Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawsuits
While each asbestos lawsuit is different many victims or loved relatives have been awarded compensation. These claims can take a variety of forms, including personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits and trust fund claims.
For Upland asbestos lawyers or any other asbestos-related claim strong evidence is required for medical records and a history of employment. Attorneys are responsible for gathering the information and presenting it during the litigation process.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects the thin layer (mesothelium), which lines the chest wall and lungs. It can also affect the 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 may also be found in different parts of the body, like the peritoneal cavity (pericardium), peritoneal sac (heart sac) or testicles.
Mesothelioma can be identified by a persistent cough and chest pain. Other symptoms are dependent on where the tumor is located in the body. Pleural mesothelioma patients often suffer from swelling, pain, and fatigue. People affected by mesothelioma of the peritoneal region may feel abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. Heart murmurs and heart palpitations may be experienced by those with pericardial mesothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma can cause swelling in the testicles.
These symptoms are often misinterpreted by doctors because they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases like irritable bowel syndrome or bronchitis. The mesothelioma's latency time is lengthy, and symptoms can manifest between 15 and 60 years after exposure. That means that those who are exposed to asbestos may be experiencing symptoms for a long time before they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Those who have mesothelioma symptoms should consult their GP immediately, particularly if asbestos has been inhaled. Doctors can request tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also help patients understand their condition.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can get compensation to cover medical expenses and other financial losses. Asbestos victims are able to file a claim against the companies who produced or sold the asbestos they were exposed to, as well as their former employers or employers. These claims can assist asbestos victims in obtaining justice for their exposure and prevent future lawsuits. Mesothelioma patients should seek legal advice from an asbestos lawyer with experience. These lawyers can help patients receive the best treatment, and receive the compensation they deserve.
Lung Cancer
A lawsuit against asbestos-related companies can help injured victims and their families to recover compensation. It can pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages resulting from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma or lung cancer.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can identify the responsible companies and file a lawsuit on behalf of a client or their family. Asbestos victims can sue for negligence and strict liability, as well as breach of warranty and each case is unique, with specific facts. Typically, a court will award a victim compensation damages in proportion to the severity of their injuries as well as the impact they have had on his or her life.
Lung cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoking. Radiation, air pollution and other industrial chemicals could also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. The condition can manifest in the lining of the lungs (pleura) such as in mesothelioma, and in other areas like the abdomen.
Asbestos-related cancers such as laryngeal carcinoma and mesothelioma can also affect asbestos victims. These diseases aren't directly related to asbestos exposure, but may be caused by repeated or prolonged exposure.
In certain cases tumors that begin in other parts of the body may spread or metastasize to the lungs. These are not considered to be the same as lung cancer, and are referred to as metastatic mesothelioma or cancer that spreads to lung cancer.
Compensation is often awarded to asbestos victims based on their severity, the impact of the disease on the victim's life and the degree of pain and suffering. Mesothelioma victims are not unusual to receive settlements that range from a few million dollars to several million dollars. The amount paid is usually determined by how much the victim has lost due to the illness including wages and medical expenses. Many victims were entitled to substantial compensation funds, but these have been drained.
Asbestos-related Diseases
Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was extensively used in the construction of old buildings and ships as an insulator and a fire retardant. When asbestos is damaged it releases microscopic fibers into the air, which can be breathed. These fibers can penetrate the outer linings of the lungs and chest (the pleura) and reach the ends of the airways that are small. Inhaling asbestos can cause scarring, irritation and, with time, serious diseases like mesothelioma.
However, not every person who is exposed to asbestos will develop a disease. The probability of developing a disease depends on the duration and severity of the exposure and also the genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors like smoking. In general, the longer and more intense exposure, the greater the chance of developing an asbestos-related illness.
The most common problem caused by exposure to asbestos is a condition referred to as pleural disease. It refers to scarring or thickening of the pleura. The most frequent symptoms of pleural illness is breathlessness and dry cough. This is because scarring makes it difficult for the lung to get oxygen into the body.
Another symptom of asbestos-related pleural disease is the accumulation of fluid known as a lymphatic effusion. The fluid can cause chest pain when it collects between the lung. Pleural effusions can also indicate the presence of mesothelioma.
Asbestos can also cause respiratory disorders such as asthma. Asthma is a lung disease that causes the airways to swell and narrow or become filled with excess mucus. Asbestos-related asthma may cause trouble breathing and is often misdiagnosed, making it difficult to receive the proper treatment. The compensation available through asbestos lawsuits can assist victims pay for long-term medication as well as an inhaler for rescue.