Mesothelioma is deadly cancer that commonly develops in the lungs of people who have been exposed to asbestos. If you have developed this serious form of asbestos-related lung cancer or another asbestos disease, our free consultation lawyers in Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre can help. We are experts in winning mesothelioma lawsuits and fighting for the rights of victims of asbestos lung disease and mesothelioma.
What Causes Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, which is also called malignant pleural mesothelioma, is a malignancy that affects the pleura, a thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest wall. Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose become embedded in the lining of the lungs. Most often, mesothelioma cancer results from work-related asbestos exposure. Those who work in asbestos mines and mills, in the heating and construction industries, shipbuilding, and in the manufacturing of asbestos are most at risk. Exposure to asbestos resulting in asbestos fiber or asbestos dust in lungs can also happen when family members or others come in contact with a worker’s clothing before it has been properly cleaned.
Asbestos is used in insulation, which means that insulation workers are at risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, pleural thickening, or other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, a disease that involves scarring of lung tissue from breathing in asbestos fibers, and can make breathing extremely difficult.
The American Lung Association reports that about 70 to 80 percent of those who get mesothelioma have been heavily exposed to asbestos at work.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that are used in the production of many things, such as insulation, roof shingles, asphalt products such as tile and flooring, cement, brake linings and transmission components, textured paints and textiles. It has been widely used because it is fire resistant, a conductor of heat and electricity, and nearly indestructible. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen. Asbestos contains millions of microscopic fibers. The fibers are so small, that they are easily inhaled, and once inhaled, they can do a considerable amount of damage. The fibers can also be swallowed.
Although the government began to regulate the use of asbestos in the 1970’s, asbestos exposure is still a threat, because so many asbestos-coating products remain in buildings, ships, and other faculties. Asbestos has also been used in many popular consumer products, such as baby powder and cigarette filters, and in the manufacturing of electronics, such as hair dryer, toasters, and coffee pots.
Thousands of unsuspecting workers have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace and developed an asbestos disease as they worked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that approximately 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos in the workplace. 107,000 people die each year from asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. The WHO also estimates that one in every three deaths from occupational cancer is caused by asbestos.
Occupations With A High Risk Of Being Exposed To Asbestos
- Aerospace Production
- Aircraft Manufacturing and Mechanics
- Automobile Manufacturing, Assembly, and Mechanics
- Boilermakers
- Chemical
- Construction
- Custodians
- Demolition
- Electrical
- Factory workers
- Flooring Installers
- Insulators
- Lab Techs
- Machinist
- Maritime
- Plant/Mill Workers
- Pipefitters
- Powerhouse workers
- Railroad workers
- Refinery workers
- Roofers
- Sheet metal workers
- Steamfitters
Navy veterans and other military veterans are also at a higher risk of getting mesothelioma, as many came in contact with asbestos during their military careers. Many military ships, vehicles and even some tools used asbestos.
Many people have also been exposed to asbestos in their own homes, through remodeling work, plumbing, electrical, or car maintenance.
Types Of Mesothelioma
- Pleural Mesothelioma – The most common, 75%-80% of cases, it starts within the chest and impacts the lungs.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma – 15%-20% of cases, it starts in the abdomen and can spread to the testicles, liver, spleen or bowel.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma – Rarest form, less than 2% of cases, it starts around the heart.
Mesothelioma Statistics
- According to the American Cancer Society, there are approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year.
- Mesothelioma is more common in men (80%) than it is in women (20%).
- It usually takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to appear
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma prognosis and mesothelioma life expectancy are not good, even when symptoms appear early. Symptoms of mesothelioma include, but are not limited to shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, or rapid weight loss. Mesothelioma stages are I through IV, with I being localized and II through IV being advanced. Mesothelioma treatment is dependent on the location and stage of cancer and health of the patient. Treatment for mesothelioma could include radiation, chemotherapy or surgery. Clinical trials also exist for mesothelioma patients and can be found at clinicaltrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institute of Health. Asbestos symptoms, resulting from asbestos exposure, can include respiratory problems, such as coughing, swelling in the neck or face, cracking sound when breathing, or difficulty swallowing. If you develop any asbestos exposure symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Asbestos Regulations
OSHA has different standards based on the type of workplace, general industry, shipyards, and construction. Protections include the permissible asbestos exposure limits, an assessment of the presence of asbestos in the workplace, asbestos testing, monitoring of exposure, training, decontamination and more. OSHA also provides requirements for safe asbestos abatement, including asbestos removal or encasement.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site also provides information on federal requirements and testing for asbestos in schools and other buildings as well as information on asbestos health effects and protecting your family from asbestos dangers.
An Experienced Mesothelioma Law Firm In Philadelphia And Wilkes-barre Seeking Compensation For The Victims Of Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is one of the most dangerous types of cancer. Symptoms don’t show up for many years, usually decades. Our mesothelioma lawyers are committed to helping families and individuals affected by mesothelioma, asbestos disease, and other asbestos-related illnesses. When filing a mesothelioma lawsuit or seeking a mesothelioma settlement, the plaintiff must prove that an injury was suffered as a result of the negligence of another. Other asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural disease, and other cancers. Oftentimes, asbestos manufacturers and other industry employers knew about the dangers but failed to act and warn employees. Unfortunately, asbestos can be passed on to family members and friends simply through contact with workers clothes. Asbestos exposure lawsuits may also result from his type of exposure.
Call Asbestos Lawyers In Philadelphia & Wilkes-barre Today
Do you feel you may have an asbestos lawsuit or may be entitled to mesothelioma compensation? If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or any other asbestos-related illnesses, and you suspect it is due to contact with asbestos, you need to contact the mesothelioma personal injury lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli today. Our asbestos litigation team is highly experienced and will evaluate your individual case, seek the source of the asbestos and determine the best course of action. The mesothelioma attorneys at Fellerman & Ciarimboli realize the devastating effects these diseases can have on your family and we are focused on fighting for your rights and to get you and your family the compensation you deserve.
Contact A Free Consultation Lawyer
Experts in mesothelioma claims and asbestos claims, the dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli is here for you and your family. Call today for a free lawyer consultation with a lawsuit attorney.
Call 215-575-9237 to find an attorney in our Philadelphia office or 570-714-HURT to speak to asbestos attorneys in our Wilkes-Barre office.
