Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawsuits

Thousands of asbestos victims and their families have received compensation, even though each asbestos lawsuit is different. These claims can take different forms, including personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits and trust fund claims.

For a mesothelioma claim or any other asbestos-related claim solid evidence is required including medical records and employment history. Attorneys are accountable for obtaining the information and presenting it during the litigation process.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue (mesothelium) that covers the chest wall, lungs and abdomen. This cancer is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos fibres which were employed in the construction industry and other industries. It can take years for symptoms to appear, which often makes mesothelioma mistakenly diagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma can also be found in other parts of the body such as the peritoneal cavities, pericardiums (heart sacs) or testicles.

Mesothelioma is identified by a persistent cough and chest pain. Other symptoms vary based on where in the body the tumor is growing with swelling, pain and fatigue being common among those who are affected by mesothelioma pleural. People with peritoneal cancer could experience abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. Heart murmurs and heart palpitations may be experienced by people suffering from pericardial msothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma could cause swelling in the testicles.

These symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, such as bronchitis and irritable bowel syndrome which can make doctors confused. The mesothelioma latency period is long, and symptoms can manifest between 15 and 60 years after exposure. This means that those exposed to asbestos could be experiencing symptoms for decades before they receive a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma-like symptoms should make an appointment to consult their GP as soon as possible, especially if they have been exposed to asbestos. Doctors can request tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also aid patients in understanding their condition.

Those diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of their medical treatment and other financial losses. Asbestos sufferers can file a claim against the companies who produced or sold the asbestos they were exposed to and also against their current or former employers. These claims will help asbestos victims receive justice for their exposure and prevent future lawsuits. Mesothelioma victims should seek legal advice from a seasoned asbestos lawyer. They can assist them get the best treatment possible and obtain the compensation they are due.

Lung Cancer

A lawsuit against asbestos-related companies that could have exposed someone to the cancer-causing mineral could help an injured victim and their family recover compensation. It can pay for medical expenses in addition to lost wages and injuries resulting from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will determine which companies are at fault and file a lawsuit on behalf of the victim or their family. Asbestos sufferers can sue on negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty. Each case is unique. Typically, a court will award the victim compensation damages depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact they have had on his or her life.

Lung cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos and smoking cigarettes. Air pollution, radiation and other industrial chemicals may increase the risk of developing lung cancer. The condition can manifest in the lung's lining (pleura) such as in mesothelioma, and in other areas including the abdomen.

Asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma and laryngeal cancer, can also affect asbestos victims. These conditions are not directly related to asbestos exposure but could be the result of long-term, or repeated exposure to asbestos, like mesothelioma.

Certain tumors that begin in other parts of the human body may develop into lung cancer. These are not lung cancers and are called metastatic mesothelioma, or cancer that has spread to the lungs.

Compensation for asbestos victims is typically determined by the severity of an disease, the impact it has had on the victim's life and the level of pain and suffering. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma victims to receive multi-million dollar settlements. The amount paid is usually dependent on the amount that the victim has lost out because of the disease including wages and medical expenses. Large funds were put aside to help victims receive compensation, but a lot of these are now diminished, which has resulted in lower payouts.

Asbestos-related diseases

Asbestos is a fibrous substance which was extensively used in the construction of older buildings and ships as an insulator as well as a fire retardant. When asbestos is damaged it releases microscopic fibers into air that can be inhaled. These fibers may reach the end 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 like mesothelioma.

However, not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop a disease. The likelihood of developing a disease is contingent on the duration and severity of the exposure and the genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as smoking. In general, the longer and more intense exposure, the greater the risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

Pleural disease is the most frequent disease that is linked to asbestos attorneys exposure. This is a thickening or scarring of the pleura. Shortness of breath and dry cough are the most common symptoms of pleural diseases. The reason for this is that the scarring causes the lungs to absorb oxygen into the blood.

A pleural effusion can be another manifestation of asbestos-related lung diseases. The fluid can cause chest pain when it collects between the lungs. Pleural effusions may also indicate mesothelioma's presence.

Asbestos can also cause respiratory diseases such as asthma. Asthma is a lung condition that causes the airways to grow and narrow or become filled with excess mucus. Asbestos-related asthma can lead to difficulty breathing and is often misdiagnosed making it difficult to receive the proper treatment. The compensation from asbestos lawsuits could be used to purchase long-term medication and a rescue inhaler for asthma.