Mesothelioma Lawyer
Asbestos Lawsuits
Mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other pleural diseases are serious and fatal medical conditions that are linked to asbestos exposure in the construction, factory, shipbuilding and automotive industries. Companies and contractors for branches of the military that knew that they were exposing their workers to these health hazards need to be held accountable. You can contact a knowledgeableMesothelioma lawyer today so that we can begin working to defend your rights.
Asbestos is a word used to describe group of fibrous minerals that occur naturally in the earth. These minerals are long, thin fibers widely used in manufactured goods because of their ability to be woven, high tensile strength, insulating properties and resistance to heat and most chemicals. North American mining of asbestos minerals and its commercial use began in the 1800's and by 1950, the United States was the world's largest user of asbestos. Since then, manufacturers have used asbestos in products such as roofing materials, thermal and electrical insulation, cement pipe and sheets, flooring, gaskets, coatings, plastics, textiles, paper and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts. Our dedicated Mesothelioma lawyers can help you determine if your or a loved one’s illness is related to asbestos exposure.
Regulation of asbestos use started in the 1970's with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banning its use in several applications, such as gas fireplaces, where product use could release asbestos into the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses for asbestos in 1989 and its use has declined, but because the EPA still allows uses established prior to that date asbestos products are still manufactured and in use today.
Mesothelioma Information Center
This website contains a good deal of information about mesothelioma, asbestos exposure and what a victim can do to seek monetary damages to cover medical care and other expenses associated with his or her condition. We have included brief descriptions of the pages in our Mesothelioma Information Center below. Feel free to review these or to click on a topic for more information:
Asbestos Exposure
Typically occupational in nature, exposure to asbestos minerals can cause mesothelioma and a host of other medical problems. Asbestos fibers are fine and may easily become airborne, where they can be inhaled or swallowed by unsuspecting workers. The family members of asbestos miners and other workers may also be at risk of exposure when asbestos fibers are carried home on workers' clothing, shoes, hair and skin.
Typically occupational in nature, exposure to asbestos minerals can cause mesothelioma and a host of other medical problems. Asbestos fibers are fine and may easily become airborne, where they can be inhaled or swallowed by unsuspecting workers. The family members of asbestos miners and other workers may also be at risk of exposure when asbestos fibers are carried home on workers' clothing, shoes, hair and skin.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Understanding the link between asbestos and mesothelioma can help you get a clear picture of how this deadly form of cancer is caused by asbestos fibers. When inhaled, ingested or otherwise introduced into the body, they may become lodged in the mesothelium, which lines the body cavities and organs. Once there, they can cause irritation, inflammation, scarring and eventually the development of cancerous cells.
Understanding the link between asbestos and mesothelioma can help you get a clear picture of how this deadly form of cancer is caused by asbestos fibers. When inhaled, ingested or otherwise introduced into the body, they may become lodged in the mesothelium, which lines the body cavities and organs. Once there, they can cause irritation, inflammation, scarring and eventually the development of cancerous cells.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by asbestos fibers that become lodged in the lung tissue. These fibers lead to the development of scar tissue, which hinders the ability of the lungs to work properly, namely inhibiting lung expansion. There is no cure for this condition and no way to reverse the damage that asbestos has already caused.
Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by asbestos fibers that become lodged in the lung tissue. These fibers lead to the development of scar tissue, which hinders the ability of the lungs to work properly, namely inhibiting lung expansion. There is no cure for this condition and no way to reverse the damage that asbestos has already caused.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The most recognized cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. There are some theories as to other potential causes, but these are rare and are not clearly documented. Though not a direct cause of mesothelioma, smoking may greatly increase the risk of mesothelioma in a person who is exposed to asbestos.
The most recognized cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. There are some theories as to other potential causes, but these are rare and are not clearly documented. Though not a direct cause of mesothelioma, smoking may greatly increase the risk of mesothelioma in a person who is exposed to asbestos.
Deciding to Involve a Lawyer
Making the decision to involve a lawyer after a diagnosis of any asbestos-related health problem is an important and sometimes tough choice. When facing an unknown future and the possibility of receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other forms of treatment that are difficult to endure, hiring an attorney may be the last thing on your mind. A legal professional, however, can help you seek financial compensation to cover your medical care and provide for your family if you are no longer able to do so.
Making the decision to involve a lawyer after a diagnosis of any asbestos-related health problem is an important and sometimes tough choice. When facing an unknown future and the possibility of receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other forms of treatment that are difficult to endure, hiring an attorney may be the last thing on your mind. A legal professional, however, can help you seek financial compensation to cover your medical care and provide for your family if you are no longer able to do so.
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is not the only form of cancer linked to asbestos. Lung cancer may also be caused by these fibrous minerals. Lung cancer symptoms may not be apparent and the disease may not develop for years after asbestos exposure, even up to 15 years or more, which can make it difficult to identify exposure as its cause. Patients are therefore advised to inform their doctors if they or a loved one worked with or around asbestos or asbestos-containing products.
Mesothelioma is not the only form of cancer linked to asbestos. Lung cancer may also be caused by these fibrous minerals. Lung cancer symptoms may not be apparent and the disease may not develop for years after asbestos exposure, even up to 15 years or more, which can make it difficult to identify exposure as its cause. Patients are therefore advised to inform their doctors if they or a loved one worked with or around asbestos or asbestos-containing products.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed for decades after initial exposure. Symptoms may not present for 20 to 50 years or more and the disease takes a long time to develop. People who have a history of asbestos exposure are advised to inform their doctors of this fact and to be vigilant in watching for the signs of this form of cancer. Because mesothelioma is rare, it cannot necessarily be diagnosed in just one visit to the doctor. Specialized tests, such as MRI and CT scans as well as biopsies may be needed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed for decades after initial exposure. Symptoms may not present for 20 to 50 years or more and the disease takes a long time to develop. People who have a history of asbestos exposure are advised to inform their doctors of this fact and to be vigilant in watching for the signs of this form of cancer. Because mesothelioma is rare, it cannot necessarily be diagnosed in just one visit to the doctor. Specialized tests, such as MRI and CT scans as well as biopsies may be needed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Workers and others who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be able to take legal action against their employers or other parties responsible for their exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit of this kind is filed in civil court, where the plaintiff (the party filing the lawsuit) can seek damages meant to compensate him or her for physical, emotional and financial losses. Mesothelioma lawsuits are a primary focus of our firm. We are committed to helping our clients seek justice and fair compensation.
Workers and others who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be able to take legal action against their employers or other parties responsible for their exposure to asbestos. A lawsuit of this kind is filed in civil court, where the plaintiff (the party filing the lawsuit) can seek damages meant to compensate him or her for physical, emotional and financial losses. Mesothelioma lawsuits are a primary focus of our firm. We are committed to helping our clients seek justice and fair compensation.
Occupational Mesothelioma
The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are linked to occupational asbestos exposure. Construction workers, asbestos miners, factory workers, shipyard workers and workers in a number of other professions may have been exposed when asbestos was still in use in the U.S. prior to the 1970s. Occupational exposure can occur even today during building renovations or when dealing with older products that contain asbestos.
The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are linked to occupational asbestos exposure. Construction workers, asbestos miners, factory workers, shipyard workers and workers in a number of other professions may have been exposed when asbestos was still in use in the U.S. prior to the 1970s. Occupational exposure can occur even today during building renovations or when dealing with older products that contain asbestos.
Pleural Disorders
The pleura is a layer of tissue that covers the lungs and chest cavity, protecting the lungs and allowing then to expand and contract in the chest. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the pleura, causing disorders called pleural plaque (hardening of the pleura) and pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleura). Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chronic cough, chest pain and fever.
The pleura is a layer of tissue that covers the lungs and chest cavity, protecting the lungs and allowing then to expand and contract in the chest. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the pleura, causing disorders called pleural plaque (hardening of the pleura) and pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleura). Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chronic cough, chest pain and fever.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
One of the tricky things about mesothelioma is that the symptoms can mimic symptoms of other, less serious conditions. Because they may also not present for 15 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos, one may not necessarily associate them with mesothelioma. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, weight loss, nausea, night sweats, fever and fatigue.
One of the tricky things about mesothelioma is that the symptoms can mimic symptoms of other, less serious conditions. Because they may also not present for 15 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos, one may not necessarily associate them with mesothelioma. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, weight loss, nausea, night sweats, fever and fatigue.
Treating Mesothelioma
Treating mesothelioma must be done on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type and severity of this form of cancer. The age and health of the patient will also be taken into account. An oncologist who specializes in mesothelioma treatment can work out a complete plan that may include drug therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or surgery to try to treat the disease. There is currently no known, guaranteed cure for mesothelioma.
Treating mesothelioma must be done on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type and severity of this form of cancer. The age and health of the patient will also be taken into account. An oncologist who specializes in mesothelioma treatment can work out a complete plan that may include drug therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or surgery to try to treat the disease. There is currently no known, guaranteed cure for mesothelioma.
Types of Asbestos
There are six different types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. These have slightly different properties and were therefore used in various ways. Some are more common than others, such as chrysotile, which accounts for as much as 95% of commercial asbestos applications in the U.S. Because of their different properties, some are more dangerous than others because they are more easily inhaled and embedded in the lung tissue and mesothelium.
There are six different types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. These have slightly different properties and were therefore used in various ways. Some are more common than others, such as chrysotile, which accounts for as much as 95% of commercial asbestos applications in the U.S. Because of their different properties, some are more dangerous than others because they are more easily inhaled and embedded in the lung tissue and mesothelium.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are different types of mesothelioma, depending on what part of the body is affected. The three most common types are pleural (affecting the lining of the lungs and lung cavity), peritoneal (affecting the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs) and pericardial (affecting the heart sac and chest cavity). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of these three, occurring in about three in four cases.
There are different types of mesothelioma, depending on what part of the body is affected. The three most common types are pleural (affecting the lining of the lungs and lung cavity), peritoneal (affecting the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs) and pericardial (affecting the heart sac and chest cavity). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of these three, occurring in about three in four cases.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of minerals found in naturally occurring deposits across the planet. There are six different types of asbestos, used in different ways. Asbestos is fibrous and has a number of desirable qualities that made it extremely popular in the U.S. prior to its regulation. It is heat and flame resistant and does not conduct electricity and can also be woven into cloth or incorporated in other materials.
Asbestos is a group of minerals found in naturally occurring deposits across the planet. There are six different types of asbestos, used in different ways. Asbestos is fibrous and has a number of desirable qualities that made it extremely popular in the U.S. prior to its regulation. It is heat and flame resistant and does not conduct electricity and can also be woven into cloth or incorporated in other materials.
What is My Case Worth?
The value of a mesothelioma lawsuit will vary depending on various factors, such as the severity of the condition, the type and extent of treatment needed and the source or sources of potential compensation. Our mesothelioma lawyers know how to properly evaluate these cases to seek maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.
The value of a mesothelioma lawsuit will vary depending on various factors, such as the severity of the condition, the type and extent of treatment needed and the source or sources of potential compensation. Our mesothelioma lawyers know how to properly evaluate these cases to seek maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.
Who's At Risk?
People at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related health problems are those who worked with it prior to its regulation. This may include shipyard workers, miners, aircraft and auto mechanics, railroad workers and electricians. Their families are also at risk because they may have suffered from secondary exposure when fibers were brought home on workers' clothing. Even today, workers may be at risk of exposure if they renovate or demolish old buildings, work on older motor vehicles or work with products that still contain asbestos.
People at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related health problems are those who worked with it prior to its regulation. This may include shipyard workers, miners, aircraft and auto mechanics, railroad workers and electricians. Their families are also at risk because they may have suffered from secondary exposure when fibers were brought home on workers' clothing. Even today, workers may be at risk of exposure if they renovate or demolish old buildings, work on older motor vehicles or work with products that still contain asbestos.
World Trade Center Exposure
Asbestos exposure is one of the health problems presented by the clean-up and debris removal operations at the World Trade Center disaster site after the towers fell on September 11, 2001. People who were living or working in the area when the towers collapsed as well as first responders, firefighters, police officers and construction and demolition workers may have been exposed to asbestos, as it was used as fire insulation in the North Tower. Asbestos has been identified as one of the many carcinogens present in the cocktail of dust and fumes that clouded New York City after the World Trade Center was struck and collapsed.
Asbestos exposure is one of the health problems presented by the clean-up and debris removal operations at the World Trade Center disaster site after the towers fell on September 11, 2001. People who were living or working in the area when the towers collapsed as well as first responders, firefighters, police officers and construction and demolition workers may have been exposed to asbestos, as it was used as fire insulation in the North Tower. Asbestos has been identified as one of the many carcinogens present in the cocktail of dust and fumes that clouded New York City after the World Trade Center was struck and collapsed.
Your Rights
If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma or another serious health problem caused by asbestos exposure, you have rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer or another party that is responsible for your exposure. A mesothelioma attorney at our firm can explain your rights and options in more detail when you contact our offices for a free consultation.
If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma or another serious health problem caused by asbestos exposure, you have rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer or another party that is responsible for your exposure. A mesothelioma attorney at our firm can explain your rights and options in more detail when you contact our offices for a free consultation.
Mesothelioma FAQ
If you have questions about mesothelioma, we have answers. Our frequently asked questions page provides helpful insight and answers to the most common questions we have encountered. If you do not find your answer there, you can always contact NBRS to schedule a complimentary case review.
If you have questions about mesothelioma, we have answers. Our frequently asked questions page provides helpful insight and answers to the most common questions we have encountered. If you do not find your answer there, you can always contact NBRS to schedule a complimentary case review.
Injury Attorney for Asbestos Victims
Asbestos mining, manufacturing of asbestos products and deterioration or disturbing of an asbestos products in some way, such as during construction or demolition, releases asbestos mineral fibers into the environment. The human eye cannot see these fibers because they are so small. When a person inhales these asbestos fibers, they lodge in the lungs and remain there throughout the person's life. High concentrations of asbestos, long duration and frequency of asbestos exposure increase the probability of asbestos-related health conditions and could lead to your need for an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. At Napoli Bern Ripka Shkolnik, we have represented many individuals who have suffered these health risks, so you can be confident that we are prepared to fight in a way that will maximize your recovery.
Contact a mesothelioma attorney at our firm today for more information
