Some people today are experiencing a terrible condition known as mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma are related to inhaling asbestos fibers. As a result of working around asbestos for years, many are now suffering as the mesothelial cells that form a protective lining over the lungs, heart and abdominal organs are affected. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane between the lungs and the chest cavity. This membrane provides lubrication so that the lungs do not rub and cause damage against the chest walls.
It is said that mesothelioma can spread extremely fast through the mesothelial cells to the heart and abdominal organs. Although the life span for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is 24 months, noteworthy can depend on what stage the cancer is detected, the overall health and strength of the patient, and other factors.
How are lawyers getting involved?
Mesothelioma Lawyers are coming to the rescue of thousands across the nation who are or have been exposed to asbestos. Although asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, it has a latency period after exposure that could last 15 to 50 years. Even if a person no longer works around asbestos and hasn’t in 35 years, the individual can still be developing mesothelioma. Experts say that anyone who has been exposed to loose asbestos fibers should be tested regularly for mesothelioma.
Do I have a case against a factory or employer?
If you are suffering from mesothelioma, you are entitled to compensation from asbestos manufacturers. If you are the spouse or child of someone who has died from mesothelioma, you are entitled to file a claim and seek compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine the right course of action for you and your family.
What exactly is asbestos?
It is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. This substance has been faded in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If diminutive asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
Are there any good law firms that can help?
The Johnson Law Firm is one of many law firms offering assistance to victims of this condition. For victims concerned about how much it might cost to get help, the Johnson Law Firm says on their website, “We derive paid for results, not the amount of time and effort we can spend on a case. Our compensation is based on a contingency fee primarily. This means we are paid a percentage of the recovery we achieve for the client. We are also willing to explore other fee arrangements with clients such as fixed fee arrangements with a contingent fee bonus for a successful outcome and other outcome based arrangements. Sharing the risks with the clients provides great benefits to our clients and us.
Our criteria for taking a case are based upon our evaluation of the potential risks and rewards presented by the case. Once we have common a case, our clients know our incentives for success are aligned. We are rewarded when we are successful but suffer the risk if we are not. Please feel free to openly discuss fee arrangements with us.”
Symptoms and Conditions
The Johnson Law firm provides excellent information on their website both about the condition and their practice.
“The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma patients may expose with shortness of breath, chest hurt and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. A chest x-ray may show a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion. The right lung is affected 60% of the time, with involvement of both lungs being seen in approximately 5% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Less popular symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of the feet.” http://www.nationwidejustice.com/mesothelioma_asbestos/symptoms.html
What to do next
If you know you’re a victim of mesothelioma, contact a physician right away. Next, contact a lawyer specifically trained to deal in this area. A trained mesothelioma lawyer can make a financial incompatibility in your life and in your family’s. Even if the condition is fatal, in many cases, a settlement fully arranged by a mesothelioma lawyer will help your family survive financially in the years ahead. These thoughts may seem morbid, but affected individuals need to know their options, especially as their condition progresses. Treatment for this condition, depending on how advanced it is, can include surgery, radiation and chemo.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Oct 12th, 2010. 
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used in construction, manufacturing and industry. Though its use has largely been small since the 1980’s, many products and buildings utilizing the insulating properties of asbestos are detached in use today and may be aerosolized through use, removal or demolition. In addition, those involved in manufacturing, construction and industries which employed ample scale use of asbestos are only now seeing the results of acute or chronic asbestos exposure including the development of asbestosis or the grand more serious malignant condition of mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the pleural (lung) cavity lining, the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity lining or the pericardial (heart) cavity lining. All are difficult to treat, requiring possible surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and even with treatment; all have a poor prognosis, often resulting in death. Because of the seriousness of these disorders, recognizing risks factors of exposure and symptoms is vital and seeking diagnosis, advice and treatment immediately is absolutely vital.
Risk Factors
Occupational risk factors for the development of asbestos related mesothelioma include being or having been employed in any of the following occupations which utilized asbestos in production of materials or insulation:
Construction – including both residential and commercial widely obsolete asbestos in materials
Metal Works – including steel, aluminum, iron workers along with power plant and railroad workers
Mining – including asbestos mining but also talc, vermiculite and dolomite
Pipe Fitting – including power plants and oil refineries along with pipe fitting for other high heat processes
Ship Building – particularly during WWII and Korean War but also including ship crew members who may have been exposed to asbestos in confined conditions
Factory Work – manufacture of construction materials of all types
Auto Work – auto manufacturing and repair, particularly brake parts and engine gaskets containing asbestos
Demolition – including those involved in or near intentional or unintentional demolition of buildings constructed with asbestos, along with asbestos removal projects
Symptoms
Unfortunately for many, mesothelioma may purchase years to develop and not be recognized as related to work hazards. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include: Pleural Mesothelioma – dry raspy cough, coughing up blood, trouble swallowing, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, painful chest, difficulty breathing, lumps under the skin of the chest, Peritoneal Mesothelioma - swollen or painful abdomen, changes in bowel habits, nausea or vomiting, anemia, fatigue, fever or night sweats, weight loss, lumps under abdominal skin, and
Pericardial Mesothelioma - heart palpitations, chest pain, trouble breathing, fever or night sweats, fatigue
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease should perceive medical help immediately. The sooner diagnosis is obtained and treatment is started, the better chance for a hopeful outcome. Unfortunately, some may feel the cost of medical treatment is too high and avoid seeking help. In any case of asbestos-related disease, particularly one as serious as mesothelioma, legal advice should be obtained along with medical advice. A consultation with a lawyer will provide the best possibility of getting appropriate treatment as soon as possible and may even save a life.
Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a shocking experience for both the patient and family members alike. Support organizations such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation can be a good source of information regarding diagnosis, medical issues and treatment options. Additionally, they may provide comfort and support through the use of chat rooms, message boards and forums which may be of benefit to family members and patients.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on Oct 7th, 2010.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely former in construction, manufacturing and industry. Though its exercise has largely been limited since the 1980’s, many products and buildings utilizing the insulating properties of asbestos are still in use today and may be aerosolized through use, removal or demolition. In addition, those alive to in manufacturing, construction and industries which employed large scale expend of asbestos are only now seeing the results of acute or chronic asbestos exposure including the development of asbestosis or the much more serious malignant condition of mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the pleural (lung) cavity lining, the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity lining or the pericardial (heart) cavity lining. All are difficult to treat, requiring possible surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and even with treatment; all have a bad prognosis, often resulting in death. Because of the seriousness of these disorders, recognizing risks factors of exposure and symptoms is vital and seeking diagnosis, advice and treatment immediately is absolutely essential.
Risk Factors
Occupational risk factors for the development of asbestos related mesothelioma include being or having been employed in any of the following occupations which utilized asbestos in production of materials or insulation:
Construction – including both residential and commercial widely archaic asbestos in materials
Metal Works – including steel, aluminum, iron workers along with power plant and railroad workers
Mining – including asbestos mining but also talc, vermiculite and dolomite
Pipe Fitting – including power plants and oil refineries along with pipe fitting for other high heat processes
Ship Building – particularly during WWII and Korean War but also including ship crew members who may have been exposed to asbestos in confined conditions
Factory Work – perform of construction materials of all types
Auto Work – auto manufacturing and repair, particularly brake parts and engine gaskets containing asbestos
Demolition – including those keen in or near intentional or unintentional demolition of buildings constructed with asbestos, along with asbestos removal projects
Symptoms
Unfortunately for many, mesothelioma may take years to develop and not be recognized as related to work hazards. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include: Pleural Mesothelioma – dry raspy cough, coughing up blood, trouble swallowing, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, painful chest, difficulty breathing, lumps under the skin of the chest, Peritoneal Mesothelioma - swollen or painful abdomen, changes in bowel habits, nausea or vomiting, anemia, fatigue, fever or night sweats, weight loss, lumps under abdominal skin, and
Pericardial Mesothelioma - heart palpitations, chest pain, trouble breathing, fever or night sweats, fatigue
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease should seek medical help immediately. The sooner diagnosis is obtained and treatment is started, the better chance for a hopeful outcome. Unfortunately, some may feel the cost of medical treatment is too high and avoid seeking help. In any case of asbestos-related disease, particularly one as serious as mesothelioma, legal advice should be obtained along with medical advice. A consultation with a lawyer will provide the best possibility of getting appropriate treatment as soon as possible and may even save a life.
Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a shocking experience for both the patient and family members alike. Support organizations such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation can be a good source of information regarding diagnosis, medical issues and treatment options. Additionally, they may provide comfort and support through the use of chat rooms, message boards and forums which may be of benefit to family members and patients.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on Aug 27th, 2010.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used in construction, manufacturing and industry. Though its use has largely been limited since the 1980’s, many products and buildings utilizing the insulating properties of asbestos are still in use today and may be aerosolized through employ, removal or demolition. In addition, those involved in manufacturing, construction and industries which employed large scale use of asbestos are only now seeing the results of acute or chronic asbestos exposure including the development of asbestosis or the much more serious malignant condition of mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the pleural (lung) cavity lining, the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity lining or the pericardial (heart) cavity lining. All are difficult to treat, requiring possible surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and even with treatment; all have a poor prognosis, often resulting in death. Because of the seriousness of these disorders, recognizing risks factors of exposure and symptoms is vital and seeking diagnosis, advice and treatment immediately is absolutely essential.
Risk Factors
Occupational risk factors for the development of asbestos related mesothelioma include being or having been employed in any of the following occupations which utilized asbestos in production of materials or insulation:
Construction – including both residential and commercial widely faded asbestos in materials
Metal Works – including steel, aluminum, iron workers along with power plant and railroad workers
Mining – including asbestos mining but also talc, vermiculite and dolomite
Pipe Fitting – including power plants and oil refineries along with pipe fitting for other high heat processes
Ship Building – particularly during WWII and Korean War but also including ship crew members who may have been exposed to asbestos in confined conditions
Factory Work – manufacture of construction materials of all types
Auto Work – auto manufacturing and repair, particularly brake parts and engine gaskets containing asbestos
Demolition – including those alive to in or near intentional or unintentional demolition of buildings constructed with asbestos, along with asbestos removal projects
Symptoms
Unfortunately for many, mesothelioma may take years to develop and not be recognized as related to work hazards. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include: Pleural Mesothelioma – dry raspy cough, coughing up blood, trouble swallowing, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, painful chest, difficulty breathing, lumps under the skin of the chest, Peritoneal Mesothelioma - swollen or painful abdomen, changes in bowel habits, nausea or vomiting, anemia, fatigue, fever or night sweats, weight loss, lumps under abdominal skin, and
Pericardial Mesothelioma - heart palpitations, chest pain, trouble breathing, fever or night sweats, fatigue
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease should seek medical help immediately. The sooner diagnosis is obtained and treatment is started, the better chance for a hopeful outcome. Unfortunately, some may feel the cost of medical treatment is too high and avoid seeking help. In any case of asbestos-related disease, particularly one as serious as mesothelioma, legal advice should be obtained along with medical advice. A consultation with a lawyer will provide the best possibility of getting appropriate treatment as soon as possible and may even place a life.
Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a shocking experience for both the patient and family members alike. Support organizations such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation can be a good source of information regarding diagnosis, medical issues and treatment options. Additionally, they may provide comfort and support through the use of chat rooms, message boards and forums which may be of succor to family members and patients.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on Aug 25th, 2010.
Lung mesothelioma is a uncertain killer disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos dust, in a workplace or otherwise. Asbestos is widely used in construction industries, shipyards, boiler constructions, etc. The workers working in these areas come into contact with asbestos particles and asbestos dust on a regular basis. This surely leads to lung mesothelioma. When the disease develops, the patient can die.
The inhaled asbestos particles get caught in the human lungs. The asbestos fibers scar the lung tissues and decrease the lungs’ capability to breathe in and out sufficient oxygen. This causes chronic coughing and difficulties in breathing. There might also be some chest pain. It should be noted that there is no known confirmed cure for lung mesothelioma. It can be controlled only to some extent.
Laws and regulations controlling the use of industrial asbestos have been set aside in place recently. The US Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) now makes it compulsory for employers to provide protection masks to workers coming into contact with asbestos particles at work. But this deadly substance may have come into contact with modern sufferers of lung mesothelioma before.
When you or your family member has contracted lung mesothelioma, and there is reason to absorb that occupational exposure to asbestos is the likely cause, then you may be eligible for an asbestos litigation claim. You should consult a good asbestos attorney immediately, to start a likely litigation process against the employing company. This is because the company has a duty to protect the health of its workers. If it is proved that the company caused the lung mesothelioma because of inadequate workplace safety precautions, then the company is liable to pay compensation claims. There have been many cases of compensation claims that have been filed due to lung mesothelioma, against many employers. In almost all the cases, the judgment has been in favor of the litigants.
Asbestos fibers are very small and can only be seen under a microscope. They are odorless, colorless and tasteless. It is possible that the workers coming into contact with asbestos particles may not even know about the deadly substance and its likely effects.
Companies that deal with asbestos in their business are now required to take out workmens’ insurances to protect against asbestos exposure. But this is a recent regulation and so patients who are currently suffering from lung mesothelioma may have been exposed to asbestos as far assist as 1975. This is because lung mesothelioma has a long incubation time, sometimes up to 35 years after asbestos exposure.
An asbestos law firm or asbestos attorney can advise you whether you have the right to file an asbestos lawsuit. Be careful of the time limits however. The time limits before which an asbestos claim needs to be filed may vary from state to state. So it is best to consult with your asbestos attorney what this time period is, before the litigation can be started.
Asbestos exposure can also cause diseases other than lung mesothelioma. These are asbestosis and lung cancer.
In this article we have looked briefly at the litigation and law options available if you or your loved one is suffering from or died because of lung mesothelioma.
Related posts
Filed under Asbestos Exposure by on Aug 9th, 2010.
published in storytime tapestry and gather.com
This article is based on a freelance job I had on mesothelioma, and published in Storytime Tapestry and gather. com
Cancer is a dreaded often fatal, disease affecting millions of people worldwide. In the United States, Mesothelioma court cases have surfaced in droves. The biggest court cases in US history are the suits resulting from mesothelioma work related asbestos exposure. Successful mesothelioma claims have already reached 54 billion dollars and is projected to skyrocket to over $260 billion dollars. Over 90 billion deaths have resulted from asbestos exposure to date and the trend will continue.
Mesothelioma should not be confused with asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is fatal; there is no cure. Mesothelioma affects people who have inhaled asbestos particles on the work site. It also affect people living with a family member who brings the asbestos powder residual upon their clothes, and families who live near toxic asbestos dump sites. Families living in the Manhattan and Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx area of Original York after 911 who inhaled the air after the explosions, and workers and families going to older buildings such as schools and older homes where asbestos manufactured tiles, were used in the ceiling and asbestos insulations in the walls are also at risk for contracting mesothelioma.
Asbestosis normally is not fatal and symptoms surface within 10 to 50 years. Whereas Mesothelioma affects people working around asbestos related occupations from 1940 to 1970 (approximate). Mesothelioma is usually detected after 30 to 50 years from the date of the exposure. Mesothelioma patients usually die between 1 and 5 years after detection.
Asbestos was widely primitive in insulation because of its heat resistant properties. It became very approved in a number of industries. Everyone is exposed to asbestos. It is found in our environment, in the air we breathe, the water we drink and in natural deposits. However it takes many years of exposure in ample amounts for it to be a major health pains. That is why workers in the asbestos or asbestos related industries are prime candidates for the cancer.
Asbestos has been used in material since ancient times but became extremely popularized by the Industrial revolution after which asbestos mining was endorsed by industrialized country governments.
Thetford Mines, in Quebec was a major asbestos mining state cultivated to meet the demand for heat resistant products such as: kilns, boilers, steam pipes, industrial ovens and so on.
The heyday for asbestos product manufacturing occurred during the Second World War in the United States when there was a need to produce warships.
Hence the military officers and personnel, especially the Navy, were most at risk for asbestos exposure. Naval personal on submarines, and even the glide guard personal during that period of time have also been exposed to asbestos and asbestos related products.
However the list does not end there, civilians in the mining industry, ship builders, long shoremen, dockworkers or any one handling asbestos related products were also at risk. This included engineers on ships responsible for the maintenance and repairs for boilers and pipes and the ships hydraulic systems.
According to Safety Executive (HSE) of Great Britain, though it uncommon for women to contract mesothelioma, the highest statistics reported of women (5%) with this deadly cancer resulted from working in the English factories, producing gas masks during World War Two.
Other industries where workers were at risk are, manufacturers, painters, plastic plant workers, automobile mechanics, brake and clutch men, building industry, firemen city dump workers, and so on.
Most industrialized countries have restricted the use of asbestos and asbestos related products since the 1970’s, when the first cases of Mesothelioma reported, shocked the world.
To be continued
Some sources:
Mesothelioma lawyers
http://www.mesotheliomahelpcenter.org/Mesothelioma_Articles.php
http://www.expertlaw.com/library/environmental_law/mesothelioma.html
New York City
http://www.lockslaw.com/html/asbestos-new-york.html
Related posts
Filed under Asbestos Exposure by on Aug 7th, 2010.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of asbestosis that presents in the cells that makes up the lining of your lungs. This lining is called the pleura. In the United States this disease is caused only by exposure to asbestos. If you worked with asbestos, or asbestos products such as chysotile, crocidolit, or amosite you are at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. If you now have been diagnosed with the disease, you were probably exposed to asbestos about twenty years prior to diagnosis.
Fortunately, some people are diagnosed early with pleural mesothelioma before having any symptoms because tumors were visible on a routine chest X-ray. There is a cancerous and a non-cancerous form of pleural mesothelioma. Of course, the best kind to have, if you have to have it is the non-cancerous kind. This is called benign mesothelioma and it is not usually life-threatening and is not usually caused by exposure to asbestos. This form of mesothelioma can be removed surgically. However, the cancerous kind is called malignant mesothelioma, which involves the entire pleural lining, and it is found in approximately 2.000 people in the United States each year.
The signs and symptoms of this disorder do not display up for years after exposure, but when they do, your symptoms might be complaints of lower back injure, shortness of breath, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, a persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. You could have one, or any of these symptoms or even all of them.
If your doctor suspects mesothelioma he/she will set about to confirm the diagnosis. Chest X-rays may have already been done, so there may also be a CT scan done just to verify the X-ray. Then the doctor will do a brochoscopy, which is the insertion of a tube that is equipped with a camera and surgical equipment. The doctor can then visualize the tumors from the inside of the lungs and snip off pieces of the tumors and lesions so they may be studied by the pathologist.
If you have a history of working with asbestos and asbestos products and you come to your doctor with symptoms, your doctor can suspect you have mesothelioma during the routine examination-It is common to have pleural effusion, which is a build up of fluid within the lungs. The lungs become edematous (swell) and this movement of fluid can be heard by the doctor who is listening to you breathe under the stethoscope. Some patients can have such serious effusion that they can be heard without a stethoscope and they almost sound like they are bubbling on the inside-however a final diagnosis cannot be made until a biopsy is obtained. The pathologist has to prepare the samples with a special stain to be visualized under a microscope. The pathologist will be able to tell which kind of mesothelioma it is (cancerous or not) and he will be able to stage it if it is cancerous.
When symptoms develop mighty of the pleura may be interested with tumors. As the tumors grow they crowd against the lung tissue. The tumors cause thickening of the pleura so there is little elasticity in the pleural cavity. The lungs become pressured and they cannot expand. The person with this disease becomes very short of breath. The tumors can also grow outward and invade the chest wall and ribs. This is a very painful disease at this point. The patient’s lung function drops drastically over time and the patient slowly suffocates.
Not much is known about how the asbestos changes the cells in the pleural cavity. It isn’t known if just one fiber of asbestos causes a tumor or if long time exposure to asbestos causes the cells to change into tumors. There are now laws in place to protect people who have contact with asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is part of our environment. People who hotfoot down old houses may come into contact with asbestos fibers because asbestos was once used in roofing and flooring materials. If you have a job that puts you in contact with asbestos it is imperative that you wear protective clothing and a camouflage.
Asbestos fibers are shaped similarly to a fish hook. The fibers are barbed and once the fibers pierce a part of your anatomy the fiber is there and will not come out. Mesothelioma can present in most any section of your body. Wherever asbestos causes irritation can be an area that the disease presents. If you swallow asbestos it can get into your stomach, you breathe it and it gets into your lungs. If you are not wearing protective clothing, asbestos can get into your skin folds. Males can get asbestos in their testicles. It is important to notice safety regulations when working with asbestos.
The non-malignant type of mesothelioma of the pleural tissue can be removed with surgery, but the malignant type may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. There is no cure for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Some people have a 5 or a 10 year survival rate, but sadly, some die after a few months of diagnosis. The average survival time for a person after diagnosis with no surgical intervention is one year. Some patients benefit from a surgical procedure called debulking, which is a removal much of the bulkiness of the tumors. This makes more room within the pleural cavity, which in turn gives the lungs more space, and it relieves a great deal of pain the patient may have been experiencing due to the pressure exerted onto the lungs and the rib cage.
Source:
Mayo Clinic information page
Advanced Cancer Help information page
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Jul 29th, 2010.