The people most at risk for mesothelioma suffered exposure to asbestos, typically for many years. This group could include older men and women who may have worked in auto factories or other manufacturers 20-30 years ago that made products containing asbestos.
Others who might be at risk for getting mesothelioma include those workers who may have been exposed to asbestos fibers from products in other industries like construction, plumbing, mining, shipbuilding, and firefighting.
If you worked in one of these industries at some point in the past and are today suffering from the effects of mesothelioma cancer, you could qualify to participate in a lawsuit against the negligent building owner or company that was responsible for exposing you to asbestos.
Putting who is most at risk for mesothelioma aside, the more critical aspect of seeking restitution is to bring an asbestos-related claim against a negligent party.
Understanding Mesothelioma
In the family of asbestos-related cancers, mesothelioma is an unusually aggressive cancer that spends a long time in a person’s body without the person feeling symptoms of any kind. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains how exposure to asbestos occurs from inhaling asbestos fibers up to 40 years ago before feeling the effects of shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and body pain.
Mesothelioma develops when a person breathes in asbestos fibers. These fibers become lodged in a person’s pleural lining (thin tissue) around the lungs. When the fibers become lodged in a person’s lung tissue, they scar the lining of the lungs, which can cause years of pain, suffering, and medical treatments. The cancer can metastasize later into a person’s lungs, abdomen, brain, and other areas of the body.
In later stages of the cancer, suffering from mesothelioma can significantly impact the lung breathing capacity and functioning of a patient. The sad news is that for many people who suffered exposure to asbestos, there is no cure available.
Military Veterans at Risk
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), military veterans who served in Iraq, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia may also have had exposure to asbestos. The reason for this is because many buildings and products in developing countries around the world widely use asbestos. If you served on behalf of our country in Iraq or elsewhere in the Middle East, there is a chance that you had contact with asbestos in the heat of combat.
As bombs blew up buildings and subsequent damage occurred, the buildings’ collapse released toxic chemicals into the air. Our military personnel may have inhaled these asbestos fibers from the buildings. Another way for military veterans to have had exposure to asbestos is through employment in shipbuilding factories, construction yards, and other work areas that used products containing asbestos.
If this sounds like you, you may be in a group most at risk for mesothelioma. You need to know that there is a path to financial compensation should you develop mesothelioma as a result of your asbestos exposure.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 307-3113
Lawsuits Involving Mesothelioma
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can work with you to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek financial restitution if asbestos exposure has affected your life.
When you or someone you love has suffered from the devastating effects of mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure, and the cancer is in the later stages, there is not a lot that a medical team can do. Most mesothelioma treatments work in the early stages of the cancer. Most treatments focus on minimizing the pain of someone suffering for those whose symptoms are not found until stages 3 or 4.
Filing a lawsuit against a building owner, the company owner and management, or a product manufacturer can bring you possible financial restitution to help your family deal with the impact of mesothelioma on your lives.
In these lawsuits, the plaintiff must show evidence that the defendant knew about the dangers of asbestos exposure in the work area or building location. If the facts show that the defendant did nothing to shield you or your loved one from any harmful asbestos exposure, then compensation might be awarded as damages for the harm caused to the person with mesothelioma.
Filing a lawsuit is no longer a case of who is most at risk for mesothelioma, but rather, who is most entitled to receive financial compensation in an asbestos lawsuit. For more information, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 307-3113 to share the details of your case with a team member during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do Men Get Mesothelioma at a Higher Rate than Women?
The American Cancer Society reports that men get mesothelioma at a higher rate than women, even though there are other contributing factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this disease. In addition to gender, other risk factors of mesothelioma can include age, race, lifestyle, occupation, and possible exposure to radiation or asbestos.
Causes of Mesothelioma
According to the Mayo Clinic, mesothelioma is a rare cancer that grows in the mesothelium, the tissue surrounding most organs. The cancer typically forms in the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma, or other organs, such as the heart. Because mesothelioma is so uncommon, it is often linked to unusual circumstances, such as exposure to asbestos. According to the American Cancer Society, it is believed that gender plays a role in men developing mesothelioma more frequently than women because many of the jobs men typically work that exposes them to asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a fibrous substance used in many building products, household goods, and even car components. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, it is possible that you could develop mesothelioma later in life. The intensity and length of exposure can determine whether mesothelioma might occur.
If you feel like you were wrongfully exposed to asbestos for any reason, or if you were exposed to asbestos due to a third party’s negligence or failure to disclose potential danger, you could have legal options available.
Medical Malpractice
Some people who are suffering from mesothelioma may experience different forms of medical malpractice that can affect the prognosis of this disease. Types of medical malpractice can include but are not limited to:
- Wrongful diagnosis
- Late diagnosis
- Prescribing the wrong treatment or medicine
- Surgical errors
If you received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, but you think a doctor may have made a mistake in diagnosis, treatment, or in any other way, you could have grounds for filing a medical malpractice claim.
Potentially Recoverable Compensation
If you or your loved one received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, and you think a third party could have contributed to your disease, you could potentially recover various forms of compensation by filing a legal claim. This might include reimbursement for medical expenses, legal fees, and more.
Understanding Your Options
A Mesothelioma diagnosis can completely transform your life, and while men receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma at a higher rate than women, anyone can get this cancer. Remember, during this difficult time that you could have legal options available.
If you would like to discuss your case with our team, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to help. Call us at (800) 307-3113 today to speak with a team member during a free, no-obligation consultation, and learn more about what you can do next.
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Mesothelioma Risk Factors
The chances of developing mesothelioma depend on mesothelioma risk factors. There are specific conditions where your chances of developing the disease increases. Regulations are in place to try to limit people’s exposure as much as possible. If you developed mesothelioma, you might be able to take legal action to seek compensation for your recovery expenses. This will minimize the impact on your finances and let you focus on your recovery.
Defining Mesothelioma
According to the New York State Department of Health, mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells. These cells can be found in the lining of your organs. It is a fast-growing, aggressive, and dangerous form of cancer that can be difficult to treat. The only confirmed cause is exposure to asbestos, but recent research shows that there may be other materials that can cause mesothelioma.
There is a volcanic mineral called erionite that may also cause mesothelioma. It was found in construction materials that are mined near erionite deposits. Because of its molecular structure, it is similar to asbestos in several ways, including thrones that may cause cellular damage that leads to mesothelioma.
Example of Mesothelioma Risk Factors
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are several key risk factors for developing mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos is the biggest risk factor. Construction workers have the highest exposure risk since asbestos was primarily used in construction as an insulator. Otherwise, it is possible to be exposed to asbestos naturally, and living near a place where it is known to be can be a risk factor.
Financial Impacts
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can have a substantial impact on your finances. The treatment options for mesothelioma can be expensive. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are among the top choices for treating it. You also need specialized care, which may or may not be covered by your insurance policy. These expenses can put you into debt, which could take years to pay off.
Possibly Recoverable Compensation
Any of your expenses related to your recovery can be claimed in a lawsuit. This includes medical expenses and lost wages, among other options. Make sure that you document as much as possible to make it easier for your lawyer to determine how much to ask for in compensation.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
Dealing with the legal process while you are trying to recover and get your life back on track can be difficult. The treatment options for mesothelioma can leave you unable to handle many things throughout the day until you fully recover. Hiring a lawyer gives you someone that can handle your case and protect your interests while you focus on your recovery.
Potential Legal Action
Because of mesothelioma risk factors, there are many people that have been exposed to asbestos and may have developed mesothelioma as a result. It is difficult to know for sure what caused your mesothelioma, but there are cases where you can hold someone responsible for your expenses. If you have mesothelioma, you may be able to take legal action to protect your finances. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 307-3113 to speak with a member of our team today. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation.
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