Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer, in which cancer cells are found in the lining of the lung, the lining around the heart, or the lining of the abdominal cavity. Although rare, some 3,000 cases are reported each year, it is extremely virulent and most patients that contract the disease usually die within a year or two from the first diagnosis.
Almost every case of mesothelioma can be traced to exposure to asbestos. People who contract mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos either through the jobs that they held or through service in the military. That's because until twenty years ago asbestos was commonly found in a wide range of products and materials that were used in construction, manufacturing, and many other applications.
The use of asbestos increased dramatically during World War II when shipyards produced untold numbers of ships for the war effort. Subsequently products containing asbestos were used in the construction and building trades, the automotive industry, and in many manufacturing industries. At its height, asbestos was found in more than 5,000 products.
Until fairly recently, products containing asbestos remained unregulated. Industries that used asbestos, although aware of the risks, continued to use the material freely. Even though it was widely understood that workers that came in contact with it would suffer, little effort was made to provide any protection. Most of the reported cases of mesothelioma are men 50 to 70 years old who worked in occupations where they were exposed to asbestos. These include shipyard workers, auto mechanics, boiler makers, bricklayers, building inspectors, carpenters, drywall installers, electricians, iron workers, painters, plasterers, plumbers, roofers, longshoremen, and U.S. Navy veterans. Because of the lack of regulation and control that existed a generation ago millions of workers were exposed to asbestos and asbestos dust on an ongoing basis.
Spouses and children of these workers may have also been exposed to and inhaled asbestos fibers brought home from the job site on hair and clothing by husbands and fathers. Individuals who lived close to asbestos manufacturing facilities may have been exposed as well and are also at risk.
In the late 1970s the Consumer Products Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and artificial ash used in gas fireplaces. In 1989 the Environmental Protection Agency banned all new uses of asbestos, but uses established prior to that time were still allowed. By this time the dangers of asbestos exposure had become fairly well known by the general public. Efforts were made at that time to reduce or eliminate the risk. For instance, asbestos was systematically removed from public schools. To this day, however, a total ban on asbestos has never been imposed; it is still imported into the U.S. and is still being used.
One of the greatest current risks is among individuals involved in repair operations or demolition work on commercial job sites with structures that were erected before any ban was imposed. The destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 exposed tens of thousands of New Yorkers to asbestos material in the dust that was generated. Workers who spent months at Ground Zero dismantling and moving debris most likely experienced high levels of exposure.
The challenge in identifying mesothelioma victims is the long latency period between exposure and disease onset. The disease does not normally present itself until 20 years or more after the original exposure took place. This can make diagnosis difficult. Symptoms, which include chest pains, an accumulation of fluid in the chest, coughing, and difficulty breathing can easily be mistaken for other conditions.
By the time mesothelioma is accurately diagnosed, little remains to be done. Traditional forms of cancer therapy, such as radiation and chemotherapy, have been found to have little effect. For these reasons, the average survival rate for patients with mesothelioma is just one year after diagnosis. When mesothelioma is found early, approximately 50 percent of patients survive two years; another 20 percent survive five years.
Anyone who may be diagnosed with mesothelioma or has a loved one suffering from the disease should consider that the disease was caused by asbestos exposure and that some company or individual is probably to blame. If you have contracted mesothelioma or have lost a loved one to the disease you may be entitled to compensation. Faced with the realities of this disease and its aftermath most of us are too devastated to do more than grieve. Yet, you have the right to ask why you were never warned about the dangers of asbestos. Under these circumstances contacting a lawyer and the lawsuit that most likely follows makes a whole lot of sense.
The attorneys at Johnson Law Group are expert in mesothelioma lawsuits. While you come to grips with the diagnosis of your illness or the death of someone close to you, these insightful attorneys will work on establishing a link between the illness and exposure to asbestos. Understand that a successful lawsuit and financial judgment in your favor will not take away the grief that you experience or the loss of a spouse or other loved one, but it will help cover medical costs, lost wages, funeral expenses, and compensate for the pain and suffering which so frequently accompany this condition.
Attorneys at Johnson Law Group are experienced in mesothelioma litigation and are familiar with the procedures required for a successful mesothelioma lawsuit. These lawyers know what and when to file, how to respond to requests for information about you, and how to negotiate the best settlement before ever going to trial. If no settlement is reached and a trial is imminent these are the best lawyers to represent your interests. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, have reason to believe that you have the disease, or have a loved one that has it give the Johnson Law Group a call so we can begin evaluating your case to see if a lawsuit makes sense. Call today.
About the Author
Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving Fen-Phen and PPH, Paxil, Mesothelioma and Nursing Home Abuse. Call 1-888-311-5522 today or email us at njohnson@johnsonlawgroup.com for a free case evaluation.
Other Mesothelioma & Asbestos Articles:
How to Find the Best Mesothelioma Doctors
Consequences of Asbestos
Mesothelioma Lawyers in High Demand |
