Lung cancer is a potentially fatal, debilitating condition that can spread to other parts of the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, lung cancer is the deadliest malignancy in America as it accounts for more deaths than any other form of cancer.
Lung cancer is caused when cells abnormally grow and divide, resulting in a mass or tumor. Sometimes, it is unclear what causes abnormal cell growth, but there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of lung cancer development.
If you have received a lung cancer diagnosis, or your family member died from lung cancer, you could be entitled to compensation. A Connecticut lung cancer lawyer can examine the details of your case to determine if someone else may be liable for your disease. To find out more about how a cancer lawyer may be able to help you, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099.
Types of Lung Cancer
There are multiple types of lung cancer:
- Small cell lung cancer – This type of cancer represents about 15 percent of all lung cancers, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It grows quickly and often is in advanced stages by the time it is diagnosed.
- Non-small cell lung cancer – This type of lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is divided into three types. Adenocarcinoma is the most common. It begins in the outer edges of the lungs. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops in a breathing tube near the chest’s center. Large cell carcinoma also grows in the periphery of the lungs. This type of cancer grows very quickly.
- Mesothelioma – This type of cancer is rare. It usually develops in the area of the mesothelium encompassing the lungs.
Cancer Can Be Caused by Exposure to Harmful Substances
We all know that smoking cigarettes and exposure to second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer. However, there are many other carcinogenic materials that we come into contact with, especially in the workplace. These may include:
- Arsenic
- Uranium
- Diesel exhaust
- Chromium compounds
- Cadmium
- Beryllium
- Silica
- Nickel
- Coal products
- Vinyl chloride
- Mustard gas
- Chloromethyl ethers
Two other very dangerous cancer-causing substances workers are exposed to are asbestos and radon. The majority of those with mesothelioma were linked to asbestos exposure, according to the Mayo Clinic.
People who work with this naturally occurring mineral, often found in building materials and insulation, are at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. It can take decades from the time you are exposed to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop. Plumbers, brake mechanics, electricians, demolition workers, and pipefitters may all have a high risk of asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Radon also is a naturally occurring substance. It is a radioactive gas caused by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. The ACS says radon is the second-leading cause of cancer in the United States. When you breathe in radon, your lungs are exposed to cancer-causing radiation.
Radon gas can be found in homes and buildings, often seeping into basements or entering through cracks in the walls and floors. It is emitted by some building materials made from natural substances, like concrete and granite. Radon miners, uranium processing factory workers, and people who work with phosphate fertilizers are at risk of radon exposure while on the job.
If you are aware you have been exposed to lung cancer-causing substances, it may be a good idea to speak to your doctor about a cancer screening. Often, signs of lung cancer and mesothelioma can go undetected. They may include coughing, chest pain, and other symptoms that could be mistaken for more minor illnesses. Your doctor can perform diagnostic image testing, blood tests, or a biopsy to look for the presence of lung cancer.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
You Could Be Owed Damages for Your Treatment and Suffering
If you were exposed to carcinogens in your home or workplace, a Connecticut lung cancer lawyer may be able to help you prove someone else is responsible for your illness. You may be owed compensation if:
- Your employer failed to protect you from or warn you about harmful substances in your work environment.
- A building or property owner failed to remove or mitigate the presence of asbestos or radon in your home or workplace.
- A healthcare provider misdiagnosed, failed to diagnose, or failed to treat your lung cancer.
You could be owed awards to pay for your lost wages, medical treatments, and suffering and pain. If you lost a family member to lung cancer, you may be entitled to damages for their wrongful death, as well as your loss of consortium.
If you were exposed to asbestos or another carcinogen and later developed lung cancer, consider contacting the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. The statute of limitations for personal injury in Connecticut is two years. In medical malpractice cases, you have two years from time malpractice was discovered to file suit. If the window of time set by the statute closes, you may not be able to seek compensation for you or your family member.
An Attorney Can Assist with Your Lung Cancer Case
A Connecticut lung cancer lawyer can help you stand up to those who may have contributed to your illness. If your cancer was caused by asbestos, radon, or another toxic material, the person responsible for exposing you to harmful carcinogens should be held responsible. If your suffering was made worse because of medical practice, the negligent healthcare provider should pay.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you seek the damages you may deserve. Call (800) 217-6099 to speak to our team about a free consultation.
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