Updated 3/30/2022
Asbestos is a hazardous naturally occurring substance that is frequently found in abandoned buildings and homes. Although many believe asbestos is a chemical or substance, it is actually a stone/mineral. It does not degrade or biodegrade. It is softer than steel but stronger than iron and resistant to fire. Asbestos comes in a variety of colors and forms, including amosite (brown), crocidolite (blue), chrysotile (white), actinolite, anthophyllite, and tremolite.
How do you know if you have inhaled asbestos? Although it is difficult to detect initially due to its small fibers, it can cause lung-related complications over time, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the chest wall. It makes asbestos bad for you. Asbestos skin contact might not be risky when it is inhaled.
There has been an asbestos safety program in place to mitigate the management risks associated with asbestos exposure. The program mitigated this risk in the late 1990s by prohibiting the use of asbestos. Asbestos inspection companies continue to issue warnings against older buildings constructed prior to the commercial use of asbestos being prohibited. They describe them as having high asbestos exposure.
Because of their rarity and because they occur so long after initial asbestos exposure, mesothelioma diagnoses can come as a shock to anyone. If you become diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to know what options are available to you in regards to treatment and asbestos law firm litigation for compensation.
Many people are at risk for mesothelioma, but likely don’t know much about it. The EPA has estimated that asbestos-containing materials still remain in the majority of the country’s approximately 107,000 primary and secondary schools and 733,000 public and commercial buildings. In addition, about 1.3 million Americans become exposed to asbestos while at work.
Here are the top questions that are asked about mesothelioma, along with their answers:
Q: What is mesothelioma? How is it diagnosed?
A: Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that takes place in the mesothelium, a membrane that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a key factor of being at risk for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pains, weight loss and chronic fatigue; a doctor can usually diagnose mesothelioma after performing a CT scan or PET scan along with a biopsy.
Q: Are there treatments available for mesothelioma?
A: Yes. Mesothelioma treatment options depend on the patient’s age and general health along with the disease’s stage of progression. Examples of treatments are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Q: Should I hire a mesothelioma lawyer?
A: If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are entitled to make a mesothelioma claim and receive compensation for your treatment. Working with an asbestos law firm can help you receive this compensation.
Q: How can an asbestos law firm help me receive compensation for my mesothelioma?
A: Because mesothelioma lawyers at asbestos law firms work exclusively with cases like yours, they are experienced in identifying the parties liable for your asbestos exposure and for holding them accountable. Asbestos law firms will work hard to get you the settlement you deserve.
The National Institute of Health estimates that about 11 million people had asbestos exposure between 1940 and 1978. If you feel like you might be entitled to mesothelioma compensation, don’t hesitate to contact an asbestos law firm today. To learn more, read this.
