Asbestos & Mesothelioma FAQ
Asbestos describes a special group of 6 fibrous silicate minerals that
occur naturally throughout the world. In the past, asbestos was widely
used for its heat-resistant properties in addition to its ability to absorb
sound and maintain its integrity in the face of electrical or chemical
damages, such as in house or other building fires. Now known to cause
illnesses such as
lung cancer and
mesothelioma, the use of asbestos is strictly prohibited in many parts of the world.
It is a form of cancer that develops in the lining found around many of
the internal organs. This may be in the abdomen, in the pleura of the
lungs, in the heart or in a number of other locations. There are different
forms of the disease and this will be important in treatment options.
The different forms of mesothelioma are divided up depending on the location
where the mesothelioma is affected. This cancer can lead to a number of
symptoms including abdomen pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, fluid
buildup in the chest and other effects. It spreads rapidly and can be
difficult to catch early on.
Asbestos can be ingested into the lungs where the thin, fibrous crystals
may come into contact with and transform cells from the mesothelium which
is a layer of lining that protects the body's organs from a variety
of dangers. While it may not be clear exactly how these cells are made
cancerous by asbestos, there is no question that the correlation between
asbestos exposure and this rare form of cancer is real, and the potential
for serious
personal injury is great.
There are a number of treatment options that are available, but for many
people there is no cure. Chemotherapy can be an option and through it
chemicals can be used to target the cancer cells. Radiation is another
potential option which focuses high energy beams to a certain area to
reduce symptoms or prevent the mesothelioma from spreading further. Surgical
procedures can be used in some situations to remove the surrounding tissue,
reduce fluid buildup in the chest, or to debulk the cancer from an area.
Clinical trials are also another option for some people, as studies are
taking place to continually advance the treatment for this illness. Mesothelioma
cannot always be cured and often the treatment is to find a way to improve
the quality of life while dealing with the illness. Treatment options
can be costly and the current and future expenses should all be calculated
when seeking compensation. This may include any hospital stays, surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation, check-ups and necessary modifications to a home
or car, amongst other potentially needed changes.
Where does asbestos exposure most commonly occur?
The highest levels of exposure and eventual mesothelioma occur in asbestos
miners who have ingested the toxic silicate over prolonged periods of
time. Asbestos was also commonly used in building and materials for its
heat-resistant properties and while there have been vast efforts to remove
asbestos, there are still many areas where it has not been properly disposed
of or discovered, and continues to pose a threat.
Who should be held liable for the cause of my mesothelioma?
If you have contracted mesothelioma as a result of your exposure to asbestos,
you can expect to face potentially excessive medical costs associated
with the treatment of your disease. Many asbestos exposure victims enlist
the support of a
West Virginia injury lawyer to seek compensation for these costs from employers or builders who were
responsible for using the asbestos, or may have been tasked with its removal.
When the parties responsible for the presence of asbestos demonstrate
their negligence by failing to dispose of it, they can be held accountable
for medical costs and more.
Can I recover damages for my mesothelioma injuries?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have a valid eligibility
for compensation. The crucial part of a case is establishing that a company
or individual was responsible for the injury and their negligence or failure
to act left your suffering the consequences. In some cases, a settlement
can be made out of court but it is important in these circumstances to
not settle for less than you deserve. Depending on the extent of harm
you faced, the medical attention required and the hindrance that is now
placed on your life there is a certain standard of compensation you deserve.
A case may be brought to court and evidence will need to establish you
have suffered and it was at the hands of another. If this can be proven,
you may be granted any amount of compensation.