Have you potentially been exposed to asbestos? If so, you should be concerned about developing a potentially deadly condition from this naturally occurring but very toxic mineral composed of soft and flexible fibers that make it resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion.
Potential condition you can develop from asbestos exposure include:
- Lung cancer
- Pleural effusion
- Pleural plaques
- Thickening of the tissues around the lung
Perhaps the most dangerous condition, however, is mesothelioma. This form of cancer is diagnosed in 3,000 people annually, according to the American Cancer Society. Mesothelioma currently has no cure, although treatments are available. It can be aggressive and deadly according to the Mayo Clinic, with life expectancy for mesothelioma patients at just about 12 to 22 months from diagnosis.
Industries with High Rates of Asbestos Exposure
Many of the patients who are struggling with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases were diagnoses while on the job. Some common industries with high rates of asbestos exposure include:
Professionals in construction and renovation-related professions
These professionals not only include construction workers, but also bricklayers, cement finishers, pipe coverers, pipefitters and plumbers, insulation installers, and painters.
Aircraft mechanics
A variety of products installed in aircraft, especially in years past, contained asbestos fibers.
Boilermakers
For boilermakers, asbestos was often used to help control heat. It was even used in these workers’ protective gear.
Papermill workers
Asbestos was a popular component of the heavy machinery commonly found in the paper processing industry until the late 20th century.
Shipyard workers
Throughout history, naval yard workers have been some of the workers most frequently exposed to asbestos. It was often used to insulate boilers, incinerators, hot water pipes, and steam pipes on ships.
Sheet metal workers
This group includes welders, forgers, ironworkers, blacksmiths, structural metal craftsmen, tinsmiths, smelters, and metal laters. These highly-skilled workers often work with intense heat and fire, which often relied on asbestos as a protectant.
Have You Been Exposed to Asbestos?
If you have been exposed to asbestos in your line of work and developed mesothelioma, your first step after being diagnosed should be to contact an attorney. That’s because you may be qualified for compensation.
This compensation will be essential for your future. It will not only help to cover any medical bills that insurance does not cover, but it will also help to secure your family’s financial future should you be out of work or even die because of the disease.
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
When you file a mesothelioma lawsuit, you will need to be able to show:
- When, where, and how the victim was exposed to asbestos
- That exposure to asbestos caused the victim to develop mesothelioma
- Which asbestos companies are responsible for the victim’s exposure
Experienced mesothelioma attorneys can help guide victims and their families through the process of filing your case and getting you the compensation you deserve.
