Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawsuits
Thousands of victims and their families have received compensation, even though each asbestos lawsuit is unique. These claims can take many forms, including personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuits and trust fund claim.
In the case of a mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related claim strong evidence is required, such as medical records and employment history. Attorneys are responsible to gather this information and present it during the litigation.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue (mesothelium) that line the chest wall, lungs and abdomen. This cancer is almost always due to exposure to asbestos fibres which were employed in construction and many other industries. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take years to manifest, so it is often not diagnosed correctly. Mesothelioma can also manifest in other areas of the body, such as the pericardiums, peritoneal cavities (heart sacs) or testicles.
Mesothelioma is characterized by a chronic cough and chest pain. Other symptoms are dependent on the location where the tumor is located in the body. Fort Lauderdale asbestos lawsuit with mesothelioma of the pleural region typically suffer from swelling, pain, and fatigue. Patients with peritoneal cancer might feel abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. Patients with mesothelioma of the pericardial region may have heart palpitations and murmurs. Testicular mesothelioma could cause swelling in the testicles.
These symptoms are similar to other illnesses, such as IBS and bronchitis, which can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a chronic latency period, meaning that symptoms may take between 15 and 60 years before they show. This means that asbestos-exposed individuals might experience symptoms for decades before receiving a mesothelioma diagnose.
Anyone who has mesothelioma symptoms should consult their GP immediately, particularly if asbestos has been inhaled. Doctors can order tests to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and help patients understand the extent of their condition.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses and other financial losses. Asbestos patients are able to file a claim for compensation against the companies that supplied or manufactured asbestos to which they were exposed, as well as against their current or former employers. These claims will help asbestos victims receive justice for their exposure, and also prevent future cases. Mesothelioma patients should seek legal advice from a seasoned asbestos lawyer. These lawyers can help patients receive the best treatment, and get the compensation they deserve.
Lung Cancer
A lawsuit against the asbestos companies that could have exposed an individual to cancer-causing mineral could help an injured victim and their family receive compensation. It could pay for medical expenses, lost income and other damages related to an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will determine the responsible companies and file a lawsuit on behalf of the client or their family. Asbestos patients can sue based on negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty. Each case is different. A court usually awards compensation to the victim based upon their injuries and how they've had an impact on their lives.
Lung cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos and smoking cigarettes. Exposure to radiation, air pollution or other industrial chemicals may increase the chance of developing the cancer. The condition can develop in the lining of the lungs (pleura), as in mesothelioma, and in other areas like the abdomen.
Asbestos-related victims may also be affected by other types of cancer, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, as well as laryngeal cancer. These conditions are not directly linked to asbestos exposure, but may be the result of long-term or repeated exposure, as with mesothelioma.
In certain cases tumors that start in other parts of the body may spread, or metastasize, to the lungs. These are not lung cancers and are referred to as metastatic mesothelioma or cancer that has spread to the lungs.
Compensation for asbestos-related victims is usually granted based on the severity of a particular illness, the impact it has had on the victim's life, and the extent of pain and suffering. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma patients to receive settlements of millions of dollars. The amount paid is usually dependent on the amount that the victim has lost due to the disease including wages and medical expenses. Many victims were entitled to substantial compensation funds, but they have been depleted.
Asbestos-related diseases
Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used extensively in the construction of old buildings and ships as an insulator and fire retardant. When asbestos is damaged it releases microscopic fibres into the air that can be breathed in. The fibers may penetrate the linings on the outside of the chest and lungs (the pleura) and reach the ends of the small airways. Inhaled asbestos can cause irritation, scarring and, with time serious diseases such as mesothelioma.
However, not every person who is exposed to asbestos will develop a disease. The risk of developing an asbestos-related illness is dependent on factors like the duration and intensity the exposure, genetic predisposition and other lifestyle factors such as smoking. The longer and more intense an exposure is, the greater the chance of developing an illness linked to asbestos.
The most frequent problem that is caused by exposure to asbestos is a condition known as pleural disease. This is a thickening or scarring of the pleura. The most common symptoms of pleural illness is shortness of breath and dry cough. This is because the scarring makes it hard for the lungs to get oxygen into the blood.
A pleural effusion can be another symptom of asbestos-related lung disease. This fluid can cause chest pain when it accumulates between the lung. Pleural effusions may also indicate the presence of mesothelioma.
Asbestos may also cause respiratory conditions such as asthma. Asthma causes the airways of the lungs to narrow or narrow, or fill up with a lot of mucus. Asbestos-related asthma may cause trouble breathing and is often misdiagnosed making it difficult to receive correct treatment. The compensation available through asbestos lawsuits can assist victims pay for long-term medication and a rescue inhaler.