Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was first used commercially in the late 1800s. Because of its heat-resistant properties, it was once used extensively in a range of industrial products, including flooring products, textiles, insulation, and cement, among others.

In the beginning of the twentieth century, however, it was discovered exposure to asbestos fibers, by inhalation or by swallowing, caused a serious occupational health hazard.

Inhalation of microscopic asbestos particles or contact with asbestos dust is known to cause mesothelioma, a malignancy of the mesothelium, the protective membrane that covers most of the body’s internal organs.

While several government agencies have worked diligently to establish regulations within the asbestos industry, human exposure to this lethal substance has resulted in total litigation costs of more than $250 billion by an estimated 600,000 claimants in the United States alone.

Facts & Statistics You Should Know:

• Although not a common form of cancer, mesothelioma occurrences have increased during the past two decades. There are now an estimated 2,000 new cases annually in the United States.
• Between 1980 and 2000 (the latest statistics available), more than 8,000 men and 1,000 women have died of mesothelioma.
• In an estimated 70 to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma, patients have had previous and/or long-term exposure to or contact with asbestos.
• Long-term survival after developing mesothelioma is not expected, due to the highly aggressive nature of this type of cancer. Most mesothelioma patients are given 8 to 12 months to live.
• While mesothelioma is not contagious, there is a higher incidence of developing this disease among people who live with family members who have worked with asbestos.

Understanding the Law

In order to receive compensation, a claimant must be able to prove that he or she was exposed to asbestos, and a responsible party—either a manufacturer, company, property owner, or another entity—must be identified. Qualified medical experts are also required to prove the victim’s claim.

Just compensation may include current and future medical reimbursement and rehabilitation, lost wages and future earnings, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages for wrongful conduct.

Because symptoms of mesothelioma often do not appear until 20 to 50 years following exposure, many states have enacted laws that allow individuals to file lawsuits within a specific period of time after the illness is detected, rather than when the patient was first exposed. These designated periods of time often vary from state to state. 

Have You or a Family Member Developed Mesothelioma?

There are three important steps that you must take if you suspect that you or a member of your family has been exposed to asbestos or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma:

1. Prepare a comprehensive educational and employment history that provides specific location details of where you went to school and worked.
2. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop asbestos exposure-related symptoms. Keep a comprehensive file of all medical bills and health records.
3. Consult an attorney with experience in asbestos litigation as soon as you suspect that you or a member of your family has been exposed to products or materials that contain asbestos.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Individuals exposed to asbestos become victims of the long-standing and well-documented history of concealment and fraudulent behavior that has plagued the asbestos industry for decades. A qualified attorney with experience in this area of legal expertise can protect an individual’s legal rights by developing a solid case with comprehensive medical evidence and by collecting proof that determines who should be held accountable so that economic compensation can be awarded to the plaintiff and his or her family.

To find a personal injury attorney in your community who specializes in asbestos and mesothelioma-related cases, please enter your city name in the grey search box at the top of this page.

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE - PLEASE CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC CASE