If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, your condition could be from exposure to harmful, cancer-causing substances like asbestos and radon. People are often introduced to these carcinogens in the workplace.
If your employer or someone else’s negligence exposed you to cancerous materials, a Delaware lung cancer lawyer may be able to help you fight for compensation. You may be entitled to damages if:
- Your employer did not provide you with safety equipment or institute measures to prevent exposure to carcinogens.
- Your employer did not inform you of hazardous substances in your work environment.
- You were exposed to cancer-causing materials at work because of a third party, such as the owner of a job site or an independent contractor.
- You were exposed to radon or another cancer-causing substance because of the negligence of a building or property owner.
- You were harmed because of a medical error, such as a failure to diagnose or treat your lung cancer.
An attorney with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you with a lawsuit for personal injury, medical malpractice, or wrongful death on behalf of your deceased loved one. Call (800) 217-6099 to learn more about how our team can help.
Exposure to Carcinogens in the Workplace
Two of the primary causes of lung cancer are cigarette smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. However, anyone can get lung cancer, even non-smokers, and many other substances can increase your chances of developing the disease.
According to MedlinePlus, exposure to the following may increase your risk:
- Chromium
- Nickel
- Beryllium
- Soot
- Tar
- Arsenic
- Radiation therapy to the breast or chest
- CT scans
- Air pollution
Radon gas is also linked to lung cancer. Radon is naturally emitted from dirt and rocks and can become trapped inside homes and buildings, especially in basements. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20,000 cases of lung cancer are attributed to radon exposure every year, making radon the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
Another naturally-occurring substance known to cause lung cancer is asbestos. Asbestos exposure is linked to a rare and specific form of lung cancer called pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma causes tumors to grow in the mesothelium, the layer of tissue that surrounds your lungs and other organs.
Construction materials in older homes and buildings can contain asbestos. For this reason, people who work in demolition or remodeling may be at risk for asbestos exposure. Other professions with a higher risk of exposure include shipyard workers, brake mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and pipefitters.
Lung Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lung cancer may have no signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. Patients may have difficulty breathing, chest pain, and persistent coughing. If you know you have been exposed to lung-cancer causing materials, you may want to speak with your doctor about how you can screen for cancer in the hopes of earlier detection.
Your doctor will perform an initial physical examination and may order diagnostic testing. Testing may include a chest x-ray, CT scans, lab testing, and/or a biopsy.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Treating Lung Cancer Can Be Expensive and Painful
Lung cancer is a horrible, often fatal disease. For many patients, lung cancer can be treated, but it cannot be cured. Lung cancer patients often need to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, all of which can have debilitating side effects.
Recovery from surgery can be long and painful. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments make many patients feel ill, causing nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and other complications. These treatments can also put a financial strain on patients. The American Cancer Society (ACS) found that in 2014, Americans spent more than $4 billion out-of-pocket on cancer treatments.
If someone else’s negligence contributed to your condition, they should help you pay for your treatments and other damages. You can seek awards for your medical care and wages you have lost from being unable to work.
You may also pursue compensation for non-economic damages. These damages take into account the ways your cancer has negatively impacted your life. For example, you may be entitled to compensation if your condition has left you unable to enjoy the hobbies and activities you once loved. You could be awarded for the ways your reduced physical capacity affects your day to day quality of life. Non-economic damages can also include awards for the mental and emotional toll lung cancer can take.
If your loved one died from lung cancer, you can seek economic and non-economic damages on behalf of their estate. You may also be entitled to damages for the loss of your loved one’s financial support and your loss of companionship.
Delaware Code §8119 puts a two-year statute of limitations on claims of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. If you were exposed to a carcinogen while on the job or were further harmed by a medical error, reach out to a Delaware lung cancer lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works with local lawyers and litigators from across the county to bring our clients over 50 years of combined legal experience. We know that you and your family are going through a difficult time, and we are here to help.
A Delaware lung cancer lawyer from our team can fight to help you secure benefits to pay for your treatments and assist with your family’s financial needs. Our firm wants you to get the help you deserve. We take cases on a contingency basis, meaning we do not collect a fee unless we win a settlement in your favor.
If you would like to learn more about how Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you seek justice, call (800) 217-6099 for a risk-free consultation.
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