Mesothelioma is a rare but highly destructive cancer primarily caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It forms a tumor in the protective layer of tissue around the abdomen, heart, and lungs.
Getting mesothelioma from a single exposure is typically very slim. However, that also depends on the kind of exposure you had. You do not contract asbestos-related illnesses just by being close to an object that contains it. The material only becomes dangerous when it manages to release asbestos dust into the air, such as when it gets broken down or burnt. If you manage to inhale or swallow the asbestos particles, you will have a higher probability of getting cancer than someone who did not get any inside their body.
Too Much Asbestos Exposure Could Lead to Cancer
Safe amounts do not exist when it comes to asbestos. You can get mesothelioma from a single exposure even if you only have a small quantity in your system. The fibers may still get trapped and create inflammation that can eventually result in cancer over time. Of course, your likelihood increases if that singular incident makes you inhale a substantial volume, as more asbestos dust will damage your internal organs’ linings.
Mesothelioma’s Long Latency Period
Mesothelioma’s side effects can take decades before they show, thanks to its long latency period. You might not feel anything for years after you got exposed. There are cases where patients only learn about their cancer 40 years after exposure, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Waiting for symptoms to appear before seeing a doctor may not be the best course of action if you want a better shot at surviving. Mesothelioma’s side effects usually manifest once it reaches an advanced stage. If you ever had significant exposure to asbestos, even just once, you should have yourself examined at least once every year for any unusual growths. It can help spot mesothelioma while it is still at a more manageable level.
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Ways You Can Get Exposed to Asbestos
Asbestos is an ingredient that you can find in various products, including insulation, plastics, and textiles. If they get torn, broken down, burned, they can release asbestos fibers. The U.S. government has laws in place to help reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. Employers need to follow the proper handling and disposal regulations to help keep their workers and the public safe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Unfortunately, people can still get exposed by accident or due to negligence. For instance, a company might forgo disposing of a product with asbestos properly and burn it instead. Asbestos dust can permeate in the open air, making it likely for others to breathe it in by accident.
Anyone with a job that makes them handle or get exposed to asbestos regularly will be at a higher risk of contracting mesothelioma. Some of these occupations include construction work, manufacturing, and firefighting. If you have a family member in this line of work, they may carry asbestos dust home with them, which you and other loved ones may inhale.
What to Do When Someone Else Caused the Exposure
If you were once exposed to a considerable amount of asbestos because of someone else’s mishandling, you can file a lawsuit against them if any health complications arise. A mesothelioma attorney can guide you through your state’s laws regarding cancer suits to help strengthen your claim.
Winning the case lets you recover from the expenses you accrue, such as medical treatment bills, your rehabilitation efforts, and the wages you lost while getting treated. You can even receive compensation for the pain you suffered. If a loved one passes away from their cancer, the liable parties have to pay for funeral and burial costs too. The court can also award punitive damages, which punish the defendant if they were excessively negligent.
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Get a Lawyer’s Assistance for Your Case
While it is rare, you can still get mesothelioma from a single exposure. If you do get exposed and have cancer due to another’s negligent actions, know that Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is here to help you recover your damages. Our team has over three decades’ experience in cancer lawsuits, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and more civil claims throughout the United States.
We have a mesothelioma attorney ready to help you file your case and represent you in court. For more inquiries, you can get in touch with the team at (800) 307-3113 for a free case evaluation.
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