Today, most people know about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, and as a result, smoking has decreased dramatically. However, many people who suffer from lung cancer did not learn the hazards of the substances they encountered in the workplace until they had already had years of exposure to them.
If you received a cancer diagnosis or lost a spouse, parent, or another family member to lung cancer as a result of someone else exposing them to toxins, a Rockford lung cancer lawyer can help you determine if you can file a claim for compensation. Call the legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 217-6099 to discuss the details of your case.
Types of Lung Cancer
UI Health details the different types of lung cancer, which fall under two categories: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC occurs much more commonly than SCLC, accounting for up to 90% of all cases. Different types of NSCLC include:
- Squamous cell/epidermoid carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Large cell carcinoma
SCLC consists of two types as determined by stage. Limited SCLC refers to cancer in one lung and/or lymph nodes on one side of the body, while extensive SCLC involves cancer that has spread into other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
In many cases, people do not experience any symptoms of lung cancer until the disease has reached advanced stages, such as when it has spread. A study published in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology notes that doctors may misdiagnose lung cancer initially, as lesions can sometimes look like normal anatomical structures on imaging scans.
Some of the signs that may indicate lung cancer include:
- Cough that does not go away
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia
For individuals considered high-risk, such as those who have reached a certain age, currently smoke cigarettes, or quit smoking cigarettes within the past 15 years, some healthcare facilities offer lung cancer screening, which may detect cancer at an earlier stage before symptoms even appear.
For a free legal consultation with a Lung Cancer Lawyer serving Rockford, call (800) 794-0444
Substances in the Workplace that Can Cause Lung Cancer
While smoking accounts for most lung cancer diagnoses, exposure to occupational hazards such as radon and asbestos account can also cause lung cancer. Smoking does increase the risk of developing lung cancer among those who have also had exposure to dangerous workplace substances, but even those who have never smoked but have encountered radon or asbestos at work have a greater chance of developing the disease when compared to nonsmokers who never worked around these dangerous materials.
If your diagnosis stemmed from occupational exposure, a Rockford lung cancer lawyer might be able to help you pursue financial awards from the company that failed to protect you. Contact the legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm right away to get started on your case.
Radon Gas
Experts believe that radon gas causes the most instances of lung cancer each year behind cigarette smoking. The colorless and odorless radioactive gas occurs naturally due to the breakdown of certain elements in rocks and soil, but heavy exposure can cause alterations in cells to lead to cancer over time. An estimated 21,000 people lose their lives each year because of lung cancer caused by radon, which particularly affects those who worked in underground mining.
Asbestos Fibers
A group of naturally occurring minerals, asbestos has an inherent resistance to fire and corrosion, which many industries found useful for a wide range of products. From construction materials to textiles and automotive parts, asbestos seemed like the ideal insulation solution.
Even though evidence of its dangers surfaced earlier than the 1970s and 1980s, it took many companies that long to begin protecting their workers from the substance. By then, many people who had breathed in asbestos fibers in the workplace experienced lung inflammation, scarring, and lung cancer, which often does not occur until years after exposure.
Rockford Lung Cancer Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Seeking Compensation in Lung Cancer Cases
If workplace exposure to radon or asbestos led to your lung cancer or the loss of your loved one to the disease, you might have options for pursuing financial recovery from the liable party. In the 1980s, approximately 100 companies who had received a massive influx of lawsuits from former employees who had received lung cancer diagnosed due to exposure on the job established asbestos trust funds. These trust funds provide victims with financial awards for their medical injuries, and billions of dollars remain for future claimants. Even companies that have gone bankrupt still have working trusts for lung cancer victims.
You may also have the option of filing a lawsuit against the company whose negligent policies caused you or your loved one harm. Our attorneys typically seek compensation outside of the courtroom, but if they cannot negotiate a fair award amount for you, they will take your case to trial.
Click to contact our Lung Cancer Lawyers today
How a Rockford Lung Cancer Lawyer Can Help You
You should not have to manage your case alone, and our team can ensure that you have the legal guidance and support you need to pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Some of the ways we can help include:
- Investigating your circumstances to determine if you qualify for compensation
- Assessing the extent of your damages
- Exploring your options for approaching financial awards
- Fighting for a fair settlement for you
Our legal team will keep you updated on your case from start to finish and address any questions or concerns you have throughout the process.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact Our Law Firm Today for Help with Your Case
The lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm understand that managing your health during this time takes precedence, and we can help by handling your lung cancer claim for you. We provide free case evaluations, and you do not owe us anything unless we achieve financial recovery in your favor. Call us today at (800) 217-6099 to speak with our legal team about taking the next step in your case.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
