Some symptoms of lung cancer are similar no matter the cause of the disease. However, those who have developed lung cancer despite never smoking may experience these symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic:
- Coughing that does not improve
- Hoarseness
- Blood in phlegm expelled by coughing
- Weakness
- Wheezing
- Infections that return or will not clear
- Chest pain that gets worse with cough or laugh
If you develop lung cancer, what matters most is that you receive treatment promptly. You should be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer regardless of the cause of the illness.
The Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Cleveland Clinic reports that in addition to those listed above, these symptoms in a non-smoker may be an indication that you or a loved one is suffering from lung cancer:
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent headaches
- Bone pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If you receive a diagnosis of lung cancer, and especially if you have never or rarely smoked, then you may have been exposed to a dangerous substance known to cause lung cancer.
Asbestos and Radon Cause Cancer in Non-Smokers
Some may be shocked to find out that they have developed lung cancer despite never smoking. There are many things aside from smoke that can cause lung cancer, and radon gas and asbestos are among the list of cancer-causing entities that can cause symptoms of lung cancer in a non-smoker.
Radon Gas is Natural, but It Can Cause Lung Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), radon gas comes to be when uranium breaks down in soil or rock. Though it is often dispersed into the atmosphere, it becomes dangerous when released in a sealed, unventilated space.
Radon gas is responsible for approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year and breathing radon gas may result in lung cancer as far as 15-25 years down the road. Detecting radon gas requires a fairly inexpensive, quick test, and if carcinogenic levels of radon caused your cancer, there are several categories of people who may be responsible.
Some of the more common defendants in radon exposure cases are:
- Landlords
- Building managers
- Employers
- Municipalities
It is the responsibility of those in charge of a given structure to detect the presence of radon and take steps to remove it. If those who exposed you to radon did not do this, then they may be responsible for the losses your illness has and will impose on you.
Asbestos Is Another Known Cause of Lung Cancer
It is no secret that the naturally occurring, fibrous mineral asbestos causes cancer. The truth about asbestos use is that it is present in as many as 30 million American homes today, according to PBS reporting. Some believe that despite asbestos’ cancerous properties, its fire-resistant qualities are worth the risk, even though it can cause symptoms of lung cancer in a non-smoker.
Asbestos is present in insulation and other home building materials. The EPA reports that some of the common places where you may find asbestos in a building includes in:
- Heat-resistant fabrics
- Certain textured paints
- Certain roofing materials, including some shingles
- Insulation around pipes
- Insulation in walls, attics, and around heat-emitting appliances
Breathing asbestos fibers can cause scarring in the lungs that may eventually turn cells cancerous. Due to asbestos’ prevalence in building materials, some demographics may be at a heightened risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer. These groups include:
- Demolition crew members
- Construction workers
- Anybody who works in close proximity to insulation
- Car assemblers and parts makers, as some car parts may contain asbestos
If you spend any significant amount of time in a structure where asbestos-containing materials are exposed or improperly installed, then you could be in danger of developing lung cancer.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
A Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Any Damages You Are Eligible to Receive
If you decide to pursue compensation because you believe that you were exposed to either asbestos or radon gas, a lawyer can help by:
- Noting down your account of how you believe exposure happened
- Initiating legal action immediately to ensure that your case falls within any relevant statutes of limitations
- Gathering all available evidence that shows wrongdoing by the defendant in your case
- Obtaining documentation for your illness, and any available medical insight as to the likely cause, for use when calculating damages
- Handling every legal responsibility necessary to bring your case to a judgement or settlement
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
A lawyer’s primary goal is to establish that the defendant in your case failed to conduct proper testing or failed to notify you of a threat to your health of which they were already aware. If they fail to warn you, then they may be liable for your losses.
Possible Financial Awards in an Asbestos or Radon Exposure Case
Each case is unique, but among the possible awards you could receive are coverage for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
These are broad categories, and you could be entitled to additional awards based on the circumstances of your case.
Call Our Team Today
Our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm wants to help you pursue any compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation. Our clients pay nothing up front, nothing out of pocket, and we only collect a fee if we win for you.
Call or text (800) 217-6099 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
