Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawsuits
Many victims and their families have received compensation, even though each asbestos lawsuit is different. These claims can take many forms, including personal injury claims, lawsuits for wrongful death and trust fund claims.
A mesothelioma or asbestos-related claim requires strong evidence like medical records, employment history and much more. Attorneys are accountable for obtaining this information and present it during the litigation process.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue (mesothelium) that covers the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. This cancer is almost always due to exposure to asbestos fibres, that were used in the construction industry and other industries. It can take years for symptoms to manifest, which often makes mesothelioma often misdiagnosed as other illnesses. Mesothelioma can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the peritoneal cavity (pericardium), peritoneal sac (heart sac) or testicles.
Mesothelioma can be identified by a constant cough and chest pain. Other symptoms are based on where the tumor is located in the body. Pleural mesothelioma patients often suffer from swelling, pain and fatigue. Those with peritoneal cancer may experience abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. Heart murmurs and heart palpitations may be experienced by people suffering from pericardial msothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma may cause a swelling of the testicles.
These symptoms can be confused by doctors as they are similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as IBS or bronchitis. The latency period of mesothelioma is lengthy, and symptoms can appear between 15-60 years after exposure. This means that people exposed to asbestos could be experiencing symptoms for decades before they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma-like symptoms should schedule an appointment visit their GP whenever possible particularly if they have been exposed to asbestos. Doctors can order testing to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and aid patients in understanding their illness.
Those diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation to cover their medical expenses as well as other financial losses. Asbestos victims are able to file a claim against companies that produced or sold the asbestos they were exposed to and also against their current or former employers. These claims can assist asbestos victims in obtaining justice for their exposure, and also prevent future cases. Mesothelioma victims should seek legal advice from a seasoned asbestos lawyer. These lawyers can assist them to get the best treatment possible and obtain the compensation they are due.
Lung Cancer
A lawsuit against asbestos companies can help injured victims and their families receive compensation. It can pay for medical expenses, lost income and other damages related to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will determine which companies are responsible and make a claim on behalf of a patient or their family. Asbestos sufferers can sue on negligence or strict liability, or breach of warranty. Each case is different. A court will usually award an amount of compensation to a victim based on their injuries and how they have had an impact on their lives.
Lung cancer can be caused through exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoking. Air pollution, radiation and other industrial chemicals may also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. The condition can develop in the lining of the lungs (pleura), as in mesothelioma, and in other areas including the abdomen.
Asbestos-related victims may also suffer from other types of cancer, such as mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, as well as laryngeal cancer. These conditions aren't directly related to asbestos exposure but could be caused by long-term or repeated exposure to asbestos, like mesothelioma.
Some tumors that begin in other parts of the human body may be spread to the lungs. These are not lung cancers and are known as metastatic mesothelioma or cancer that has spread to the lung.
Compensation is often given to asbestos-related victims based on their severity and the impact of the disease on the victim's daily life, and the extent of suffering and pain. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma victims to receive multi-million dollar settlements. The amount paid depends on the amount a victim has lost due to the disease. This includes wages as well as medical costs. A large sum of money was put aside to help victims receive compensation, however many of these are now reduced, leading to smaller payouts.
Asbestos-related illnesses
Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was extensively used in the construction of older buildings and ships as an insulator and a fire retardant. When asbestos is damaged, it releases microscopic fibres into the air which can be inhaled. These fibers may reach the ends of the small airways in the lungs and penetrate into the outer lining of the lung and chest wall (the pleura). Inhaled asbestos may cause irritation, scarring, and eventually, serious diseases such as mesothelioma.
However, not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop a disease. The risk of developing a disease depends on the duration and intensity of the exposure and the genetic predisposition of individuals and lifestyle factors such as smoking. The longer and more intense the exposure is, the greater chance of developing an illness linked to asbestos.
The most frequently encountered problem that is that is caused by exposure to asbestos is a condition known as pleural disease. This is a term used to describe the scarring or thickening of pleura. Raleigh asbestos attorneys of breath and dry cough are the most frequent symptoms of pleural diseases. This is because scarring makes it difficult for lungs get oxygen into the body.
Another symptom of asbestos-related pleural disease is a buildup of fluid called an pleural effusion. This fluid collects between the lung and can be painful when it causes chest pain. Pleural effusions may also indicate mesothelioma's presence.
Asbestos exposure may also lead to respiratory conditions such as asthma. Asthma causes the airways of the lungs to expand or narrow, or to overflow with mucus. Asbestos-related asthma may cause trouble breathing and is often misdiagnosed making it difficult to receive appropriate treatment. The compensation that asbestos lawsuits can assist victims to pay for long-term medications and a rescue inhaler.