Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Workers at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

Miners, industrial workers and others who have been exposed to toxic asbestos may suffer from mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer that targets the linings of the body’s internal organs. Other workers may contract asbestosis, the chronic inflammatory of the lungs that can cause shortness of breath and eventually respiratory failure. In either case, severe medical problems are likely to develop in victims diagnosed with either disorder.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that targets the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. Once the mesothelium is affected, the cancer can quickly spread to the organs, most commonly the liver and lungs. Approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. About 80% of people who contract mesothelioma have worked for many years with or around asbestos, a toxic substance that for decades was widely used in insulation, cement, and other common household products.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a non-cancerous, chronic lung disease that is also tied to asbestos exposure. Symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, particularly during exertion or physical exercise. Asbestosis is often diagnosed along with mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

In most cases, victims who develop mesothelioma and asbestos have been directly exposed to asbestos on the job. Mesothelioma typically requires longer exposure than asbestosis, which has been diagnosed in patients with only months of asbestos exposure. Working in the manufacturing of asbestos products, the automobile repair industry and other careers puts workers at increased risk of developing mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Get Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Legal Advice

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma or asbestosis, you have legal rights. The experienced attorneys at Mark & Associates will fight for the financial compensation to which you are entitled. To consult with an attorney, contact our law firm today by completing the case submission form on this page, or by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).