Lung cancer is one of the most serious forms of cancer, as it can spread quickly, and patients often do not catch the disease until it has progressed into serious stages. The five-year survival rate for individuals who live with lung cancer is around 18%-19%, which is lower than the average for most forms of cancer.
Even if you are facing daunting odds of living with lung cancer, there may be hope for you and your family. If somebody else’s negligence caused your lung cancer, for example, they may owe you the compensation that could help lower the burden of treatment on your family.
Know the Causes of Lung Cancer
Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer. Many non-smokers, though, develop cancer in the lungs from exposure to dangerous gases or substances that contribute to or cause lung cancer.
Two of the primary causes of lung cancer in non-smokers are radon gas and asbestos. Radon is an odorless gas that occurs naturally but can become deadly when it builds up in confined spaces. Asbestos is also naturally occurring, but it differs from radon in its composition and use since people willingly put it in the spaces where they live, work, or spend large amounts of time.
Radon Gas Can Cause Lung Cancer
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Radon gas released in the outdoors is largely harmless, but when contained in an indoor space, it poses a great threat to occupants.
Certain areas of the world are more susceptible to radon gas. The buildup of radon is also most likely to occur in unsealed, windowless rooms, especially at the basement level. Fortunately, you can have radon gas removed cost-effectively, but removal requires detection.
You could have received exposure to radon gas if the person in charge of the building where you live, work, or spend lots of free time, fails to conduct regular radon testing. Some people liable for your exposure to cancer-causing levels of radon gas may include:
- Landlords
- Employers
- Building managers
- Municipalities
The circumstances of your case may mean that someone other than these people are responsible for your exposure and, by extension, your cancer.
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Lung Cancer from Asbestos
Asbestos has been a known carcinogen for decades. Laws and codes have banned certain forms of asbestos because of their toxic qualities, but manufacturers still use the fibrous mineral in some home construction materials. An estimated 30 million homes contain some level of asbestos, despite the fact that the mineral is known to cause:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer
- Other forms of lung cancer
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs’ linings, causing scarring that can eventually cause lung cells to turn cancerous. Some segments of the population are at a heightened risk of breathing asbestos particles. Some of these groups are:
- Construction workers
- Demolition crews
- Pipefitters
- Those who work around insulation, such as air conditioner repair people, electricians, and pest and rodent control workers
Though these groups are at an uncommon risk of asbestos exposure, anyone who spends time in a building with improperly installed asbestos may be at risk of developing lung cancer or another health condition.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Exposure to radon and asbestos are two of the leading causes of lung cancer, especially when considering non-smokers. Consider whether you experienced exposure to either of these toxic substances, as your exposure may have caused or contributed to your lung cancer.
A personal injury attorney can help you build a case for financial awards if somebody exposed you to radon gas or asbestos. A lung cancer lawyer can assist you by:
- Helping you identify the liable party (defendant) in your case
- Initiating legal action immediately to abide by any relevant statutes of limitation
- Collecting any evidence of the asbestos or radon gas exposure
- If possible, interviewing the defendant to collect any admission of wrongdoing
- Handling all the legal responsibilities necessary to move your case towards a settlement or judgment
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
If your case is successful, you could receive compensation covering your losses paid by the defendant.
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Possible Damages in a Radon or Asbestos Exposure Claim
Each case is unique, but damages awarded in your case may cover:
- The cost of tests, scans, biopsies, and other procedures required to diagnose your cancer
- The cost of treating your cancer
- The cost of any in-home or hospice care required because of your cancer
- Lost wages past, present, and future sacrificed because of your cancer
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages against the defendant
If your case becomes a wrongful death claim, you may receive further awards.
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Call the Injury Lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
We want to ensure that you and your family receive any compensation that you are entitled to receive. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation regarding your case. Our clients pay nothing upfront, nothing out of pocket, and we only collect a fee if we obtain a settlement or judgment on your behalf.
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