If you suspect that you have lung cancer, a doctor may use a chest x-ray to diagnose you. In addition to using a chest x-ray to show lung cancer, they will likely rely on other diagnostic tools such as scans, a CT scan in particular, and biopsies.
If you or a loved one received a diagnosis of lung cancer, and especially if you are a non-smoker, consider that somebody may have exposed you to harmful chemicals at some point in your life.
The Causes of Lung Cancer
There are several ways that you can develop lung cancer. While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, breathing harmful gases and other substances can also lead to the development of certain lung cancers. Two of the primary causes of lung cancer in non-smokers are radon gas and asbestos.
Radon Gas: A Natural, Odorless Cause of Lung Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), radon gas causes approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Radon gas is a naturally-occurring gas that arises when uranium breaks down in soil or rock. Though some radon gas is harmlessly emitted into the atmosphere, radon gas that becomes trapped in closed, indoor spaces can become deadly.
It is the responsibility of those who oversee any structure to test regularly for radon gas and to take steps to remove any harmful levels of radon when they detect it. Some of the possible defendants in radon gas exposure cases may include:
- Landlords
- Building managers
- Employers
- Municipalities
The circumstances of each radon gas exposure case are different, and somebody other than those listed above may be liable for your exposure. If you believe that radon gas caused your lung cancer, consider calling a lawyer.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Asbestos is Frequently Used in Building Materials and Can Be Deadly
Asbestos is yet another natural substance that, if ingested, can lead to lung cancer.
Because asbestos is a fire-resistant, fibrous material, it is still used in building materials and is estimated to be in as many as 30 million American homes, according to PBS.
There are three forms of lung-related illness primarily associated with breathing asbestos. They are:
- Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer for which asbestos is the only known cause
- Other forms of lung cancer
- Asbestosis
If you received a diagnosis of any of these three affiliated conditions, there is a good chance that you breathed unsafe levels of asbestos fibers at some point in time. Some of the common locations in a home where asbestos may be located are:
- In insulation, which is often in walls, attics, basements, and around heat-emitting appliances and pipes
- In some forms of roofing, including certain types of shingles
- In vinyl flooring
Many patients who develop lung cancer had no clue that they were exposed to asbestos fibers until a chest x-ray showed they had lung cancer. The effects of their cancer may ultimately fall on those who exposed them without warning.
How a Lawyer Can Help if You Are Diagnosed with Lung Cancer
When your lung cancer is the result of somebody else’s carelessness or willful deceit, then that person or persons may be responsible for the toll that your illness takes on you, financial or otherwise. A lawyer can pursue any compensation you are entitled to while you focus on getting better.
Some ways that a lawyer can help include:
- Meeting with you in person or over the phone to document your account
- Initiating legal action promptly to ensure that your case abides by relevant statutes of limitations
- Speaking with medical professionals to confirm the likely cause of your lung cancer
- Handling all legal steps necessary to pursue compensation
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
If your case reaches a settlement or favorable judgment, you could be awarded compensation for your losses.
Click to contact our lawyers today
Possible Awards in a Lung Cancer Negligence Case
Each case is unique, and awards vary accordingly, but some common awards granted in these sorts of cases include coverage for:
- The cost of treatment for your cancer
- The cost of long-term rehabilitation required because of the cancer
- Lost wages, diminished income, or long-term disability imposed by your illness
- The cost of any psychological therapy that your illness has caused
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages against the defendant
You could be entitled to additional awards based on the details of your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Do Not Wait – Call Our Team Today
Our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm aims to make sure that you are not further damaged by an illness that you did not bring on yourself. Call us today at (800) 217-6099 for a free consultation. Our clients pay nothing upfront, 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
