was a widespread problem most people didn’t know anything about. No one was aware of the risks associated with exposure to the toxic substance.
Although safety measures have been created to protect people from asbestos-related diseases, workers in dangerous job industries are experiencing the effects decades after the exposure.
Asbestos is a carcinogenic, fibrous mineral used in common products, such as ceiling tiles, insulation, flooring materials, and brake pads. It’s known for its resistance to heat and excellent durability.
Unfortunately, long-term asbestos exposure can cause a range of health problems. The small fibers can become airborne and inhaled by anyone nearby. Once inhaled, the fibers travel throughout the body, damaging tissue and causing inflammation. Scar tissue can start to build up and eventually lead to cancerous tumors.
Individuals Often Affected by Mesothelioma
High-risk groups are more likely to develop mesothelioma due to their frequent and prolonged contact with asbestos. People who handle asbestos and breathe in the airborne fibers at work often suffer serious symptoms and medical problems.
The groups of people at an increased risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Electricians
- Navy personnel
- Firefighters
- Auto repair employees
- Shipyard workers
- Boiler technicians
- Painters
- Railroad workers
- Construction and demolition workers
- Oil rig workers
- Lumber and paper mill workers
- Factory employees
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin layer of tissue covering most internal organs.
Symptoms depend on the area of the body where cancer begins. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are below.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal tissue. Signs of this type of cancer include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen abdomen
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the lungs and leads to symptoms, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Painful coughing
- Lumps of tissue beneath the skin in the chest area
Pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are the two most common types of mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma can lead to various complications as it spreads to the chest. The most common complications include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Fluid build-up in the chest, compressing the lungs
- Pain due to pressure placed on the spinal cord and nerves
A cure isn’t possible for most people since mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. Many patients don’t receive an accurate diagnosis until they reach an advanced stage of the disease. However, if caught early, surgery, chemotherapy, and other types of treatment could remove or destroy cancer cells and tumors.
Pursuing Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
The two most common cases people pursue following a mesothelioma diagnosis are personal injury and wrongful death.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma due to someone else’s negligent actions, you could file a lawsuit against them. For example, if you worked on a construction site and encountered asbestos, you could pursue compensation from the property owner for failing to provide a safe working environment.
The compensation you receive from a personal injury lawsuit could cover various losses you suffered as a result of your mesothelioma diagnosis, such as:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
If your loved one died from mesothelioma and the asbestos exposure resulted from another person or entity’s misconduct, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can initiate this type of case in civil court.
The compensation you recover could compensate for losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering the deceased endured
- Hospital and medical bills related to the mesothelioma diagnosis
- Loss of the deceased’s income
- Lost companionship, comfort, society, advice, and guidance
- Reasonable funeral and burial costs
- Loss of protection, services, care, and assistance provided by the deceased
Contact DeMayo Law Offices
DeMayo Law Offices is ready to help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Someone else’s wrongdoing put you at risk of a life-threatening disease, and they should be held accountable. We’ve secured over $1 billion in settlements and awards for our clients to date, and our compassionate attorneys are waiting to help you, too.
Our legal team can provide the legal representation and guidance you need to secure the money you’re owed so you can pay for your medical care and other expenses.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe asbestos exposure is to blame, contact DeMayo Law Offices for your free case evaluation at (877) 333-1000 right now. We can review your case and advise you about your available legal options.