Mesothelioma: Medical Risks and Liability Issues Explained

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Find out who may be liable for a mesothelioma diagnosis.

2011-07-03

July 03, 2011 (Press-News.org) Mesothelioma: Medical Risks and Liability Issues Explained

A diagnosis of mesothelioma--an aggressive form of cancer, can be devastating for patients and their families. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer associated with exposure to asbestos.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, in almost all cases, is related to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used in many products, including almost any type of product used in the workplace. Additionally, many products that were used in the home also contained asbestos.

Asbestos was used in the construction of homes, brake lining for automobiles and trucks, and household appliances. These uses were in addition to the industrial use of asbestos products in steel mills, power houses and a variety of workplace settings.

Mesothelioma can take decades to develop, which means that someone working with asbestos in the 1970s may not have developed the disease until well after the exposure had occurred. Mesothelioma has a latency period of up to 40-50 years. This means that from the time you or family members were first exposed to asbestos, it can take decades for the disease to develop.

Additionally, some people are diagnosed with mesothelioma after only a short period of exposure to asbestos, such as working with asbestos containing products for a few months in a summer job. There have also been cases where the worker's spouse or children have developed asbestos related diseases from being exposed to dust from the worker's clothing during the laundering of the clothes or simply being around the worker's dusty clothes.

What are the Risks?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs. Asbestos is easily carried through the air and working with asbestos increases one's chance of inhaling asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is incurable and very aggressive. Symptoms include trouble breathing, coughing and accumulation of fluid in the chest and lungs.

Who is Responsible?

Manufacturers, sellers and suppliers of asbestos containing products may be liable for the injuries caused by exposure to their products. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, money damages may be awarded to include medical expenses incurred, economic loss, as well as damages for the pain and suffering of the injured person and family members.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease that is almost always attributed to workplace conditions. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please feel free to call to discuss with us protecting any rights you may have as a result of your mesothelioma diagnosis.

Article provided by Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Conboy, L.L.C.
Visit us at www.cbmclaw.com

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