It is medically accepted that asbestos causes various types of serious disease, including a very rare cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen, called mesothelioma; cancer of the lung andasbestosis, which is a fibrosis or scarring of the lining of the lungs. Also associated with asbestos exposure are pleural changes, which may or may not cause impairment, depending upon the severity.
There is also a distinct connection between asbestos exposure and cancers of the digestive tract such as esophageal, laryngeal, stomach, and colon-rectal cancers.
The latency period for asbestos related disease is approximately fifteen to fifty years, from the first exposure. Often a person may contract more than one form of disease. Proving that you suffer from an asbestos related disease is one component of your asbestos case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mesothelioma
Q: What is Mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute describes Mesothelioma as a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum), or the lining around the heart (the pericardium).
Q: How do you get Mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma usually results from asbestos exposure at work. Employees with prolonged exposure over an extended period of time face the highest risk, but cases of mesothelioma have been documented after minimal exposure as well. Workplaces with shingles, flooring materials, cement, brake linings, textiles, insulation containing asbestos and insulated machinery pose the greatest risk. Asbestos particles that are friable may be inhaled or swallowed, causing serious health problems.
Q: How will I know if I have Mesothelioma?
A: Symptoms of mesothelioma include pain and swelling, shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss, anemia, and fever. While doctors may suspect mesothelioma in a particular case, they need a tissue sample to give a final diagnosis. If you think you may have mesothelioma, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Q: How long after exposure does Mesothelioma occur?
A: Mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure. Some workers exposed in the mid-20th century are just now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The disease takes a long time to develop, which can make it difficult to identify the source of the exposure. Cooney & Conway attorneys and investigators have discovered asbestos in products that consumers and employers thought to be harmless including: insulation, gaskets, clothing, joint compound, construction materials, machinery and consumer products. Cooney and Conway extensively interviews witnesses and searches documents to determine sources of exposure.
Q: Does smoking increase my risk of developing Mesothelioma?
A: No.
Q: Is my family at risk?
A: There is strong evidence that family members of asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos dust carried home on the clothes of the worker.
Q: How is Mesothelioma treated?
A: Treatment options depend on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination. Clinical trials are underway to develop new and better methods of treatment.
Q: What are my legal rights if I have developed Mesothelioma?
A: If you believe you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you may have a legal action. An experienced attorney at Cooney & Conway can advise you on whether you may be able to bring a lawsuit to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, loss of society, and other losses.
Q: I've read in the paper that many others are suffering from mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. Can we pursue our claims together, as a group?
A: Although mesothelioma cases are filed individuallyl, there are advantages in hiring a firm with many mesothelioma cases. Extensive research regarding product identification, location of documents and legal research in past cases can be used in your case at little or no cost. In addition, past depositions and trial testimony in previous cases may be used to prove your case. The extensive experience and past successes of Cooney & Conway is one of the reasons why attorneys across the United States ask Cooney & Conway to assist their clients.
No comments:
Post a Comment