Mesothelioma is an extremely deadly cancer of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and internal organs. There is no cure, and the only known cause is exposure to asbestos.
It has a long latency or “incubation” period, sometimes as much as 20 to 40 years. Workers exposed to airborne asbestos fibers before the dangers were well-publicized and better regulated (before the late 1970s) are still being diagnosed with this disease. However, documentation and testimony from within the asbestos industry proves that manufacturers were aware of the harm the material caused. Their failure to warn workers and consumers makes them liable for your mesothelioma diagnosis today.
Between 2,500 and 4,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Green Bay defective product lawyers for a free consultation.
Asbestos was commonly used in factories, shipyards, and found in homes and businesses containing asbestos in their ceiling insulation, drywall, flooring, pipes, bricks, roofing, or concrete.
Asbestos can be released into the air as tiny dust-like fibers. You don’t have to work with asbestos or in an asbestos processing plant in order to inhale airborne fibers. Many workplaces are large complexes with one small section in which asbestos-containing materials or products are handled. A lack of proper workplace controls, such as proper ventilation, can sometimes mean airborne fibers drift elsewhere in a complex. Worse, the fibers can be airborne in the surrounding vicinity of a business in which asbestos-containing products are processed.
Perhaps the most frightening aspect is that workers might unknowingly carry asbestos fibers into the home on their clothes—family members have contracted the disease simply from this low-level exposure.
Short-term exposure has been proven to cause mesothelioma in many people. The fibers can be inhaled deeply enough on just one or two occasions for them to lodge permanently, deep within the lungs. The body cannot dispose of asbestos fibers. Any person who inhaled asbestos fibers can contract mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can develop for years without showing any signs. Sometimes it is discovered earlier when a chest X-ray is taken for unrelated reasons. If it progresses far enough for symptoms before it is discovered, those symptoms can include:
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately and contact an experienced Fox Cities mesothelioma lawyer.
No, but some of its applications have been banned. Spray-on insulation, preformed pipe insulation, and hot water heater insulation containing asbestos have been banned. Other uses, such as asbestos-cement corrugated and flat sheet, roofing felt, and auto brake components are not currently under ban in the U.S.
Asbestos has many important heat-resistant features, but its processing has been poorly regulated in the past. Even though federal regulation of asbestos processing is now tighter than ever, there are still slip-ups. The bottom line is that even if asbestos were completely banned today, the long incubation period means mesothelioma would still be with us for years to come.
Yes. While many corporate asbestos defendants are no longer in business, many viable companies remain from whom you can seek compensation for your illness.
Money from insurance coverage, reinsurers, bankruptcy trusts, and company assets is still available to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases. However, we recommend speaking with a personal injury lawyer before pursuing a lawsuit, because there are applicable time deadlines, eligibility requirements, and other evidentiary requirements that we can handle on your behalf.
You may be eligible for:
Our personal injury lawyers charge no initial fees or costs. You only pay if we get you money. If you are interested in pursuing compensation after a mesothelioma diagnosis, call Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers for your free consultation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve compensation. This devastating form of cancer often leaves victims with large medical bills and a severely reduced quality of life. You shouldn’t have to pay for your treatments and lost wages out of pocket, especially when your exposure is due to a company’s negligence. Call Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today at (920) 486-9726 to get started.
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