Several symptoms of lung cancer become apparent over time, but often the first to arise is a nagging cough that gets worse with time, as well as shortness of breath doing routine activities. It is critical that you recognize the full range of lung cancer symptoms, as the emergence of what is even usually the first sign of lung cancer warrants a trip to the doctor.
Pay Attention to What Are Usually the First Signs of Lung Cancer
Many ignore the signs of lung cancer, even the first signs, until the disease has spread. In fact, 30 to 40 percent of lung cancer diagnoses come only after the lung cancer has spread, either to the other lung or further throughout the body. Know what are usually the first symptoms of lung cancer and seek treatment if they arise in you or your loved one.
The primary symptoms of lung cancer are:
- Persistent headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Bone pain
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- A persistent cough
Do not ignore these signs if they emerge, as acting quickly could be the difference between life and death.
Non-Smokers Develop Cancer Too
If you are a non-smoker who has received a diagnosis of lung cancer, know that the two leading causes of lung cancer in non-smokers are asbestos and radon gas. These are silent killers that, if you do not take precautions, can result in lung cancer.
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Radon Gas Is the Number One Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
Radon gas kills somewhere around 20,000 cancer patients every year, and most of the victims, without realizing it, breathe the toxic substance until it is too late. The gas releases naturally into the atmosphere as uranium breaks down, but if contained in an unventilated enclosure, the gas accumulates and creates a hazard.
If you received a diagnosis of lung cancer, especially if you are a non-smoker, consider whether radon poisoning is a possible cause. If so, several people may be responsible for exposing you to unsafe levels of radon. They may include:
- Landlords
- Apartment complex owners
- Employers
- Building managers
- Municipalities
If any of these people or another person failed to conduct proper radon testing, they may have created circumstances that caused your illness.
Asbestos Is the Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers
Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other forms of lung cancer are caused by the inhalation of asbestos and the subsequent scarring of the lungs. Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, can only be obtained from exposure to asbestos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1999 and 2015, 45,221 people died of mesothelioma. It is a leading cause of lung cancer in those who do not smoke.
Despite the known dangers of asbestos, an estimated 30 million homes in America alone contain the fibrous mineral in some form. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some of the most common locations to find asbestos in a building include:
- In insulation, which may be in walls, attics, around pipes, and around heat-emitting appliances such as furnaces and stoves
- In vinyl flooring
- In heat-resistant fabrics
- In certain textured paints
- In certain roofing materials, including shingles
If installed improperly or exposed, asbestos fibers could be present in the air. Breathing asbestos fibers is the core cause of asbestos-induced lung cancer, and those who failed to properly install the material or failed to alert you to its presence may be responsible for your lung cancer.
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Consider the Value of a Lawyer
A lawyer can handle all aspects of your legal case while you focus on recovering from your lung cancer. Some ways they can help include:
- Initiating legal action promptly so that you can claim any compensation you qualify for as soon as possible
- Consulting your attending medical professionals to document your cancer and determining if exposure to radon or asbestos was the cause
- Handling all legal responsibilities necessary to complete your pursuit of compensation
- Attempting to prove that the defendant in your case owes you compensation
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
The circumstances of your case are unique, and possible financial awards will depend upon the specifics of your case.
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Common Awards in an Asbestos or Radon Exposure Case
Some possible awards that you may collect after a successful judgment or settlement may cover:
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity imposed by your illness
- All medical costs that arose from your lung cancer
- Pain and suffering endured because of your lung cancer
- Punitive damages against the defendant in your case
You could receive additional awards depending on the details of your claim and whether a loved one of yours has a wrongful death claim.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will handle your case from start to finish, and you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. Call our team today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation. We do not shy away from tough cases.
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