Asbestos is one of the most dangerous minerals in the world. For decades, it was used in a wide range of products — including construction materials, textiles, and auto parts — to provide fireproofing protection. But now, asbestos is responsible for the death of thousands of individuals each year who are exposed to the mineral and breathe in its toxic fibers.
Despite the consequences, asbestos has yet to be ruled out in the United States, and it is still being imported at an alarming rate. This means many individuals are still at risk for the devastating damage that asbestos exposure can do.
Asbestos can be an extremely dangerous substance that leads to several health conditions. Asbestos exposure can cause:
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis, which causes permanent lung damage
- Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and through
- Scarring of the lung lining
- Pleural effusions, a condition in which fluid collects around the lungs
Perhaps the scariest side effect of asbestos exposure, however, is the development of mesothelioma, an aggressive and deadly form of cancer that affects nearly 3,000 people each year.
More than 100,000 people died from mesothelioma cancer in the last 30 years. If you are diagnosed with the disease, your prognosis is not typically good. There is no cure for the condition and the average patient only lives for about 14 to 22 months, making it a devastating diagnosis for the patient and their family alike.
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Have You Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
Today, there are still some jobs that are at risk for asbestos exposure, including:
- Construction workers who work on an older home in which asbestos was used as part of the building process
- Naval yard workers
- Auto mechanics and auto parts manufacturers
- Asbestos removal team members
Veterans are another large group who have been exposed to asbestos in the past, especially if they were involved in occupations in the 1980s and 1990s.
If you have been exposed and have developed mesothelioma, there may be recourse for you and your family.
After ensuring you are receiving the best medical care, the next step is to contact a top law firm that will let you know what your options are for seeking compensation. This compensation is important because it will ensure that your medical expenses are taken care of and will help to secure the financial future of your family should you pass away from the heartbreaking disease.
Mesothelioma attorneys will typically provide a free consultation about your case and work with you on contingency, meaning they will not charge you until your case is settled. You will then pay the attorney a percentage of your claim, as well as the cost of any fees for taking on your case.
